Why Wood Floors are Great for People with Allergies
Posted by Aaron Schaalma
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says that close to 25% of the American population is affected by seasonal allergies. That is 1 out of every 4 people who experience runny noses, itchy and water eyes, difficulty breathing and an all around bad time during the spring and summer months. Anyone that has missed time from work or school or seen their medical bills climb due to allergies knows just how debilitating they can be.
And while there may be a host of reasons that allergies become a problem, one of the biggest household contributors is right under your feet.
How Your Flooring Affects Allergies
Common allergens such as smoke, pet dander, dust, pollen, mildew, dust mites and similar contaminants will naturally end up on the floor. They can enter your home through the front door as your family members go in and out, through windows and through ductwork.
They will hang out in the air, causing problems for allergy sufferers, then they will settle in your flooring. Depending on the type of flooring you have, that may be the end of the story or it may just be getting started.
The Trouble with Carpet
There’s no denying that carpeted floors are comfy, cozy and quiet. They are soft under your feet and many people that grew up with thick-carpeted floors just don’t feel at home without them. However, when it comes to household allergens, carpets are probably the worst type of flooring you can have.
Once all those allergens settle in your carpets, they are kicked back into the air every time someone walks by, every time your kids crawl along the floor and even when you run your vacuum over it in an attempt to make the situation better.
Wood Floors and Allergies
It’s not realistic to expect to keep allergens out of your home altogether, but you can do the next best thing and install flooring that makes getting rid of them much easier. The same Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America that reported one quarter of Americans suffer from allergies, also recommends wood floors to help keep those allergies under control.
That dust, dander and pollen will still end up on your floor with wood floors, only it won’t settle the same way as with carpet. They are just on the surface and are much easier to remove, keeping your living space free from the multiplying effect that occurs with carpet fibers. When you have a wood floor, simply sweeping or gentle washing will remove everything from the surface of the floor, and there is nowhere else for allergens to hide.
More Wood Floor Benefits
Along with keeping allergy sufferers happy, wood floors also have other benefits that include:
Low Maintenance
High Sustainability
Increase Property Value
Aesthetically Pleasing
Fewer Odors
If you or a member of your family suffers from allergies and you’d like to make a profound difference in the air quality in your home, consider having wood floors installed as soon as possible. Contact Us today and we can discuss a variety of possibilities that are sure to fit your taste and your budget.
