| stone tile home |
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stone tile international | flooring comparison |
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| carpeting | ceramic/porcelain | vinyl/resilient tiles | ||
| installation | Relatively high waste (up to 20% not uncommon) in installation | Low installation waste | low installation waste | |
| recyclability | Composite construction system of different fibre type's makes recycling difficult | May be recycled and does not harm landfills. | Many resilient floors are made from petroleum-based products which have significant environmental impacts in production - may not currently be recycled | |
| allergens | If not properly maintained can be a significant harbour for allergens. | non-porous - does not harbour allergens. | does not harbour allergens. | |
| VOC emissions |
Significant if low-level emissions associated with the use phase. Chemicals used in treatment carpet to protect against moisture and insect attack have an environmental impact. Potential long-term health effects poorly understood |
Base product does not have VOC emissions. | Significant if low-level emissions associated with the use phase | |
| Installation adhesives may emit high levels of VOC. | Very low VOC emissions in installation materials. | Installation adhesives may emit high levels of VOC. | ||
| maintenance | High water and energy requirements of cleaning regimes | Maintenance phase can have significant impacts | Significant energy and VOC emissions associated with the maintenance phase | |
| life-cycle |
Relatively short life expectancy
Short life cycle requires more frequent replacement and hence more waste. Because of composition, generally cannot be re-cycled. Harmful in landfills. |
Very long life-cycle Long life cycle requires little replacement and hence significantly less waste. Because of composition, if not recycled is inert and hence does not harm landfills. |
Medium life expectancy Medium life cycle requires replacement and waste. Because of composition, generally cannot be re-cycled. Harmful in landfills. |