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Installing cork floating flooring in the basement has a few advantages. Cork flooring is naturally mold resistant and it is also generally much warmer. Being naturally fire resistant may also help avoid unnecessary damages in the event of a fire. It is important to remember that cork flooring is also sound insulating so if for any reason reducing sound is critical or significant cork flooring is an excellent option. It is typically a much simpler process to use floating planks than glue-down cork tiles in a cork floating flooring installation, although both may be used. Plastic vapor barrier sheets or special applied coating can also be used to control moisture in a basement. This is very important because mildew and leaks are a common issue in many basement areas. Basement flooring can be done with many different materials, but cork has some tremendous advantages. Concrete slabs pose a risk of moisture migration. Floating floors should be set over a moisture barrier made of 6mil of polyethylene sheeting. If cork tiling is going to be used one must determine if they will be directly glues to the cement pad or do a wooden sub-floor. The most comment application in a bathroom located in a basement is directly to the cement pad. If cork tiling will be glued directly to a wooden sub-flooring the manufacturer’s instructions will suffice. If there is no access to manufacturer instructions they typically consist of using water based contact cement applied directly to the sub-floor and back of tiles. The cork floor is then sealed with two or three coats of water based polyurethane and the process is complete. In the event application to a cement pad is necessary the first step is to clean, scrape and then sand the sub-floor until it is completely clean and smooth and no debris are left behind. Cement sealant should then be applied by spraying or rolling on. Be sure to follow all safety precautions while using cement sealant. A universal primer should be applied that is specifically designed for cement floors. The fumes can be harmful so be sure proper ventilation is used. Once everything has dried on the basement flooring gluing tiles to the cement pad is the last step. It is very important all steps are followed carefully. Water-based contact cements are highly sensitive to ground salts and is the only type of adhesive one can use with cork flooring. If another type of adhesive is used the risk of the adhesive causing deterioration to the flooring is high. It is important steps are followed correctly to ensure proper sealing. Homes built in the past two to three years typically already have a water barrier built in, but many homes may not have them. This is why it is important to be able to seal the area yourself during the project to ensure the flooring installation is of the highest quality. Resource Box: Cork floating flooring is a simple process with amazing results. The best place to find cork for Basement flooring is iCork Floor.
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Cork floating flooring, Basement flooring,
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