Is your carpet showing its age? If
so, it might be time to replace it.
When it comes to installing new
carpet, it's vital to reduce or eliminate
potential health problems that volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) in the
carpet can induce.
Try these tips from flooring manufacturer
U.S. Products to keep your
carpet and building occupants in
good health.
- Look for the Carpet and Rug Institute's
Green Label or Green Label
Plus certifications. Products that
earn this distinction have very low
VOC emissions.
- Make sure your installation technician
carefully follows the CRI's standards
and guidelines for installing
carpet.
- If you can, unroll the carpet a week
before installation and let it air out,
especially if the carpet is destined for a school or healthcare facility.
This allows initial off-gassing to occur
in a safe space.
- Schedule the installation over a
weekend if possible. Carpet releases
the most VOCs in the first 48 hours
after installation, so an off-hours
installation allows the carpet to release most of the remaining gasses
when the building is empty.
- Open doors and windows to increase
ventilation during installation.
- Vacuum the carpet shortly after the
carpet is installed. Afterward, vacuum
frequently with HEPA or high air
filtration vacuum cleaners.