Carpet:
According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), carpet emits harmful chemical emissions. So do the products that typically accompany new carpet installation, such as the adhesives and padding. As a result, people report such symptoms as eye, throat and nose irritation, headaches, skin irritations, shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue. Also, EPA mentions that carpet can act as a “holding tank” for such chemical and biological pollutants as pesticides, fungi, and dust mites. Carpet is very susceptible to mold growth also. Do you really want yourself and your family surrounded by such a material when there are other healthier options for flooring? Do yourself a favor and get rid of your carpet. Call Kelowna Concrete today and get more information on our beautiful stained concrete flooring options.
Engineered Hardwood Floors:
What about engineered hardwood floors as an option? Isn’t that better than carpet? Almost any flooring option is healthier than carpet. Engineered hardwood floors are frequently chosen by homeowners because they are more moisture-resistant than solid hardwood and tend to be able to take more wear and tear. They are composed of several layers of real wood, compressed and glued together. Unfortunately, formaldehyde is a chemical widely used in the industry to manufacture the adhesives used in engineered wood flooring products (formaldehyde is also found in carpet). In fact, in residential construction, pressed wood products such as engineered wood flooring materials, are the most significant sources of formaldehyde.
Materials that contain high levels of formaldehyde are created a growing concern because of the negative effect on interior air quality, even long after the product has been installed. The gases continue to leach into your indoor environment for many years. Exposure can cause watery eyes, nausea, fatigue, burning throat, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, and even cancer in animals and humans.
Solid Hard Wood Floors:
What about solid wood floors? While definitely a better option than engineered wood or carpet, when it comes to indoor air quality, solid wood flooring has its drawbacks in other areas. Besides the fact that wood flooring materials result in the destruction of trees and forests, it also is more expensive than engineered wood, carpet, or stained concrete. It also is not as durable as stained concrete or even engineered wood. It must be periodically re-sanded and finished in order to keep in good condition. So, maintenance is an issue. Also, most varnishes used on wood floor finish releasing large amounts of VOCs into the air. The coatings and sealants may also be sources of formaldehyde.
Ceramic Tile:
Ceramic tile is probably a healthier and more environmentally friendly choice than the other flooring options mentioned above. It is often produced from natural clays and can be laid with cement-like grout (which does not give off any vapors). The downside is that ceramic tiles are more expensive to buy and install than the other flooring options. The grout, if not properly sealed and maintained, can grow mold and become stained. Mold can also grow under the tiles in certain circumstances. Tiles can also chip and crack, in which case it may be difficult to find the exact same color and style of tile to replace the damaged piece. Another word of warning: Tiles manufactured before 1980 may contain asbestos in the adhesives used to install the tiles. If you try to remove the tiles, asbestos can be released in the air. Only a qualified construction specialist, such as Kelowna Concrete, should attempt to remove such tiles with safe handling methods.
STAINED CONCRETE FLOORS TO THE RESCUE!
Stained concrete flooring really offers the best of all worlds: They are beautiful, durable, environmentally friendly and promote healthy indoor air quality, with little to no maintenance. They not only bring relief to allergy sufferers and prevent the adverse health reactions that can occur from other flooring options, but they also provide unique design options by combining colors and techniques that simply are not possible with other types of flooring.
- Protect Your Health- Improve your air quality! Stained concrete flooring offers relief for allergy sufferers. It’s a proven fact that carpet can house millions of dust mites, pounds of dust and hair, as well as fungus and mold. Carpet also releases chemical fumes and gases into the air that affect your health. Although a better choice than carpet, even wood floors have a high level of formaldehyde and release VOCs into the air. Stained concrete, especially water-based stained concrete, promote healthy indoor air. It provides a completely smooth surface with no hiding places to harbor bacteria, dust, or unwanted pests. It contains no formaldehyde, repels water and will not encourage the growth of mold. New water-based concrete stains are low or no odor for those who are especially sensitive to any fumes during the application process.
- The Environment- Stained concrete is a green choice because it is slow to heat up and slow to cool down. It typically maintains a persistent temperature, which promotes lower utility bills. Also, since your foundation is already THERE, you are not cutting down trees or buying products such as carpet or engineered wood, which require a large amount of energy to manufacture. Also, concrete is there forever. You will not be pulling it up and throwing it in the landfill later as you eventually will have to do with wood, tile, and carpet when it reaches the end of its life.
- Durability- Few materials are as durable as concrete. Carpet has a short life span and is expensive (not to mention a burden) over the years to replace over and over again. Wood can fade, scratch, chip, and the finish must be maintained over the years. Tile floors can break, crack, or chip as well and be difficult to replace. Carpet, wood, and tile can all grow mold underneath the flooring. Your investment in durable stained concrete flooring will give you the most value for your money since it can last a lifetime.
- Easy on the Budget- Since you will not have to replace the concrete again and the stain can last a lifetime, you save money in the long run. Even upfront, for new construction, the cost of stained concrete flooring is about half the cost of hardwood floors.
- Easy to Maintain- Just sweep and use a damp mop. There is nowhere for the dust and dirt to hide. No need for chemicals or harsh cleaning products.
- Beautiful and Diverse- You can enjoy the look of marble or stone or a rich, leathery appearance. Perhaps you have an urban loft and prefer a more ultra-modern solid bold color. The possibilities are limited only by your creativity. Choose any color and any effect. Get rid of ugly carpet and outdated flooring. Upgrade your home with beautiful stained concrete flooring and add to the value of your home!
Stained concrete flooring has many benefits. But it’s only as good as the company that you hire to create the effect. The floor must be properly evaluated, prepared and treated even before the work begins. Depending on the effect you desire, a specific technique must be employed using special tools and specific products. Our qualified and highly skilled concrete flooring specialists have the product knowledge, the years of experience and training, and the tools and equipment to create your masterpiece.
Call Kelowna Concrete – 250-448-6366 for a FREE consultation and quote.
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