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There is a lot of talk about cork flooring being environmentally friendly and ‘green’. In layman terms this essentially means that cork does not emit any volatile organic compounds even when burnt. These off gases or V.O.C.’s cause harm to the environment. Formaldehyde is another substance that can harm our surroundings, this is also absent from cork. These factors make cork a nature friendly option for being used in building materials. Cork flooring has several other advantages as well, which make it an ideal choice for homes. Aesthetically cork is very pleasing; it comes in several different textures and vibrant colors that fit in very well in today’s homes. The rustic appeal offered can provide a beautiful backdrop for all your modern furniture. Such floors are also very comfortable. Cork is a highly buoyant substance as it traps a lot of air in between its cellular layers. This property makes it spongy, thereby making it ideal for areas where you need to stand for long periods of time. It is also a good choice for people suffering from arthritis as its soft nature is easy on your back and legs. Cork flooring also provides excellent insulation. Heating and cooling of homes in today’s economy has become extremely savings prohibitive, thanks to sky- rocketing energy costs. The spong-like substance of cork provides a barrier, holding the heat in your homes for longer than a stone or wood floor could. Similarly during hot seasons, cooling is easier as a result of this flooring. Noise levels are also greatly reduced by using cork flooring. Shock absorption is another feature that makes it ideal for use in children’s rooms. Cork has a waxy substance called suberin which occurs naturally. This substance works as a great repellent for all insects and mites. It also prevents mold from growing on cork and ensures that cork surfaces do not rot even if left damp for long periods. This constituent of cork also contributes to its fire resistance properties. Cork is extremely fire resistant and in the unlikely event of it ever catching flame the material does not emit any toxic off gases. There is very little maintenance required to ensure a long life for a cork floor. Regular vacuuming and occasional damp mop swabbing are all that are required. While cork is great for use in almost all areas, in the case of radiant heating being used, the use of this flooring needs to be done judiciously. Glue-down cork tiles are not a good idea should you wish to couple it with radiant heating lines running under the floor. The chemicals in the glue can react with the cement casing of the heating ducts and cause the tiles to peel. Having said that, floating cork floors are still a good option. Ensure that the radiant heating ducts are well encased in cement and also that the temperature never exceeds 25 degrees Celsius. The floating floor is capable of expanding and contracting without any tears based on the temperatures of the radiant heating. Resource box: iCorkFloor is a great place to choose the Cork Flooring that matches your needs and tastes. This company provides quality Cork Flooring at very competitive rates.
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