Tile is a versatile material that builders and remodelers can use throughout your home and commercial buildings. While ceramic and porcelain are the most common types of tile you’ll find in houses, you can also find pieces made from natural stone, glass and other options Choosing tile flooring over carpet and other materials for your home can have several major impacts on improving your health.
1- Prevent Mold and Mildew Growth
Carpet and other porous materials can harbor moisture that promotes the growth of mold and mildew. This is why most people opt not to put carpet in their bathrooms. While you might not put carpet near your shower, you also want to watch out for using fabric near wet areas of your home such as the mud room or kitchen. Tile is non-porous and more resistant to mold growth which can cause an array of uncomfortable health issues.
2- Reduce Allergy and Asthma Symptoms
The air quality in your home is also impacted by dust, pet dander, and other allergens that fly through the air and fall to the floor. Unfortunately, carpet tends to have fibers that hold allergens in place. While vacuuming helps to pick up some dust, it simply can’t get it all. Plus, aging carpet can release fibers into the air that further degrade its quality. Tile doesn’t have fibers that hold pet hair and dust in their grip. When you need a hypoallergenic floor covering, tile gives you the best ability to promote better breathing.
3- Minimize Slip and Fall Accident Risks
People sometimes think that carpet is the safer option for avoiding falls at home. However, this isn’t necessarily true. As the carpet ages, it can begin to stretch and loosen up. This can cause small bumps to occur in the carpet which increases the chance of someone tripping over them. Modern tile does come in slick styles that are ideal for backsplashes in the kitchen that need to stay clean. But, you can also pick out tile that has textures that are designed to reduce the risk of slip-and-fall accidents. Most tile professionals will recommend these types for use in bathrooms and other parts of your home where you need to walk safely.
4- Keep Hazardous Chemicals Out of Your Home
Scientists are constantly discovering the risks that certain chemicals pose to people every day. Carpet is typically made from synthetic fibers that are treated with chemicals to make it more resistant to stains and fire. Unfortunately, the chemicals in carpets are also known to contribute to health issues such as eye and respiratory irritation. The risks of volatile compounds being released into your home begin with new carpet and continue as the fibers begin to break down. Tile doesn’t harbor these types of chemicals so you can reduce your risk of having negative health effects from building materials.
5- Make Cleaning a Breeze
If you detest vacuuming that never seems to actually get the floor clean, then tile is the better option for your home. Tile only needs a simple sweeping to remove loose debris followed by mopping. Tile in your shower or kitchen can also be wiped down using a gentle cloth or sponge, and you can even get your new floor and wall covering clean with natural solutions such as diluted vinegar. When you install your tile, simply ask about the care and maintenance. Being able to avoid scrubbing and lugging around a huge vacuum helps prevent back strain.
6- Eliminate Major Stressors
Once air quality improves and you aren’t so stressed out with vacuuming, you’ll be surprised at how much your quality of life improves. You can even choose stone tiles that give your home a natural look outdoors to create a relaxing oasis. Whether you need to replace the carpet in your living room or want to install a patio, you’ll find that tile fits all of your needs for stress-free renovations.
When it comes to finding a safe and durable floor or wall covering, you can’t go wrong with tile. Not only will you enjoy better health, but life is easier when you choose materials that only need a quick wipe-down to make them clean again. Now, all you need to do is choose the right type of tile to suit your needs to begin enjoying all of those special benefits for your overall health.