Carpet vs. Hard Surface Flooring: Which Is Best for Air Quality?

Allergies are all too common today, plaguing older and younger people alike. From basic frustrations such as sneezing and watery eyes to more complicated issues such as breathing trouble or body rashes, bad reactions to triggers in our environment are both obnoxious and potentially worrisome.

One particularly concerning topic for parents today is asthma. This stressful issue affects countless children across the United States, and it can be hard to keep it in check. The last place you want your child to have a breathing problem is in your own home, which leads to the question: Is your home as safe as it can be for children with asthma? Read on to learn more about how flooring can impact your home’s indoor air quality.

Check the carpet

In the quest to help children rein in their asthma problems, many parents overlook one simple area: the carpet. One of the best ways you can help your child reduce exposure to environmental triggers is to rid the area of allergens, and many of these allergens can actually be found in your home’s carpeting. That’s because carpeting acts as a dust catcher, enabling bacteria, mold, dust and other harmful particles to take up residence. Carpeting can be especially dangerous in bedrooms, because occupants are exposed to allergens settled in the fibers for many hours every night.

One good way to control potential allergen infestation is to have your carpets steam cleaned regularly. You can also try ripping up old carpeting and replacing it with new, higher quality fabric. This will help eradicate mold, dust mites and other harmful allergens, allowing your child to breathe more easily.

Consider hard wood

HealthSafe Inspections Inc. is here to offer expert mold consulting in Basalt, CO, and we frequently find mold in places such as carpeting, where it can go unnoticed as it builds up over time. If you’ve tried steam cleaning your carpets and your child is still having asthma attacks, it might be time to consider hardwood flooring.

Remember, however, that not all hard flooring is created equal! Just like with household appliances, there is a scale of quality, and your goal should be to go for the best quality possible. Invest up front and you’ll have durable, beautiful hardwood floors that do not contribute to allergy attacks.

Keep in mind that all types of synthetic flooring will release some amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can exacerbate asthma symptoms. This release will usually subside a few days after installation, but some types of flooring take longer than others. We recommend considering products that are low-VOC if you think this might be an issue.

If you’ve tried better carpeting and hardwood floors but still feel that there is some issue in your home contributing to allergic reactions, call HealthSafe Inspections Inc. to come take a look. We will provide expert mold consulting in Basalt, CO to help you determine areas in your home that might be affected, and give you professional advice on your next steps. Get in touch today to schedule an appointment!

Categorised in: Indoor Air Quality, Mold

This post was written by Writer