Cork Flooring Concerns
Today, cork is back again and the reasons are environmental as much as nostalgia. The concerns for limiting the damage to the environment and preserving the natural resources are priorities for many today. Using cork flooring for their homes is definitely a better option than to go for hardwood flooring. Cork is made from the bark of cork oak tree, which is renewable. Since it's renewable, hence it's not causing any harm to the tree and there is virtually a limitless supply of the material. There are trees over two centuries old that still produce the bark, which can be used to make cork. So it can be classified as a 'green' product.
Beyond being environmentally friendly, cork has other attributes that make it a very good option for flooring. It is non-toxic, resists mold, mildew and insects and is anti-microbial. As flooring it is hypo-allergic, flame retardant and does not produce static electricity. Care and maintenance of cork floors is also much easier today. This can mainly be attributed to the newer techniques of manufacturing.
Q: What areas are and are not good to install cork flooring?
A: Any room is good to put cork flooring. It's especially beneficial to use it in a room where a lot of standing occurs, i.e.: the kitchen to aid in strain on the back and legs. Concerns to have when laying down a cork floor should be the moisture level in that particular room does it flood, and how level is the surface? Any unleveled surface will need to be rendered before installation and if you are thinking of placing cork flooring in a basement where the moisture level is high you may want to reconsider.
A: Any room is good to put cork flooring. It's especially beneficial to use it in a room where a lot of standing occurs, i.e.: the kitchen to aid in strain on the back and legs. Concerns to have when laying down a cork floor should be the moisture level in that particular room does it flood, and how level is the surface? Any unleveled surface will need to be rendered before installation and if you are thinking of placing cork flooring in a basement where the moisture level is high you may want to reconsider.
Q: How does cork flooring react with water?
A: It is very durable where water is concerned. One of the reasons cork is used for sealing bottles is a natural waxy substance in it called suberin. Cork is resistant to mold and mildew.
A: It is very durable where water is concerned. One of the reasons cork is used for sealing bottles is a natural waxy substance in it called suberin. Cork is resistant to mold and mildew.
Cork Flooring Concerns
