Laminate is kind to allergy sufferers. Laminate floors have a sealed surface which dust and dirt can’t stick to. This makes laminate especially hygienic, easy to care for, and allergy-friendly.
Dirt-repellent and robust
Over 80 million people in Europe suffer from allergies, and hygiene is one of the most important factors for wellbeing around the home. This is where laminate comes into its own with its particular surface qualities. The top layer of melamine resin is highly robust and hard-wearing. Even after years of heavy use, dust and other kinds of dirt can’t penetrate into the floor. This helps to avoid the conditions that encourage house dust mites and other allergenic microorganisms to grow and multiply.
Stubborn adhering dirt? No thanks!
Laminate floors are easy to clean, making them particularly family-friendly and pet-friendly. Household dirt and dirt brought in from outside can be easily removed by vacuuming and occasionally wiping down with a slightly damp cloth, as the smooth laminate surface doesn’t give dirt a chance to stick. We recommend adding a laminate floor cleaner (available from manufacturers in stores) to the water used for wiping the floor. Only a small quantity is required, so the use of cleaning agents is kept to a minimum. This is good for both the environment and the household budget.
The right laminate for every room
With the appropriate equipment, low-maintenance, robust laminate floors are suitable for all living and working areas, and they also have new applications in commercial and office spaces and doctors' surgeries. Manufacturers are also able to offer floorboards with integrated sound insulation and useful additional features: These include anti-static surfaces, increased protection against micro-scratches using electron-beam technology and special anti-slip surfaces for use in entrance areas and workspaces. Innovative moisture-protection devices allow laminate flooring to be laid in bathrooms and kitchens: A special board formulation and a corresponding impregnation of the top layer reduce swelling, whilst the edges receive a special sealant for protection purposes. Finally, patented locking methods ensure that the joints are securely locked. Thus, laminate flooring can be employed as a warmer alternative to traditional tiling.
No need to worry about damp
Nearly nine tenth of the core layers of laminate floors consist of wood fibers, which are firmly and permanently bonded to each other using modern glue systems. Some manufacturers even make flooring that also has a special edge protection. This is referred to as edge water repellent finishing. Floors like these are a good alternative for rooms where there is a lot of damp, such as bathrooms and saunas. Retailers also stock glue-like materials that can be applied to the edges when the floor is laid, protecting it against dampness. There is a wide range of accessories available for laminate flooring.Our tip: Always make sure you are buying a quality product! Look out for laminate flooring labelled with the load classes according to EN 13329 and the CE mark.
Antistatic protection
Laminate flooring will charge electrostatically when the air moisture is too low (under 40 %). Therefore many of the modern laminate floorings are equipped with antistatic protection. It reduces the build-up of static electricity and thus protects from many forms of discharges due to contacts with metallic objects, e.g. when touching a door knob. Since this antistatic protection also reduces dust attraction, it makes the laminate flooring easier to clean.
