8 Reasons Why Concrete Floors Are Environmentally Friendly
Concrete can be made with waste byproducts, which reduces the consumption of raw materials. The predominant raw material for the cement in concrete is limestone, the most abundant mineral on earth. Concrete can also be made with fly ash, slag cement, and silica fume, all waste byproducts from power plants, steel mills, and other manufacturing facilities.
Concrete floors can incorporate recycled products, such as crushed glass, bits of recycled plastic, marble chips and metal shavings. Concrete itself can also be recycled at the end of its long service life.
Concrete floors can optimize radiant heat transfer. Concrete flooring is ideal for use with radiant floor heating because concrete is an excellent radiator of the heat produced by these systems.
Concrete floors work great with passive solar designs. Concrete flooring is often a central component of passive solar home designs. The concrete slab absorbs the heat of the sun during the day and releases the stored heat as needed at night.
When installed properly, concrete is one of the most durable materials on earth. Properly maintained, your floor should last a lifetime. Few flooring materials have the longevity of concrete. Carpet, tile and even wood floors eventually need replacement, which uses up resources and creates disposal problems.
A healthy alternative for those with allergies. Concrete is a great alternative to wall-to-wall carpeting for people who are allergic to animal dander and dust mites.
Concrete floors won't support the growth of toxic mold. Exposure to toxic mold in homes and buildings has been blamed for ailments ranging from headaches to severe respiratory infections and immune system disorders. Mold can thrive on any organic material, especially in warm, moist, humid conditions. In addition to carpeting, mold can feed on drywall and wood studs, joists, and wall sheathing.
Concrete floors help maintain clean air. When homes are heated with in-floor radiant heating, no dust or dirt gets recirculated into the air. With radiant heating, coils heated by electricity or hot water are embedded in concrete floors, warming the floor itself to deliver clean, even heat. No air is being blown around, as with forced-air heating systems.
