There’s no doubt that hardwood floor refinishing can breathe new life into a home. It can also be a great way to increase the value of your property. But many homeowners are concerned about the potential health risks associated with the fumes released during this process, like VOCs. In this article, we will explore how long VOCs last from hardwood floor refinishing and offer some tips on how to minimize your exposure.
Why is VOCs Harmful?
VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are harmful because they can cause short- and long-term health problems. Some of the symptoms associated with VOC exposure include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and eye and throat irritation. Prolonged exposure to high levels of VOCs can lead to more serious health problems like respiratory illness, cancer, and even death in some cases.
Most hardwood floor refinishing products contain VOCs. It’s important to know what happens if you breathe in toxic fumes and how long VOCs can be present in the air after a job has been completed so that you or your family don’t get sick from them later on down the road. It is especially true if there are small children or older adults in the home, as they are more susceptible to the negative effects of VOCs.
How Long Do VOCs From Refinishing Hardwood Floors Last?
The length of time required to ventilate your home depends on several factors, such as how many windows there are in the room where you’re working, the weather conditions, and how strong the fumes are. Learn about the best ways to reduce VOC levels from your home
Generally, it’s recommended that you allow at least 24 hours for the VOCs to dissipate after refinishing your hardwood floors. However, if the weather is hot and sunny, or if you have a lot of windows in the room where you’re working, it could take up to 72 hours for the fumes to clear.
Tips to Reduce Your Exposure to VOCs from Hardwood Floor Refinishing
You can do a few things to reduce your exposure to VOCs from hardwood floor refinishing. First, make sure the room is well ventilated before and during the job. You may also want to consider wearing a mask while you’re working. It’s also important not to use products that contain VOCs if you have children or older adults in your home, as they are more sensitive.
If possible, try opening up some windows, or you may use VOC fume extraction while refinishing hardwoods floors so there will be plenty of fresh air circulating throughout the room with no fumes trapped inside. Also, make sure all doors leading out of the room are closed before starting work, and only reopen them after you’ve finished refinishing for at least 24 hours.
Wrapping Up
Hardwood floor refinishing can be a great way to add value and character to your home. With these tips on how long VOCs last from hardwood floor refinishing, you’ll know what to expect after finishing up the job.
