Allergy symptoms are persistent and inconvenient. They can make you feel as tired and run-down as when you have a cold. And it’s even worse when you experience allergies inside your home.
Allergens circulating throughout your indoor air can make your house uncomfortable, preventing you from relaxing. It may surprise you to learn that your flooring can contribute to your allergy symptoms. Learn more about the causes of indoor allergens and the best flooring for people with allergies.
Indoor allergens like animal dander, volatile organic compounds, mold, mildew and dust mite droppings cause countless people to suffer from symptoms like itchy eyes, stuffy sinuses and a persistent cough.
Allergies are the result of an overactive immune system. If it identifies allergens as invaders, it releases an antibody called immunoglobulin E, which is responsible for the reactions you experience.
When you have allergies, you’re more sensitive to some triggers than others. Here are some tips to help you choose the best allergy-proof carpet or flooring.
When choosing allergy-friendly flooring, it’s essential to know what you are allergic to and what materials cause a reaction. Many people are allergic to things like these.
People with allergies can be more sensitive to volatile organic compounds. Specific solids and liquids emit these gases. They include various chemicals with short- and long-term health effects, including:
Some engineered hardwood, vinyl and laminate floorings have adhesives that carry high VOC levels. Glue-down and carpet treated for stains or spills may also contain VOCs. The best way to find out about the VOCs in flooring is to read the product label or ask the manufacturer about the flooring and the installation adhesives they use.
Most allergy sufferers should avoid carpets, especially thick, plush ones. Carpets are prone to trapping airborne allergens in their fibers and more likely to attract dust mites. Even if you vacuum regularly, you may not be able to remove every trapped allergen. If carpet gets wet, it’s susceptible to mold and mildew and as mentioned previously, the adhesives in glue-down and peel-and-stick carpets might contain VOCs.
Most hardwood or hardwood floor alternatives are safe because they don’t hold onto allergens easily. While carpet is one of the worst flooring options if you have allergies, low-pile will be your best choice when carpet is a must.
While there’s no guaranteed way to completely avoid allergens, here are the best flooring options to minimize allergen exposure.
Hardwood floors are classic, luxurious, durable and one of the best floorings for allergy sufferers. These floors are free of fibers, so they don’t harbor dust mites or other allergens like pollen, dirt, grass and pet dander. If you spot any dust or dirt on the floor, you can remove it with regular sweeping and mopping.
Solid hardwood is also not susceptible to mold or mildew. These floors don’t absorb water, so you can quickly wipe up spills. And, since wood is a natural, renewable resource, hardwood floors have fewer VOCs than other flooring materials.
Engineered hardwood flooring is a more affordable alternative to solid hardwood. It has a plywood core and a top layer of hardwood flooring. Because of its top layer, engineered hardwood looks and feels like solid hardwood. Like solid hardwood floors, they don’t trap dust and other allergens, aren’t susceptible to mold or mildew and are easy to clean and maintain. However, engineered hardwood floors might contain VOCs in their adhesives. Check how many VOCs are in the product you’re considering.
Luxury vinyl flooring is a synthetic flooring that’s durable and waterproof. It’s another affordable alternative to hardwood, tile or stone. Wood plastic composite vinyl even uses a glueless installation system.
Like other hard floors, vinyl doesn’t trap allergens. It also features a top coat that resists stains and wear and tear. There are many style and color options for vinyl.
Laminate is another alternative to hardwood. It’s easy to clean and water- and stain-resistant. This type of flooring has a fiberboard core topped with decorative and wear layers.
If you’re thinking about installing vinyl and laminate, you need to pay attention to how many VOCs they contain and choose a product with fewer VOCs.
While it’s still best to avoid carpet if possible, low-pile materials don’t trap as many allergens, so they’re the best carpets for allergies. Nylon is a synthetic, durable allergy-friendly carpet that resists moisture, dirt buildup and mildew. It provides an option for allergy sufferers to have carpet in their homes. And, thanks to its low pile, nylon carpet is easy to clean with regular vacuuming.
Now that you understand your flooring options, check out these ways to improve your indoor air quality.
Struggling with daily allergy symptoms can be frustrating and fatiguing. Your home is supposed to be your sanctuary, but you can’t relax if your eyes are itchy or your nose is stuffy. There are many ways to minimize allergy symptoms in your home, including investing in allergy-friendly flooring.
Metro Flooring Contractors sells allergy-friendly flooring solutions to suit your style and budget. We offer brand-name flooring from the top manufacturers in the industry for less. Our professional installers can help you become more comfortable in your home by upgrading your floors. Contact us today and schedule a free in-home estimate to get started!
