Tile vs. Wood vs. Carpet Floor – Which is Better Against Fire Damage?
There are so many options available when it comes to flooring that it can be difficult for homeowners to decide. However, to make your decision a little easier, one important thing to consider when purchasing new flooring is the level of safety it provides for your family and your home in general.
The type of flooring you choose can impact the spread and development of a fire in your home, even though they are rarely the initial source or cause of fires in the home. This article will discuss a few types of flooring options families go for and whether they are fire resistant or not.
However, you can immediately call a fire damage restoration company to deal with the fire’s aftermath in case of fire damage. 911 Restoration is available 24/7 every day for such emergency cases.
Carpet Floors
Certain carpets are made out of flammable synthetic fibers such as nylon and acrylic. However, if you want your home to feel luxurious and cozy simultaneously, installing carpeting floors is a good option. In this case, go for wool carpets as they are considered the most flame-resistant compared to other material carpets.
Wool is a natural, sustainable fiber and flame retardant, mainly because its chemical structure is high in nitrogen and water content. It has a low flame spread, and less smoke is produced if it accidentally catches fire.
Wool carpets are a great choice for your living room, bedroom, and hallways because they are extremely safe.
Cork Tiles
Cork tiles are one of the most naturally fireproof materials available for use as flooring in your home, even though few people choose them. It is well-known for its wide range of properties, including resisting mold growth and being durable and biodegradable.
Furthermore, unlike many other materials, it does not release any toxic chemicals into the atmosphere when the cork is burned. It is truly a remarkable material that you should go for!
Wood Floors
Wood is used in campfires, but don’t let that fact deter you from considering real wood flooring when designing a safer home for yourself and your family! Wooden floors are different from the wood used for campfires.
Wood is a dense material that naturally contains water, making it more difficult for a fire to survive and spread. Even if fire safety concerns your home, an oak parquet or a spruce board floor would be an excellent choice.
Vinyl Floors
The National Fire Protection Association reported that cooking activities were the cause of 54 percent of all reported fires between 2013 and 2014. Hence, flame-retardant flooring is particularly important in the kitchen. Vinyl flooring is a particularly effective material for stopping the spread of fires and reducing the risk of injury in an emergency.
Not only does it resist fire, but it also extinguishes itself quickly once the source of the fire has been removed. When it comes to fireproofing your kitchen floor without adding anything expensive, vinyl flooring may be the best option for you.
How to Restore Damaged Floors
In most cases where the flooring materials have been burned or scorched, the scorched area might require replacement, and this can even mean re-doing the entire floor. However, sometimes, they can be restored using the following ways;
Hardwood Floors
A common technique for cleaning wood floors after fire damage is to use a mixture of vinegar and water. In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water and then rub the floors in a circular motion with a soft cloth.
Once you’ve applied the solution, wipe the floor with a dry cloth to ensure that it is completely dry. If it feels dry to touch, start applying a layer of wax to it in the manner.
Carpeted Floors
If your carpet becomes damaged due to extinguishing the fire, the padding from underneath will need to be removed and disposed of.
It is best to sweep or vacuum the rug after it has dried completely before sponging the rug with a rug shampoo to remove debris.
Tile, Linoleum, and Vinyl Floors
Tile is the most resistant flooring material. In most cases, if the surface is not severely damaged, you should be able to clean it with warm soapy water or the vinegar method described above. Linoleum and vinyl damage easily and may require replacement.
In Case of Fire Damage
Regardless of what flooring you go for, it is best to take precautions to reduce the risk of fires starting. However, accidents can happen, and repairs after fire damage can be costly and a hassle. However, reach out to a reputable restoration company in Downtown LA in case of emergency; they’ll make the hassle seem easy for you.
911 Restoration has professional workers who will use their expertise and professional equipment to restore your home after fire damage. Call now at (424) 369-0894 for their services!