Checking the layered floor structure

When laying tiles, parquet and other floor coverings, a multitude of other products is employed. Various installation materials are concealed under the wear layer. Once installed, they are practically invisible. Nevertheless, they may contain harmful substances that pollute the air inside the room. Therefore, it should be carefully checked whether the materials used for producing the floor structure are low in emissions. These tips will help.

1. Examine the floor structure

Several layers of installation materials are hidden under the floor surface. Apart from finishing products like parquet varnish, also flooring adhesives, levelling compounds (fillers) and primers play an important role. In addition, there may be intermediate layers such as underlays and other products like joint fillers and sealants. All these layers should be low in emissions. Otherwise, residents run the risk of breathing in pollutants via the indoor air and of harming their health.

2. Check out the packaging and ask the expert

Laypersons often underestimate the composition of installation materials. They don’t know, for instance, that even water-based products are not automatically free of health risks. Low-solvent does not always mean free of pollutants. Building products can nevertheless contain various volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Reliable eco seals on the packaging like the EMICODE^® indicate whether the products are really low in emissions. If in doubt, ask a specialist for advice. In any case, you should always contact a floor layer to obtain a perfect result. Only professional floorers know how to properly prepare the given substrate and undertake full-surface bonding. Both will increase the useful life of the flooring and enhance your comfort of living.