Best Flooring for Allergies: Polished Concrete Floors
What is the best flooring for allergy sufferers?
Choosing the right flooring is crucial for individuals suffering from both allergies and asthma, and not all flooring options are equal.
Hay fever and allergic reactions happen as a result of a number of environmental factors, like dust mites, pollen, grass, mould spores and more. Unfortunately, it occurs all year round too.
Asthma is a respiratory condition where the lungs can’t get air due to an inflammatory reaction caused by a number of triggers (like the ones mentioned previously). Each individual has different environmental triggers and so minimising total exposure can reduce the risk of having an attack.
When it comes to indoor environments, the wrong flooring can often gather various allergens, including dust mites, mould, and pet dander. Each of these allergens can exacerbate respiratory issues for those suffering from allergies and/or asthma.
Selecting the best flooring for allergies is about finding one that minimises these allergens, improves indoor air quality and contributes positively to overall health. Among the various options available, polished concrete floors stand out as the best choice and we will explain exactly why.
Common Flooring Options and Their Impact on Allergies
How do we determine what is the best flooring for allergy sufferers? Let’s break down the main flooring options and evaluate how each type can impact allergies.
Tiled Floors
On the one hand, tile floors are highly resistant to dust and allergens. The hard surface does not trap allergens in the same way that carpet does. The tiles themselves can be easily cleaned with sweeping and mopping, preventing ongoing dust accumulation.
However, on the other hand, tiled floors have grout lines. These lines can and do trap dirt, mould and various allergens. Even when the floor tiles themselves are clean, the grout can often harbour contaminants and allergens.
Hardwood
Like tiles, hardwood is a smooth and hard surface that is easy to clean and does not actively trap allergens. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping are more than sufficient to keep hardwood clean and hygienic.
However, hardwood can be susceptible to water damage and warping, exposing spaces for allergens to accumulate. Plus, it is worth considering the costly nature of both installation and repair of hardwood.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is a good option for allergies and asthma as it is non-porous, does not absorb moisture and therefore is less prone to mould and is easy to clean.
Many vinyl materials are hypoallergenic meaning that it is effective in reducing allergen exposure. Unfortunately, some vinyl products have been known to release harmful chemicals initially, such as VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Moreover, the wear and tear that occurs with vinyl flooring can allow dirt to accumulate and other contaminants to get caught.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate is similar to hardwood in many respects: It is a highly smooth choice of flooring that is easy to maintain and keep clean. The hard surface means with simple maintenance you can prevent allergen build up.
However, like vinyl, it can emit VOCs depending on the laminate product in question and when exposed to water the laminate can swell – leaving space for the allergens to accumulate.
Why polished concrete flooring is the perfect solution for homes with respiratory issue sufferers?
We already know that polished concrete floors are the perfect flooring option for the family home and for families with kids, but did you know that it is the ideal flooring solution for homes with asthma and allergy sufferers?
Polished concrete floors are the new trend that’s rising in popularity. More importantly, however, they’re an ideal solution in combating symptoms of hay fever, asthma and allergies.
Why can polished concrete floors minimise exposure to allergen-related triggers?
1. Polished Concrete Floors are Hypoallergenic
Having a hypoallergenic floor means that it won’t trap allergens, dust mites, mould, mildew, bacteria or moisture. With none of these nasties present in the polished concrete flooring around the entire house, the likelihood of exposure to these irritants is lessened.
When we look at the other types of floors such as wooden, carpeted or tiled we can see that harmful pathogens can become trapped. For example, bacteria, moisture and mould can track on the bottom of your shoes and then embed in your carpet and in the grout of your tiles. Wooden floors can become saturated and crack allowing tiny pathogens to live within the surface.
Polished concrete floors are a fantastic alternative if the home has any allergy, hay fever or asthma sufferers.
2. Polished Concrete Floors are Super Easy to Clean
Concrete floors are extremely easy to clean! They are stain resistant and require only a simple wipe with a microfibre cloth. Gone are the days of mopping once a week and forking out extra cash for stain remover products. They’re the ideal solution for a growing family, and even a family on a budget.
Plus, these concrete floors don’t need to be cleaned with harsh chemicals. These chemicals can cause people with asthma to be at risk of an attack. Having the floors quick and easy to clean means that dirt and grime won’t build up and will be less likely to trigger an attack either.
3. Polished Concrete Floors Have ‘Magical’ Thermal Qualities
Well, not ‘magical’ but pretty amazing. The thermal mass and associated qualities of polished concrete floors mean they absorb heat during the day, and then slowly release this warmth for hours to come. During summer days they keep your home cool, and on those cooler days they keep your home at a comfortable, controlled temperature.
A common trigger of asthma, in particular, is cold air and cold environments. A common misconception of concrete flooring is that they are icy cold, when in fact their thermal mass stores and releases heat. There is no doubt that the Perth weather can be both extremely hot and extremely cold, so having concrete floors that store heat and regulate the indoor temperature is an ideal solution in combating this environmental trigger.
4. Polished Concrete Floors are a quick and simple process
If you’re reading this and thinking “This sounds fantastic! How can I start the process?” Our three step process is a simple and quick solution, meaning that you can minimise your asthma, hay fever and allergy triggers as soon as possible!
Ready to find out more? Make sure to contact the Designer Floors team today!
Polished concrete floors: Frequently Asked Questions
What type of flooring is best for asthma sufferers?
Polished concrete is recommended due to its non-porous nature, easy-to-clean nature and thermal qualities.
Are hard floors better for asthma?
Yes, hard floors like polished concrete and even tiles are generally better than carpets because they do not trap dust or allergens.
What is the most hypoallergenic type of flooring?
Polished concrete is considered one of the most hypoallergenic flooring options due to its smooth, hard and durable surface that resists allergen accumulation.