CORK HISTORY:
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Cork is the name given to the bark of the cork oak, a tree from the beech family, characteristic of western Mediterranean countries. The bark acts as a protective shell to the harsh climate changes and numerous fires, which affect the region. Cork trees are stripped of their bark every nine to fourteen years. The trees are never cut down, and their habitat remains undisturbed. The high quality properties of cork are derived naturally from the structure and chemical composition of the inner cells. Each cubic centimeter of cork’s honeycomb structure contains between 30 and 40 million air cells, each cell functioning as a miniature sound and thermal insulator, as well as a miniature pressure and shock absorber.
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INSULATION
Because 90% of the tissue consists of gaseous matter, the density of cork flooring is extremely low giving the materials wonderful insulating properties, thermal as well as acoustical. This makes all cork flooring very pleasant to the touch, even with bare feet as they provide an optimal floor temperature all year round and reduces sound transmission between and within rooms, creating a quieter, and therefore peaceful, environment in your home.
RESILIENCY
When cork floors are subjected to pressure, the gas in the cells is compressed and volume reduces considerably. When released from pressure, cork floors recover very rapidly to its original shape. This unique characteristic ensures that cork flooring is more comfortable to walk and stand on. Cork's shock-absorbing properties relieve strain on your feet, joints, legs and back.
IMPERMEABILITY
The presence of suberin, an inherent waxy substance, renders cork flooring impervious to both liquid and gases. As a result, it may be considered the best seal available.
HYPOALLERGENIC
Cork tiles and cork floating floors do not absorb dust and consequently does not aggravate allergies because the typical surface finish does not entrap dirt, germs or fungus, thus actively contributing to a healthy and hygienic environment.
DURABILITY
Cork floors are remarkably resistant to wear, and is less affected by the impact and friction than other hard surfaces because of its cellular composition. With their unique cork structure and tough resilient surface finishes, cork flooring is as durable as you'll ever need it to be and typically comes with warranties ranging from 10-15 years.
FIRE RETARDANT
A natural fire retardant, cork does not spread flames and does not release toxic gases during combustion.
This past decade the floating floor technology has been successfully adapted to cork flooring to produce one of the highest quality floors available. Cork tiles and floating floors are quiet, warm, comfortable and easy to maintain, while still remaining reasonably priced. Cork flooring has been used around the world, and in this country, for over a century.
Prestigious buildings where cork flooring has been used include:
The First Congregational Church in Chicago, Illinois - Installed in 1890
The Mayo Clinic & Plummer Building – Installed in original building in 1912 and then in 1940 added additional cork flooring for a total of 300,000 sq. ft.
Falling Water, Western PA, residence designed with cork floors by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1937...just to name a few
Cork flooring is coming back strong as architects and designers are enthusiastic about the distinctive look of the material, the need for better indoor air quality and overall comfort, as well as cork’s eco-friendly nature.
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