Many people are aware that when they move into a new home that they have bought, it may not be in the best condition, especially if they live in a climate that is damper and cooler, as there may be quite a lot of dampness.
However, if you notice that you or a member of your family are coughing or not feeling well after moving into a new property, there are a few things that you will need to assess. The first one is obviously looking for dampness, and oddly enough, the second one is the flooring. Flooring is more likely to cause health issues than you may think, primarily because it’s always in use (people are always walking on the floor) and items are always being put onto the floor, which can release mold and spores into the air.
So, if you think your flooring may be the problem, what should you do? Here is a quick guide to help you.
Identify The Source Of The Problem
The first step is to determine if it really is the flooring that is causing the issue. Surprisingly, in most cases, it will likely be the flooring in either the kitchen or the bathroom. Why? Well, because these areas absorb the most water and are, therefore, the most prone to rotting if they are not properly protected. Ideally, the flooring in your kitchen should be made from a non-porous material, such as Quorn stone, or another suitable natural stone, such as granite or slate.
Call A Professional
If you are still uncertain about the cause of the health issues that you are having or how best to address them, you need to consult with a professional. Your indoor air quality should be high, and a building inspector can help to identify the potential hazards as well as provide recommendations on how best to solve them.
Replace The Flooring
If it is the flooring material that you have that is contributing to the health issues that you or your family are experiencing, you will need to consider replacing it with a healthier alternative. A good example would be if you suspect that old carpeting in your living room area is harboring allergens or has harmful chemicals in the fibers; you should consider switching to hard surface flooring, such as linoleum, tile, or hardwood! If you already have laminate or vinyl flooring that may contain harmful substances, you can replace it with similar options that are not damaged or with an eco-friendly alternative.
Improve The Air Quality
The correct ventilation is vital to maintaining good interior air quality. Of course, if there is no air getting into an area, then allergens and dust are likely to build up you. So, ensure that there are exhaust fans in your bathrooms and kitchens, as well as regularly opening windows which will allow fresh air to circulate and remove pathogens from the environment.
Maintain The Floor
Whether it is a carpet or hard floor, a key way to ensure that it does not become another health hazard is to make sure that it is well maintained. Be sure that you have appropriate cleaning products in your home, and be sure to clean the areas at least once every two days to keep pathogens and dirt out of your home.
