More than 50 million Americans have allergies. While triggers can vary, it’s important for them to live in an environment with minimal dander, mold, pollen, and dust. This means it’s very important for them to choose the right flooring for their home.
For decades, we’ve been selling porcelain tile in Delray Beach and throughout the rest of South Florida. Today, we wanted to share our advice for picking flooring that won't upset your allergies.
How Flooring Can Impact Allergies
Flooring impacts air quality in two major ways:
- The way that it's manufactured
- The materials that cling to its surface
Carpet is probably the worst offender here, since the fibers give allergens a place to stick to and grow. The longer the fibers, the more that these allergens can cling to your flooring.
It also emits VOCs, which is a major reason for “new carpet smell.” That said, carpet is far from the only flooring that can cause a flare-up of your allergies.
What Are VOCs?
VOCs, also known as Volatile Organic Compounds, are harmful gases emitted from some solids and liquids. They’re commonly associated with “sick building syndrome” because of the way they reduce air quality.
The vast majority of flooring will have at least some VOCs, especially in the adhesive. Most organic materials emit them over time – even materials that are in other ways good for people with allergies, like hardwood. Porcelain is the one major exception.
What About Hypoallergenic Carpeting?
It’s important to note that, while there are some carpets which are sold as hypoallergenic, they are still more likely to aggravate your allergies than tile.
Why Porcelain Is the Best Material for Allergies
Non-Porous
Porcelain is non-porous, which means that allergens do not stick to its surface. That also makes it easy to clean. All you need is to wipe it with clean water, which means you won’t have to use any cleaners that could aggravate your allergies.
And since it’s easier to clean, you’re less likely to let allergens sit on its surface.
Mold-Resistant
Porcelain tile is antibacterial, which makes it resistant to mold and mildew. It’s not good for anyone to breathe in mold or mildew, but this can be especially aggravating for people with allergies.
No VOCs
Because porcelain is fired at high temperatures of up to 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit, it does not contain any organic substances. This means it doesn’t contain VOCs.
What About Pet Allergies?
Anyone with allergies should consider porcelain tile, but its hypoallergenic properties are especially important if you have cats or dogs and you’re allergic to them. Pet fur does not cling to tile the way it does some other surfaces.
Of course, even if you don’t have allergies, you’re likely to enjoy how easy it is to clean up pet hair!
Looking for Tile in Delray Beach?
You’ve come to the right place. At D&B Tile, we have decades of experience helping homeowners, architects, contractors, and more find the tile that’s right for a space. We’ve been serving the community for decades, and we’re proud of the suppliers we work with.
Have any questions about what we can do for you? Looking to book an appointment so you can speak with a flooring expert? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. We’re always happy to talk about tile!