Flooring and VOC’s Everything you need to know

VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compound. These compounds are emitted as gases from various materials and products, including those found in nature. While some VOCs are harmless, others contain chemicals that can have adverse health effects. At room temperature, VOCs have a high vapour pressure, which means they easily evaporate into the air and may impact indoor air quality.

VOCs are commonly associated with the strong odours emitted by new furniture, paints, adhesives, and even some flooring materials. While the presence of VOCs in certain products is inevitable, the key concern is exposure levels and the potential impact on health over time.

VOCs are present in a wide range of household products and materials. Some common sources include:

• Paints and varnishes
• Cleaning supplies and disinfectants
• Air fresheners and scented candles
• Cosmetics and deodorants
• Pesticides
• Building materials such as laminates, adhesives, and flooring products

Different products emit VOCs at varying levels. Some VOCs dissipate quickly after installation or application, while others can linger in the air for an extended period. The impact on human health depends on factors such as the type of VOC, exposure duration, and the individual’s sensitivity. In some cases, exposure to high levels of VOCs may lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and eye discomfort. Long-term exposure to certain VOCs has even been linked to more serious health concerns, including carcinogenic effects.

Like many building materials, carpets may contain a level of VOCs due to the adhesives, dyes, and solvents used in manufacturing. However, the good news is that carpets generally have low VOC emissions compared to some other flooring types.

Carpet manufacturing involves high-heat processes, which help remove most of the volatile compounds before they reach consumers. This makes carpet a relatively low-VOC flooring option. Once installed, approximately 90% of any remaining VOCs dissipate within just a few days. Proper ventilation during and after installation can further accelerate this process.

For those who are particularly sensitive to VOCs or want to eliminate any potential risks, VOC-free carpet options are available. Many carpet manufacturers now prioritise low-emission production processes and offer eco-friendly alternatives that meet stringent indoor air quality standards.

VOCs can also be present in hard flooring materials, depending on their composition and manufacturing process. Vinyl flooring, for example, has historically been associated with VOC emissions due to the use of adhesives and chemical compounds in its production. However, advancements in flooring technology have led to the development of low-VOC and phthalate-free vinyl options.

At Flooring Xtra, we take VOCs seriously and work closely with suppliers to ensure our products meet strict safety standards. Many of our flooring options have little to no formaldehyde, which is one of the more common VOCs found in building materials.

For example, Karndean flooring is GreenTag GreenStar certified, meaning it complies with rigorous indoor air quality standards. This certification ensures that the products you bring into your home contribute to a healthier indoor

If you’re looking to create a healthier home environment, here are a few tips to minimise VOC exposure:

1. Choose Low-VOC or VOC-Free Flooring – Talk to your local Flooring Xtra store for more product information if this is important in your selection process.
2. Ensure Proper Ventilation – After installing new flooring, keep windows and doors open to allow fresh air to circulate and speed up the dissipation of any lingering VOCs.
3. Look for Certifications – Certifications such as GreenTag, FloorScore, and GREENGUARD indicate that a product has been tested for indoor air quality and meets stringent environmental standards.
4. Maintain a Clean Home – Regularly cleaning your floors with non-toxic, VOC-free cleaning products can help prevent the buildup of harmful compounds in your home.

How can carpet underlay help prolong the life of your carpet?

Carpet underlay helps to keep carpet looking like new for longer by adding another cushioning layer to the floor. It helps protect the carpet pile to stay “upright” for longer. It also adds a thermal layer and aids in controlling sound travel within the home too.

What type of flooring is easiest to maintain?

All flooring requires some level of maintenance to ensure it will look good for a long time. All carpet and hard flooring should be swept or vacuumed regularly to remove grit and dirt from the surface (which can lead to scratches and marks). Laminate and vinyl floors are excellent low-maintenance hard flooring options while solution dyed nylon and polypropylene carpet are also resilient.

What type of carpet is soft?

Nothing beats the feeling of soft carpet underfoot as well as relaxing and playing on the soft and comfortable surface. While all carpet is soft to a degree, some might feel softer than others. Plush and cut (twist) piles are particularly soft styles and some man-made (synthetic) fibres are luxurious to the touch.

Disclaimer: In some states of Australia, the building regulations for Vinyl Planks, Vinyl Tiles and Hybrid flooring varies. Meaning they may not be suitable for areas requiring water resistance, such as bathrooms and toilets. We advise to always ask your local Flooring Xtra store for the correct advice regarding the local regulations. We also advise to follow the manufacturer’s recommended installation instructions and guidelines, not following the instructions could make the product not fit for purpose, for the area it’s being installed into and void your product warranty. To ensure you get the appropriate product for those areas, please contact your local Flooring Xtra store.