With increasing concerns about the environment, more people today than ever before are considering eco-friendly flooring products. To most homeowners, sustainability is important because not only does it preserve the environment, but eco-friendly flooring does not contain any potentially harmful chemicals in its construction.
Today there are at least half a dozen environmentally friendly flooring products on the market that include wood, cork, bamboo, rubber, tile, and vinyl. The key thing to appreciate is that there is no single flooring material that is 100 percent eco-friendly. Even if it is naturally occurring, the process of manufacturing and installation may require adhesives and glues that may not be 100 percent environmentally friendly.
Eco-friendly vinyl plank flooring is the second most popular flooring chosen, just behind hardwood. There are many reasons why homeowners prefer eco-friendly luxury vinyl plank flooring. Besides the rapidly growing number of designs, versatility in functionality, ease of maintenance, and aesthetics, eco-friendly vinyl plank flooring is also very durable. The quality of vinyl plank flooring available today is amazing and unbeatable.
IS LUXURY VINYL ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY?
The first generation of vinyl products was not environmentally friendly chiefly because of how they were made, and the extensive use of potent adhesives and glues used during the installation process. Over the years, there has been concern that the glues and adhesives may release toxic or volatile gasses that may not be good for one’s health. So how is luxury vinyl sustainable?
When it comes to eco-friendly luxury vinyl plank flooring, here are some factors that can help determine how ecofriendly the flooring material is.
Durability:
Of course, you want durable flooring. It is not only time-consuming but expensive to replace flooring every few years. Therefore, you preferably want eco-friendly vinyl plank flooring that will last at least several decades. In general, flooring materials that last longer require less frequent replacement, which significantly reduces pollution, waste, and time.
The more durable the flooring, the more cost-effective it will be in the long run for the owner. Eco-friendly luxury vinyl plank flooring is very durable and will easily last a lifetime if well-maintained. While luxury vinyl may be a synthetic product, it is very eco-friendly as it most likely will not have to be replaced for many decades.
Origin of the material:
Today, flooring materials are made in many different nations. For the most part, the majority of flooring materials are shipped from abroad to the USA. Thus, if you want an eco-friendly or sustainable product, you need to know where the material is from and how it was produced. Unfortunately, even if the label says made in the USA, it may not mean much because the flooring may have been produced elsewhere and just reassembled in the USA. However, in general, USA-made products tend to be more environmentally friendly than those made elsewhere.
Recycling:
Another consideration when selecting flooring is what happens to the flooring when it reaches the end of its useful life and needs replacement. You preferably want eco-friendly luxury vinyl plank flooring that does not end up in the landfill sites but instead is recycled. Flooring materials that are not recycled often have a negative impact on the environment.
Renewable resources:
Thankfully, today, many flooring materials are made from renewable resources. For example, bamboo grows very rapidly, and the plant reaches maturity within just a few years. Therefore, it is a fast resource that is not easily depleted. Similarly, rubber is made from sap, and no trees are cut down. At the same time, old rubber flooring is often recycled to make other rubber products, like tires. Sources that are renewable can be replenished and help maintain sustainability.
VOC levels:
The release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is not uncommon in industrial manufacturing. Some flooring materials require the use of potent adhesives, finishes, and polishes – all of which have the potential to release VOCs indoors. And there is concern that exposure to VOCs may not be good for one’s health. Hence, look for flooring materials that release low VOCs – all labels should state that.
WHAT ABOUT LUXURY VINYL FLOORING?
While luxury vinyl is a synthetic product, today, it is possible to purchase eco-friendly luxury vinyl plank flooring without any difficulty. Luxury vinyl is available in many styles and patterns and can mimic hardwood, concrete, or even marble at a fraction of the cost.
Even though luxury vinyl is made of polyvinyl chloride or plastic, the latest manufacturing processes utilize chemicals with low VOCs, so the risk of harm to health is almost negligible.
Since each piece of eco is constructed of several layers of padding and plastic, this makes luxury vinyl easy to walk on and also increases sound absorbency.
The other benefit of eco-friendly luxury vinyl plank flooring is that it is durable, moisture resistant, and can be installed almost anywhere in the home. Because luxury vinyl is waterproof and easy to maintain, it makes an excellent choice in areas where spills are common, like the bathroom, laundry room, kitchen, playroom, basement, and corridor.
Luxury vinyl flooring comes with a special coating on the surface that makes it scratch resistant and gives excellent traction, thus reducing the risk of slips and falls. In recent years, some manufacturers have started to produce low or no-VOC luxury vinyl flooring. These products are recyclable, but the only downside is that they are slightly more expensive than traditional vinyl.
Eco-friendly luxury vinyl plank flooring can last many decades, meaning there is less waste, and can save you money in the long run. Finally, the other benefit of eco-friendly vinyl plank flooring is that the installation can be done without the use of adhesives. The planks all click together and ensure firm flooring.
HOW TO FIND ECO-FRIENDLY LUXURY VINYL
- First, try and look for luxury vinyl that is made in the USA.
- Always read the label to make sure the product has a low risk of VOCs.
- Next, check for the FloorScore certification.
- Finally, always speak to a flooring expert about the latest eco-friendly flooring products. New and better-designed flooring materials are constantly being introduced into the market.
CONCLUSION
While you may wonder why luxury vinyl is considered eco-friendly, one of the reasons is that it can last many decades and most likely may not need replacement in your lifetime. This significantly decreases the carbon footprint that is associated with the disposal and replacement of flooring products. To learn more, call East Coast Flooring & Interiors today to speak to a knowledgeable professional about your eco-friendly flooring options.