You probably wonder whether the food that you eat daily is safe or not, but do you ever wonder how safe the flooring surface in your home is? Hardwood floors improve air quality, and won’t harbour allergens, microorganisms, or pesticides that can get trapped in carpets, for example, which can pose health risks to individuals with allergies or asthma. Read ahead to learn more about how choosing the right flooring can contribute to a healthier living environment for you and your loved ones.
The Health Benefits Of Installing Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring can offer several health advantages and outlined below are some of the health benefits of installing hardwood flooring in your indoor environment.
Allergen Control
Outdoor allergens can be difficult to control, but there are ways to reduce the impact of allergens that occur indoors. For example, carpets tend to accumulate and trap microorganisms, pollen, dust mites, mold, and animal dander among other substances in the carpet fibers. Hardwood floors are less likely to trap and accumulate allergens that pose a problem for people with allergies or asthma. Hardwood flooring minimizes the buildup of allergens because there are no fibers in wood that can trap these substances, and the flooring surface can be easily cleaned to remove allergens with a simple vacuum.
Improved Air Quality
Since hardwood floors do not trap allergens and are easy to clean, they lead to better indoor air quality. Cleaner indoor air can improve respiratory health and reduce the risk of allergies. In addition, most hardwood flooring materials have low, or no, VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions. This means that finished hardwood flooring releases fewer harmful chemicals into the indoor environment, which is essential for people who are sensitive to chemical odours and off-gassing.
Simple To Clean
It is very simple to clean hardwood floors. The process involves regular sweeping, vacuuming and the occasional damp mopping which is typically sufficient to maintain their cleanliness. This feature of hardwood floors reduces the use and exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals, as the fumes can be harmful when breathed in and it simplifies cleaning a living space.
Easy Sanitation
You can clean your flooring with a routine sweep, vacuum or dust mop. Doing this will remove the dirt, hair, and other debris that can collect on the flooring surface, which freshens up the room within mere minutes. Disinfecting hardwood floors is also very simple- just use a damp mop and hardwood-friendly antibacterial cleaner which will remove pathogens and other germs from your floor.
Hypoallergenic
Hardwood floors are considered hypoallergenic because they don’t accumulate common allergens and this is beneficial for those who have allergies or sensitivities.
Stain Resistance
Hardwood flooring is less prone to staining when a finish or sealant is applied to the flooring surface. When compared to carpets, for example, finished hardwood flooring is less prone to develop mold or mildew growth which can occur when spills are trapped in the fibers. Mold can excrete toxins into the atmosphere which can be harmful to breathe, and can lead to various health issues and respiratory problems. The stain-resistant and mold-repellant feature of finished hardwood flooring leads to a cleaner and healthier living environment.
Our team at Smith Bros. Floors uses only industry-leading flooring and finishes which will ensure a top-quality finished hardwood flooring that will last for many years to come. We can help you select the ideal hardwood floor for your home or office, contact us today to learn more!