Nontoxic flooring?

[Anonymous]

I'm interested in putting in new flooring and know that flooring and the materials used to install can be toxic. Does anyone have recommendations for planning and installation? We don't want to do it ourselves but wI'll buy online if we need to. Particularly interested in reputable sources -- is there any org that tracks this stuff and tests or awards certifications so that you can trust when something is marketed as nontoxic? Any specific companies that service NOVA that do this type of work and people would recommend?

Thanks!!

[Anonymous]

It depends on where you're installing and what-- carpet, tile, hardwood?
Some materials can off gas for awhile- then they are fine-- job finished hardwood and carpet.

When we've refinished hardwoods or installed carpet, we turn off the HVAC, cover the vents, and open windows. We makes sure that the windows are opened frequently a for a few months after the install to get the vocs out. Most quality carpet is now low voc.

if you're doing hardwood- job finished is nice, but it will temporarily fill your home with vocs/chemicals. It's possible to have them factory finished and installed if you don't have to worry about matching.

[Anonymous]

Prefinished hardwood flooring that is nailed down, and cork flooring that is floated, are both non-toxic options.

[Anonymous]

Thank you, both. Appreciate your time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you, both. Appreciate your time.

PP here- no problem. I think about this stuff too. My strong advice when it comes to renovation is to turn off your hvac and cover your vents. If it's chemicals (paint/varnish) open the windows, turn on ceiling fans, shut off hvac, while the work is being done. If it's dust (sawdust/drywall/sanding) keep the air still, close windows, shut down hvac and vents (really important), close off rooms where possible, etc. Cover everything.

Frequently open windows a few months after space is cleaned up to get chemicals out.

We've been through several renovations- an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.