Allergen Free Concrete

You are not the only one suffering from allergies. But you can take steps to make it better.

We often think of allergies as affecting the outside world, such as pollen, insects, and dust particles blowing around in the wind. Indoor allergens can also be found in the home, such as dust, smoke and chemicals. It's not uncommon to see ads promoting the dangers lurking under sinks, HVAC units, or mattresses. Asthma and allergy sufferers can experience a variety of unpleasant symptoms when "home, sweet home" is used.

• Watery, itchy eyes
• Runny nose and sneezing
• Trouble breathing or wheezing
• Pain in the chest
• Dizziness
• Fever

You can reduce allergens in your home by using polished concrete, stained concrete, stamped, and resurfaced decorative concrete floors.

Use easy-to-clean surfaces to reduce harmful dust

emedicinehealth.com states that indoor allergies are mainly caused by dust in the home. House dust is defined as an "airborne mixture" that includes everything in your home, including food, clothes, furniture, and any residuals from humans, pets, or plants. All the usual allergens such as dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and human and pet dander, are joined by fabric fibers and insect fragments. Food particles, pollen, and dirt can also be tracked in from outside. A flooring that reduces dust accumulation will make your home less allergen-prone.

A stained concrete floor resists dust and spillages so dust can't hide.

• Carpet padding and carpet can be replaced with carpeting and flooring made of allergen-free decorative concrete or polished concrete floors.
• Concrete decorative finishes are resistant to dirt and dust buildup. To keep them looking new, use a dust mop or occasional wet mopping.
• A dust mop is a handy tool to clean your floors of dust and debris that can get under and behind furniture.

Remove hidden moisture factors

Mold and mold spores, which depend on moisture for growth and survival, can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions. Hidden moisture can cause you to not be aware. For example, grouted tiles or vinyl and laminate flooring that has seams that allow water to seep in and not dry. Carpeting can also retain moisture from spills or cleaning products. Mold and bacteria thrive in dark, damp areas where they are not visible. Concrete floors with decorative finishes are water-resistant and resist spills and stains. This prevents mold from growing below the surface.

High humidity rooms will not be kept moister by lingering moisture around corners and along baseboards.

• In rooms that are susceptible to moisture, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens, decorative concrete can prevent the growth of mold or mildew.
• The tile, faux stone and wood plank designs decorative concrete floors look just like real materials, but they don't have any vulnerable connecting seams or grout.
• A decorative concrete floor in basements can be used to control moisture. It includes a moisture barrier, a decorative concrete overlay with faux stone or wood plank designs and a moisture barrier.

No chemical emissions

Indoor air quality can be affected by the exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can come from new flooring and paint. Another way to improve indoor air quality is to go green by using natural cleaning products and furniture. Many floor cleaners, waxes and varnishes contain toxic chemicals which can trigger asthma flareups and allergic reactions. Concrete Craft's unique blends of concrete overlays are environmentally friendly and "green rated" by LEED standards. Concrete stains and sealers have low to no VOCs.

A stenciled wood decorative concrete flooring will give you the beauty and elegance of wood, without chemical cleaners or varnishes

• Decorative concrete floors do not require special chemical cleaners like carpet, hardwood, grouted tiles, or real stones.
• You only need a safe, non-toxic, neutral-pH cleaner such as Dawn dish soap to keep your floors shining.
• Non-porous seals resist stains and spills including pet accidents.

Other tips to improve your home's air quality

Your cleaning efforts should help reduce the amount of allergens in your home, such as mold and pet dander. You can reduce your cleaning time by taking steps to keep your home clean and allergy-free.

• Regular vacuuming and dusting removes dust from shelves, picture frames, tabletops and window treatments.
• You can replace dusty window coverings made of fabric with simple-to-clean wooden shutters or blinds. Choose washable fabrics if you have to use curtains.
• You should vacuum cushions and upholstery. Pillows and blankets can also be "dusted" with a non-heat dryer tumble using organic, fragrance-free wool dryer ball.
• Protect your bedroom with allergy-proof, washable covers.
• Take care of your pets by brushing and grooming them outside or in the garage.
• For maximum filtration, replace air filters as directed for heating and cooling systems. Use filters with a high range rating MERV (12-13).
• Professional HVAC duct cleaning is a good idea, especially if you have a system that has been in use for a while. This will ensure cleaner and more efficient airflow.
• Additional protection is provided by an air purifier system that includes HEPA filters.
• Allow fresh air to enter through windows. Ventilate rooms without windows with exhaust fans that circulate outside.
• Controlling moisture in your home will help prevent mold growth. Dry any areas where water collects such as around sinks or bathtubs.
• You should check for leaks underneath sinks and cabinets.