Discover how installing laminate flooring may offer relief if you are exasperated by blocked and runny noses, teary eyes and wheezing chests at home. This simple home remodeling project may be the solution if your kids suffer from chronic allergies or asthma. Off-gassed ranges have been labeled as highly effective hypoallergenic floor coverings. At the same time, installing laminate flooring offers low-maintenance upkeep, cutting down on cleaning chores.



While carpeting is seen as a warm, stylish and feet-hugging, the comfort often disguises the price your family may be paying health-wise. No matter how vigilant you are when it comes to cleaning, carpets become dust-traps and allergen-gatherers over time. While perhaps not a subject to discuss over tea, it is a fact that from dust mites, to animal dander, molds, fungi, bacteria and other irritating pollutants quietly thrive in the fibers of carpeting. There is also the possibility that some carpeting ranges may contain toxic chemicals aimed at reducing the dust mite population.

Installing laminate flooring has become one of the notable growth areas in the home improvement industry. This is happening with good reason. Not only does this offer a unique do-it-yourself opportunity, but it is also affordable and comes in a wealth of styles, shades and finishes. It can be right at home in any decor plan. The wood-grain patterns have become so authentic that they simulate real wood almost perfectly. In addition, stone tiling can now be emulated without the expense or grout messes.

The surface of a laminate floor is hard and smooth, with tight joints. This leaves very little room for dust particles to get trapped. Everything can be swept or vacuumed away in a fashion that is just not possible on a carpet. Provided that the installation procedure has been proper, a quality underlayment will ensure that the surface remains dry and that molds are therefore minimized as far as possible.

Allergies are the bane of modern living. Virtually every family has someone who is severely affected in this regard. The ailment leads to high medical costs and personal discomfort. Luckily laminates are extremely inhospitable when it comes to the allergens found in every home.

Installing laminate flooring usually creates a floating surface over the existing sub-floor. These days the tongue and groove planks are simply clicked together to form tightly locked joints. This is an extremely gratifying and fast-paced installation process. There is none of the sanding, staining or coating that comes with a real hardwood floor. The surface is immediately usable.

One aspect you need to consider seriously before deciding on installing laminate flooring, is the use of formaldehyde adhesives in some ranges. This substance may release toxic fumes for a long period after installation. Other VOC's (volatile organic compounds) may also be present. These properties may aggravate allergies or asthma, rather than offer relief. Although the levels are usually fairly low and presumed to be safe, it may still present a problem if you have allergies. The advantage is that these ranges usually don't come with all sorts of nasty solvents, chemicals or preservatives that are likely to have an adverse effect on an allergy sufferer.

One way to sidestep the toxicity issues, is to make sure that you buy a floor covering that doesn't utilize formaldehyde glue or binders and that has been off-gassed in the factory. Both cork and bamboo flooring can be treated in a similar way and offer the benefit of being kind to allergy prone kids. Vinyl flooring isn't seen as an eco-friendly choice. Enquire about the options with the lowest emmission levels possible. Use water-based adhesives or sealers where necessary.

In the end even carpeting isn't free from these emmissions. The polypropylene mesh used for backings may also have high VOC emmissions. So does latex bonding agents used in some ranges. The treatments that make carpeting stain and fire resistant can also be a source of fumes.

So, as long as you can solve the off-gass headache, installing laminate flooring may make a vast difference when it comes to the health of your kids an other loved ones.