The topic ‘sustainability’ is gaining popularity in many areas. Sustainable developments and implementations are arising in all sectors, even private real estate. When it comes to consumer housing, major praises are given to estates with sustainable flooring, walls and/or ceilings. This trend is equally popular in every corner of the globe. Even in one of the smallest countries in the world, the Netherlands, are sustainable housing fixtures and decors a trending topic.
In the Netherlands, one in eight private homes is sustainably built, or has sustainable elements. As in most countries, the most popular sustainable housing element is flooring. Sustainable floors provide homeowners with value beyond green living. In most cases, it also translates into a higher standard of living comfort; increases the home value; reduces noise nuisance; prevents ventilation and mold problems; and is more durable. The most favored type of green flooring is casting floors. Its durability makes it a money-saving investment.
Another important aspect is the sustainable application process of casting floors. The leveling process, vloer egaliseren in Dutch, further adds to its durable character. Before installation, the space and the material are accurately calculated. This way, no material is wasted or thrown away. The application is a secure process which lasts around five days. The curing time of concrete flooring is not the most ideal. But are – considering the extended list of advantages – worth the wait.
Another selling point of this sustainable flooring is its maintenance. The smooth and polished finish, which is usually topped with epoxy giethars, is the low maintenance element. The seamless finish prevents dirt and dust to fly and gather in between gaps and cracks. Furthermore, is this material also dust and dirt resistant. This makes it easy to clean the floor with solely lukewarm water.
Casting floors are not only popular for its sustainable element. They are currently trending within the interior design and decoration scene because of its sleek finish. The simple character of the casting floor makes it a versatile floor. The most trending type of casting floors have unique designs. The designs are created from different kinds of material. One of the most popular forms is Resin Art.
The high level of customization is what makes Resin Art outstanding. Epoxy is the most popular form, which adds a professional and polished look to the flooring. The downside of Resin Art is its environmentally harmful character. Epoxy resin is theoretically biodegradable and recyclable, but not in practice. It takes extremely long for epoxy to biodegrade. After its long biodegrading process, some resin parts remain. Resin is sensitive for bacteria. The type of bacteria which does not properly break down. This is the most environmentally friendly process to recycle resin. Because biodegrading resin is not always possible.
Recycling is only possible when the resin and its hardener can be separated. When this is not possible, epoxy resin goes through a different recycling process called pyrolysis, in which the materials decompose inside a highly heated atmosphere. Even then, the process of pyrolysis produces and releases chemicals, including greenhouse gasses associated with climate change, into the air. Meaning, that majority of epoxy products eventually end up in trash.
