Flooring for People with Allergies or Asthma

Renovating your home or workspace can be an exciting time and laying out a new floor is a fantastic way to breathe new life into a room. Whilst on the subject of breathing, it is also important to recognise the impact that specific types of flooring have on those who suffer from allergies and have the know-how to combat that.

Indoor allergy triggers can include anything from dust mites, mould, pollen trodden in from outside and pet hair to name but a few of the more common sensitivities.

There are a number of different things you need to consider before laying down a floor around people who potentially suffer from allergies including ease of cleaning and how the material holds on to bacteria dependent on where the floor is situated.

In our blog about flooring for people with allergies, we’ve dived into the advantages and disadvantages of each type of flooring including the perfect alternative to standard carpets in both residential and commercial areas.

Hard Flooring Options

Hard and flat floor types such as solid wood, vinyl and tiles are the easiest to keep clean and free from any potential allergens due to the fact that bacteria sits on top of the material rather than getting stuck inside. The flat service doesn’t cling on to dust mites, mould or pollen so, with a regular cleaning with a broom, mop or disinfectant, you can keep your floor free from any harmful substances.

There are several types of hard floor options you could choose from;

Vinyl

Both excellent looking and highly practical, the vinyl floor has a slick and smooth surface leaving no cracks for any allergy-causing particles to get trapped in.

Many vinyl tiles are manufactured with an antibacterial agent which is why it is a popular choice for places where it is essential for the flooring to stay hygienic like a kitchen or school canteen. It is also popular in these settings due to how easy it is to clean.

A more natural option to vinyl can also be Marmoleum. This is a type of Linoleum floor manufactured by Forbo which is both versatile and environmentally friendly. Being water-resistant and easy to clean, Marmoleum is the perfect flooring option for those who suffer from allergies.

Laminate

Laminate floors are a type of wood effect flooring that is again very easy to clean and can be visually stunning with a full range of different shades and patterns available. Laminate flooring can also often mimic the look of solid wood giving you a high-end look for a lower cost.

The way this floor type clicks together eliminates the need for any adhesive making it even more chemical free from the get-go. Again, this is a flat surface so there are no sneaky gaps for the allergens to sit.

Aesthetically in a home environment, you may prefer the look of the laminate flooring in areas such as living rooms and bedrooms over the vinyl flooring.

AirMaster by DESSO – Allergen Reducing Carpet

Sometimes you just can’t beat a carpet with its cosy aesthetics and warming feel to create a homely environment whether it is in a house, hotel or even corporate setting.

However, carpets can be a reservoir for allergens as they have a tendency to stick themselves deep within the fibres. If you are sensitive to pet hair or suffer from asthma, don’t feel you have to rule out carpet as an option, we have a solution:

We are able to supply a carpet called AirMaster by Desso. The patented technology by Desso has been incorporated into this innovative design that they say strongly boosts health and wellness in offices, schools, healthcare environments and other public buildings.

The innovative design works by reducing fine dust in the air four times more effective than regular carpets and eight times more effective than hardwood floors making it the ideal carpet for those who suffer from allergies. AirMaster by Desso is also available in a huge range of different colours and combinations so there is no compromise on aesthetics.

Expert Advice from the Team

At Rivendell, we endeavour to provide you with a host of flooring options, samples and advice to best suit any and all issues that may arise. We also offer a home consultation service to help make the experience bespoke to you where you can ask anything you need for your peace of mind.

As well as helping you choose the best floor to suit all, we can also help in the supply of care and maintenance products to ensure your flooring is as clean and as hygienic as they day you got it.

With our experts on hand to advise you on the best option for you, just give us a call on 0117 963 7979 or fill out our contact form and we’ll give you a callback.

Categorised in: For Commercial, For Home, Hints and Tips

This post was written by Binks