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Selecting
flooring that is durable, attractive, easy to maintain and healthy can be
overwhelming because of the numerous good choices now available in the
marketplace.
When choosing
new flooring, consider the area where the new floor is to be installed, and the
type of wear it will be subject to. Flooring covers a large surface area within
your home, so choices can have consequences for both price and indoor air
quality.
Consider
the following and compare:
 | Will there be heavy wear?
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| Is the area subject to moisture?
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| Does the floor need to be a sound barrier?
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| How easy is it to clean and maintain, and how
much time are you willing to invest to do so?
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| To what degree does the floor need to be slip
resistant?
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| Is there anyone in the home who suffers from
allergies or asthma? Usually the harder the surface, the healthier the
flooring product.
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| How durable is the product?
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| What is the warranty coverage?
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| Cost of the material and cost of installation?
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| Is the new flooring suitable for the type of
subfloor? Does the subfloor require preparation or repairs?
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Indoor air quality
The type of
flooring and installation materials you choose may affect the health of your
family. Certain types of flooring, plus the glues and sealers used in the
installation of the floors can release chemical odours. Commonly known as off-gasing
these emissions can be harmful for many who have allergies, asthma or
sensitivities to chemical products. It can take weeks or months for these
chemicals to off-gas or dry out. At the end of this period, there is no
detectable odour and most people are no longer affected. Usual symptoms are
flu-like. Consider choosing flooring with the lowest emissions possible.
When using
adhesives and sealers for the flooring, choose a water-borne (water-based)
product. If possible, obtain the MSDS sheets (Material Safety Data Sheets) for
the product. These are available at most supply outlets. Ask the supplier what
the offgasing or dry out time is, after which there should be no discernible
odour. This is an important consideration for allergy or asthma sufferers.
Flooring Terms:
Coatings:
can mean paint or a clear finish on flooring or other products.
Floating
floor: floor is not nailed or glued to the subfloor.
Laminate
flooring: designed to look like hardwood and made of a composite of
laminated materials.
Linoleum:
a durable material made from linseed oil and other natural materials.
Resilient
flooring: tile or sheet (roll) flooring typically made of vinyl, rubber or
linoleum.
Rubber
flooring: is durable and easy to maintain. Rubber comes in sheets and tiles.
Subfloor:
a layer of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) fastened to the floor joists.
The sub-floor should provide a clean and even surface for the installation of
the finished flooring.
Vinyl
asbestos tile: an old type of vinyl tile which contained asbestos.
Vinyl
composite tile: new vinyl tiles which do not contain asbestos.
VOCs
(volatile organic compounds): VOCs contain hazardous chemicals that are found
in finishes and other common household materials.
Water-borne
coatings: surface finishes which are water-borne/water-based rather than
solvent borne and have little or no VOCs, typically acrylic/urethane or
urethane.
Main types of flooring
Resilient
Flooring
A practical
product that comes in many patterns. Resilient flooring is sheet or tile
flooring, usually with a pattern printed on the surface. Common types are:
| sheet flooring (cushion); a thin layer of vinyl
over spongy back;
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| vinyl composition tile;
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| linoleum sheet or tile;
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| rubber sheet or tile;
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| cork.
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Advantages of resilient
flooring
| Available in a wide range of colours and
patterns.
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| Is moderately durable.
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| Comes in range of prices.
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| Is easy to install.
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| Fairly easy to clean and maintain.
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| Is reasonably comfortable to stand on for long
periods of time.
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Considerations
| Tiles may curl.
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| Most resilient flooring is thin. Any
irregularities in the floor underneath will show through.
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| Minor problems such as blisters, scratches, tears
and holes need to be repaired quickly.
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| Extensive damage cannot be repaired. Rubber
flooring can deteriorate from water left standing on it.
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Care and maintenance tips
| Use glides or protectors to prevent denting from
furniture.
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| Wash resilient flooring using small amounts of
mild detergent and water.
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Installation
| Always follow the manufacturers recommendations
for installation.
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| Most resilient flooring is typically glued to a
slab or subfloor.
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| Select an adhesive recommended for both the
flooring product and the surface over which it is to be installed.
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| Flooring materials must be acclimatized to the
temperature and moisture conditions expected during occupancy of the house,
usually for 24 hours prior to installation.
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| Homeowners with some skill should be able to
install certain types of resilient flooring, such as tiles. Sheet flooring
usually requires a professional.
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Health and environment
| Sheet flooring is installed using adhesives.
Ensure the adhesives chosen have as few VOCs as possible.
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Cost
| Cost varies considerably. Certain types of
resilient flooring such as peel-and-stick tiles are easy to install and
therefore the overall cost can be reduced.
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Carpet
Carpets are made
from many fibres including synthetic (acrylic, nylon polyester, viscose rayon)
and natural (wool, silk and cotton). Avoid using carpet where there is moisture,
for example, kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
Advantages of carpet
| Warm and soft on the feet.
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| Absorbs sound.
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| Wide choice of colours.
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| Easy to install.
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Considerations
| Susceptible
to damage from stains, spills and heavy traffic.
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| The
new carpet and underpad odour can be problematic for several weeks for those
with allergies or respiratory conditions.
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| Carpets
trap dust and dirt which can affect people with allergies and asthma.
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| Durability
depends on the quality, care, and use and whether the carpet is an area rug
or a full room carpet.
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Care and maintenance tips
| Have
the carpet cleaned professionally to improve appearance. The cleaning
process should extract as much water as quickly as possible, enabling the
carpet to be totally dry in a few hours.
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| Vacuum
weekly with a good quality vacuum using a HEPA filter, or use a central
vacuum system with an outside discharge. Note: A HEPA filter is a high
efficiency particulate air filter.
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Installation
| Follow
the manufacturer's instructions.
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| Carpet
installation for large areas is not usually a job for the do-it yourselfer.
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Health and environment
| Carpets
accumulate dust, mites, molds, bacteria and other pollutants that can affect
the health of those inside the house.
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| After
installation, off-gassing can occur for weeks or months requiring increased
ventilation.
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| Carpet
backings are made up of a polypropylene mesh or jute with a latex bonding
agent that may have high VOC's.Traditional carpets and rugs do not rely on
latex bonding. Most carpets are also treated for stain and fire resistance.
These treatments can also be a source of emissions.
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Cost
| Consider the price of the carpet as a system
which includes, the carpet, underpad, labour and disposal costs when
replacement is needed. The quality and cost of carpet in the marketplace
varies greatly.
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Wood Flooring
Wood flooring is
available in several grades, widths and thicknesses. Common hardwoods include
birch, maple, beech and oak and sometimes softwoods such as pine, fir and
hemlock. Wood flooring comes in different forms—strip, plank, parquet and
laminates. Most new hardwood flooring today is pre-finished and has UV-cured
polyurethane layers which protects the finish.
Advantages of wood flooring
| Wood
is a natural insulator.
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| It
is easily cleaned and maintained and with proper care can be long lasting.
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| Can
be purchased unfinished or pre-finished.
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| Can
increase a home’s value.
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Considerations
| Chipping
of polyurethane finish that will need spot refinishing.
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| Susceptibility
to damage from water stains, heavy traffic, or dropping heavy objects.
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| Grey
discoloration along joints due to water seeping in at joints.
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| Large
cracks between floorboards, caused by drying/shrinkage.
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| Discoloration
from sunlight.
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| Protection
of high traffic areas with small rugs or mats. Do not let small stones or
grit collect as they will scratch the finish.
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Care and maintenance tips
| Sweep or vacuum dirt and grit regularly to avoid
scratches.
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| Wipe the floors only minimally with a damp cloth,
as constant dampness will eventually discolour the floor.
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| Refinishing the floor involves sanding the whole
floor before applying a new finish.
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| When refinishing flooring, waterbased/
water-borne urethanes are preferred by people with allergies, asthma or
respiratory problems as they tend to emit fewer VOCs.
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Installation
| Most
new hardwood flooring is pre-finished which eliminates dust and odours
associated with finishing on-site.
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| Common
methods include nail down, glue down or floating. Some products can be
floated over subfloors, vinyl or ceramic tile eliminating the need to tear
up existing flooring. Refer to the manufacturer's installation instructions.
In general, solid wood products must be nailed or glued down and are not
recommended for below-grade installations.
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Health and environment
| Refinishing
can create a large amount of dust from sanding and there is the potential
for chemical emissions from the sealer or surface finish.
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| When
choosing a new finish for an old floor, consider your health and potential
fire hazards. For example, solvent based products can be a fire hazard
during installation. Keep the area well ventilated and follow all
manufacturer's directions to ensure safety.
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| Water-based
finishes contain fewer toxins than similar solvent based products.
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Cost
| The
installation costs can be slightly more expensive than some other types of
flooring.
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| Savings
can be achieved in the long term as the floor can be long lasting. And, most
hardwood floors can be refinished rather than replaced when worn.
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Laminate Flooring
Another flooring
option is laminate, which comes in several patterns. Laminate flooring is
composed of several layers. The layers include a backer core, the decorative
design layer and the top wear-layer. It may be pre-finished and is less likely
to suffer from expansion and contraction than wood flooring. On the market for
about 10 years, it is quickly growing in popularity.
Advantages of laminate flooring
| Easy
to install.
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| Easy
to maintain.
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| Several
types are durable.
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Considerations
| Most
laminates can't be refinished. Once the finish is worn, the product must be
replaced.
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| Not
recommended for areas subject to moisture.
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Care and maintenance
| Vacuum,
sweep and clean with a damp mop.
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Installation
| Laminates
are usually installed using a floating floor method. Glue is used at the
joints, although some products use a tongue and groove system that clips
together, eliminating the need for any glue.
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| Can
be installed by a do-it yourselfer.
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Health and environment
| Laminate floors are pre-finished, and don't trap
dust. Because of the installation method, (tongue and groove) little or no
glues are used.
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Cost
| Laminates range widely in price but can be a
suitable alternative to hardwood flooring. Products that use a floating
floor installation method may require underlay that can affect the total
cost of the project.
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Ceramic Tile
There are many
different types of ceramic flooring. Ceramic tiles can be glazed or unglazed.
Tiles that are glazed generally have a durable exterior coating that is more
resistant to moisture. It is easy to clean, durable, non combustible and fire
resistant.
There is a wide
range of quality in ceramic tiles.
Advantages of ceramic
tile
| A
hard surface that is easy to clean and durable.
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| Keeps
its appearance over time.
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| Resists
moisture and stains and heavy traffic.
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| Good
for radiant floor heating.
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Considerations
| Ceramic
flooring can be less comfortable to stand on for long periods of time.
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| These
floorings do not dampen sound and can contribute to acoustically noisy
environments.
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| Glazed
ceramic tiles can become very slippery when wet. Consider low-slip tiles
with more grip for areas that will frequently get wet.
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| It
is not always possible to get a perfect match after a tile is broken. Keep
some spare tiles from the original installation.
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| Ceramic
tiles that are pale in colour with no minor grain or pattern can look dirty
quickly.
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| Ceramic
tile cannot be laid over an OSB (oriented strand board) subfloor. The
subfloor should be plywood or concrete.
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Care and maintenance tips
| Clean with mild soap and water or vinegar and
water.
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| Using harsh abrasives can damage the glaze on the
tiles.
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| Replace old caulking and damaged grout.
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Installation
| Ceramic flooring must be laid on the appropriate
subfloor that is level. Tiles can be laid on a solid concrete floor or a
reinforced wood subfloor.
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| The process involves skill and may not be
suitable for the average do-it-yourselfer.
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Health and environment
| Ceramic flooring is a good choice for people with
allergies. It is not prone to dust or mold problems. Choose water-based
sealers and grout that will have few emissions.
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Cost
| Ceramic
tile will last much longer than other types of flooring, therefore resulting
in cost savings. Installation is labour intensive and adds to the expense.
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