Yes, eco-friendly vinyl flooring is a real thing. Additionally, it is for those who are environmentally conscious. Moreover, it includes some recycled and biodegradable products. Also, there are so many local flooring installers in your area who offer Sustainable Flooring.
Introduction To Eco-Friendly Vinyl Flooring
Today, vinyl flooring is a much more environmentally friendly product than it used to be. Actually, it was originally derived from petroleum. In the modern world, there are so many types of vinyl floor that are considered to be more environmentally friendly. Due to the use of eco-friendly flooring materials. While homeowners and builders are looking for Non-Toxic Vinyl installation.
Characteristics That Make Eco-Friendly Vinyl Flooring
Nowadays, manufacturers of vinyl floors have been working on material and processes that would make more Eco-Responsible Flooring. Here are some of the key ways they are making vinyl more eco-friendly:
Recycled Content
Firstly, most vinyl floors are produced from recycled content. Such as recycled polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Others have up to 70% recycled material. They are eco-friendly, since they take less part in waste.
Limestone Backing
The petroleum-based backings have been replaced by backing layers that are made of limestone. This also increases stability and durability. At the same time it uses an eco-friendly vinyl flooring mineral resource.
Cork Additives
Cork is a rapidly renewable, natural material that is comfortable to stand on. That is, including cork particles in vinyl floors requires less petroleum-based materials but with best quality.
Water-based Inks & Coating
Vinyl coatings are currently produced with water-borne systems rather than solvent borne systems. This is to limit emission of VOC. New technologies in the printing industry give water soluble inks on eco-friendly vinyl flooring to increase the quality of air.
Cleaner Production Processes
In fact, many vinyl plants have improved their environmental record over the years. Also, many have shifted to using renewable energy in their manufacturing process, some do not send any waste to landfills at all.
Types of Eco-friendly Flooring
There are now several major types of vinyl flooring that feature more eco-friendly attributes:
Luxury Vinyl Tile and Planks
Luxury vinyl is quickly becoming the most demanded type of vinyl floor covering. It improves the advantages of vinyl such as durability and water resistance while incorporating better visuals and texture through advanced technology. As for, most LVTs and LVPs have post-consumer recycled content, cork, and limestone composite cores.
Vinyl Sheet Flooring
Vinyl sheet flooring installation is more durable and waterproof than the other types of vinyl. Such as luxury vinyl tile and luxury vinyl plank. Today, Tarkett and Armstrong are some of the leading manufacturers in the vinyl sheet floors. They use recycled material content of over 50% and mineral backing respectively. There will always be water activities in the bath or in the basement. Hence, vinyl sheet floor installation in these areas is the best decision.
Vinyl Composition Tile
Vinyl composition tile or VCT is one of the most popular commercial Low-VOC Vinyl Flooring materials. It is because of its low cost and resistance. Some of the biggest VCT brands such as Mannington and Armstrong have created lightweight products with limestone, cork, and recycled content while maintaining functionality.
Recycled Leather & Stone Vinyl
Some manufacturers are currently coming up with vinyl floors that have been produced with eco-friendly flooring materials. Leather, stone, cork, rubber, and wood pulp are recycled materials. They provide interesting looks and touch sensations. Also, these floors are likely to be expensive. But they offer different benefits in terms of being environmentally friendly.
Advantages of Using Environmentally Friendly Vinyl Floors
Some homeowners do not opt for vinyl because they have some old ideas that vinyl is bad for the environment or not as durable. However, the best vinyl flooring installation offer a range of benefits:
Cost Savings
You can easily get cheap vinyl flooring options that are available in the market today. The luxury vinyl tiles installation gives the look of wood or stone for half the price. Installation and maintenance have also been established to be relatively cheap. Also, there are so many effective flooring maintenance tips available.
Durability
The current vinyl materials are highly durable. Additionally, when it comes to wear and tear on the floor it has the capability of resisting water, spillage and tearing apart when used on a daily basis. Technological developments allow Environmentally Friendly Vinyl Floors to maintain its appearance for more than ten years.
Easy Installation
Most of the vinyl flooring installation is very easy. This means that homeowners will get free vinyl flooring installation. Self-stick tiles and interlocking floating floors do not involve using glue which makes them easier to install.
Extensive Variety
Everything from classic wooden appearance to natural stone designs are now possible. Also, affordable vinyl flooring installation is available at many places. Trims and tiles add the final touch to the looks.
Healthier Materials
Today’s Green Vinyl Flooring Options have minimal environmental impact. Thanks to advanced materials, they feature low to zero-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions after installation. This is achieved through the use of:
- Advanced plasticizers
- Eco-friendly backing layers
- Binders
- Additives
Resulting in a healthier indoor air quality.
Vinyl will never be as environmentally friendly as real wood or stone. But over the last 25 years, manufacturers have worked hard to create better vinyl flooring from recycled materials.
The newest sustainable Vinyl Flooring should now be on the list of preferred materials for homeowners. Especially those looking for the most sustainable, inexpensive, and low-impact flooring options. Also, comparable to other vinyl flooring materials during constructions or renovations. The innovative vinyl flooring companies give a great number of options. While still keeping all the benefits of vinyl in mind.
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