Contractor Notes; Cork Flooring
Cork Flooring- one of the strongest “Green” flooring materials on the market today
At the Huasna Ranch project, Cork flooring by Infinity Floors was selected for the Grooms Quarters floors. The flooring covers the entire second level, including the bathrooms and the stairs for this part of the building. As one investigates the material, it does not take long to realize that this material is one of the more sustainable and environmentally sound flooring choices available today.
Cork Flooring at Staircase.
Renewable Resource
The Cork Oak Tree, typical to the Mediterranean basin area, is harvested every nine years. The harvesting process does not kill the tree. The tree remains and the bark is allowed to re-grow and can be harvested again. Much of this is still done with hand tools. Portugal is the leading exporter of worlds cork today.
Reclaimed Waste Product
Cork flooring contains roughly 95% post-industrial waste. This reclaimed waste is a bi-product of the cork wine stopper manufacturing process. Nearly all of the reclaimed material is used in the floor manufacturing process and there is little to no waste created.
Natural benefits
The naturally occurring honeycomb structure of the cork gives it several beneficial characteristics. The cork matrix is comprised of nearly 85% of an air-like gas that makes it both lightweight and low density. A naturally occurring waxy-like substance contained in the cork makes it extremely resistant to moisture.
Durability
The resilience of the cork itself avoids the issues associated with hard floors. The material is long lasting and damaged areas can be easily repaired.
Softness
The air contained in the cork cells provides a cushioned feel underfoot. The material is not spongy but provides a noticeable relief for those on their feet for many hours. This is particularly noticeable in areas of high impact such as stairs and landings.
Sound & Vibration Reduction
Cork is a natural insulator. It reduces the transmission of sound, vibration, and heat.
The tiny cellular compartments seal air in each compartment insulating each from the other with a moisture resistant, waxy-like substance. Cork reduces both impact sounds (IIC) and sound transmission (STC).
Thermal insulation
Cork is a natural thermal insulator because of the encapsulated cells contain mostly air. Cork can reduce heat loss from a room and even body heat loss through the feet. It tends to maintain a comfortable median temperature, not getting too hot or cold.
Anti-allergenic & Insect Resistant
Bugs, termites, mold and mites are repelled by cork due to a naturally occurring substance in the cork called Suberin. This waxy substance also prevents cork from rotting due to exposure to moisture or water.
Elasticity
The cell membranes of cork are very flexible allowing cork to be both compressible and elastic. Under pressure the cells will compress. Once the pressure is released the cork structure will return to its original shape. For cork flooring this means that although it may be possible to make a temporary dent in the cork, the material will recover to its original shape.
Fire resistant
The natural waxy substance Suberin makes cork a natural fire inhibitor. Besides being fire resistant it also does not release toxic gases upon combustion.
No VOC adhesives, stains, & finishes
The adhesives, stains and finishes used with cork flooring are No VOC products and therefore help to maintain good indoor air quality.
Color options
There are a wide variety of textures, patterns and colors available with most cork flooring products. Any design or patterning that can be achieved with ceramic or linoleum tile can be achieved with cork flooring with all the added benefits of a natural green material.
