Cork flooring benefits include a number of advantages.
Likely to be near the top of the list today is the eco
friendliness of cork itself. It's not a tree that gets cut down and takes 50
or 60 years to replenish. Cork is a bark harvested from
the Mediterranean Cork Oak tree. It does no harm to the tree as it grows back
and is re harvested every nine years. According to the Cork Quality Council,
removal of bark is actually positive for the tree itself by improving it's
health and hardiness.
Cork provides superior insulation and acoustical values
and is often used for sound deadening in floors and walls. Apartment and high
rise residential construction has been using cork for years, proving it's
valuable properties. The product is also resilient. Close to 90% of the cork
product itself is not a solid matter, but a gas (safe) When cork is
compressed, stepped on for example, the cork itself does not compress, but the
gas. Releasing the pressure returns to it's original shape.
The cells of the material contains a substance
called suberin. According to dictionary.com "suberin acts together with
waxes
to protect plant surfaces from water loss and microbial attack, and also helps
to close tears and breaks." In effect, it offers natural impermeability
becoming an ideal seal from moisture. Other benefits of cork include the
inability to absorb dust and does not cause allergies. Furthermore, our
research finds cork to be fire retardant, as it does not introduce toxic
gasses when set ablaze and is not combustible.
Cork flooring is a
plus for those that may be concerned with indoor air quality opposed to
carpet. Both prefinished and unfinished cork is available for flooring uses.
Finish applications include wax, varnish, oil modified urethanes, or can be coated with friendlier
water based finishes. |
