If one is considering installing a floor, and is looking for a substance that will be durable as well as functional, cork panels may be a wise option. Cork contains a natural and safe gas; the gas, which accounts for 90% of cork’s composition, is contained in numerous microscopic pockets.
Due to this natural shock absorption, cork can easily last decades while providing noticeable comfort and additional safety benefits for children and the elderly, who may be more prone to falls and dropping breakable objects. A church in Chicago was constructed in 1898 with cork as a floor material – the cork is still in usable condition today.
Cork flooring is made from the bark of the cork oak tree, found in the Mediterranean and provides shelter for animals such as the imperial eagle and barbary deer. As an environmentally friendly product, cork’s harvest does not destroy the tree from which it comes.
Cork is made from the bark of the tree and may be harvested every nine to ten years, allowing the tree to live a natural lifespan of 500 years, and allows for the regrowth of bark. According to the Cork Quality Council, the removal of the bark actually improves the health of the tree, and so the harvest has a positive effect on the plant and the surrounding environment.
Apart from being one of the most eco-friendly products available, cork has several other assets that make it a wonderful choice for flooring. Due to the gas contained within, cork is sound-resistant and provides superior insulation. Cork contains a natural wax called suberin, which, in addition to being a naturally-occurring insect repellent, helps close any tears or breaks in the actual cork.
This substance results in a natural seal against moisture or micro-bacterial infiltration, and a heightened resistance to mold or mildew and there are even cork bathroom flooring options. Suberin is fire-resistant, and, in the event that it does catch fire, cork will not release any harmful gases. Cork is also elastic; while it may become dented from heavy furniture other similar objects, it will resume its former shape.
Cork does require occasional light maintenance, but this extra care can result in a floor that will serve and protect for many years to come. For more information on cork, and for instructions on installing and choosing the desired cork panels, please peruse the following links.
· Cork Floor Information - Globus Cork
· Cork Flooring Frequently Asked Questions
