The world’s going green as more people are aware of their increasing impact on Mother Earth. With everyone being more eco-conscious than ever before, it is imperative to look at some of the actions that we can take this festive season to reduce individual carbon footprint.
Revamping your space this Raya can be made ideal with several sustainable flooring options that homeowners can consider when choosing a floor option for new home or remodelling effort. While wood flooring might be an excellent option for a living room or bedroom, many people prefer the aesthetics, versatility, and resiliency that tile flooring offers. Previously a standard for areas with heavy traffic and moisture, such as the kitchen or bathroom, today’s wide range of tile styles and materials allows it to fit into any home aesthetic naturally. With tiles being considered an eco-friendly choice by many in the home renovation industry, here are a few things to know about how tile can reduce your carbon footprint.
WHAT TILES ARE MADE OF?
Tiles are made from natural materials and are easy to clean and maintain, which helps to promote a healthier indoor environment. Materials sourced for tile manufacturing are abundantly found on earth and are easy to mine and manufacture. It reduces fuel consumption, and almost the totality of raw materials, glazes, and water that can be recycled.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF TILES
Lifespan
One of the key benefits of tiles over other floor or wall covering options is their lifespan. Tiles are long-term options that can save costs as they don’t need to be replaced as frequently as other materials, which means less manufacturing and transportation. In addition, tile floors can endure enough to last between 10 to 50 years as they are spill and dent resistant.
Energy Efficient
Tile flooring also offers energy efficiency benefits for a sustainable home.
As tiles are usually made from dense and heavy materials such as sand and clay, tiles increase the thermal mass of space and act as natural insulators for your home. Tile’s inherent thermal mass reduces peak heating and cooling, which helps moderate temperature swings in your home, and is especially beneficial in Malaysia’s tropical climate.
Many tiles also feature recycled content, which further reduces the environmental impact once they are to be replaced.
Indoor Air Quality
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can compromise the interior air quality at home through dozens of different household products, including several flooring options such as laminate flooring.
The high temperature processing of tiles essentially “kills off” any VOCs that might have been present in the original material hence keeping your home VOC-free. Unlike the glues and adhesives used in laying carpeting and wood floors, cement mortar is used for laying tile and doesn’t give off any additional VOCs.
Tiles are also very hygienic and easy to clean. In addition, the smooth surface of tile flooring will not harbour dust mites, mould, germs, or bacteria. It is a straightforward way to improve your health and ensure great air quality for people who suffer from allergies.
As a long term investment for a healthy home, considering tiles for your flooring and wall options is a great way to ensure that the environment remains beautiful for generations to come. As tiles are made up of naturally occurring ingredients, it ensures that the materials in your home are healthy, sustainable and timelessly aesthetic.
