Useful Information about Cork Flooring

Even though cork flooring is good in many ways it also has its own disadvantages as well. This article focuses on either sides of cork flooring. It is always way better to understand something in the necessary dimensions before you indulge into it and regret later. Just before you make the choice of acquiring cork flooring you need to be informed first.

Below is a breakdown of cork flooring pros and cons.

Pros

• The corks used in the flooring exercise are made of natural oils. They are mixed well with chemical substances which are resistant to microbial and chemical substances. The chemicals are also known to act as repellants to pests which might cause allergies.
• The bark of the oak tree is the major source of cork. A large amount of cork is harvested in Mediterranean areas and in Africa. Being organic cork is therefore eco-friendly to the house occupants as it is to tree. Once it is stripped of the tree back it grows again and can be harvested over and over again. This is an important environmental fact considering cork flooring pros and cons.
• The cork can be easily compressed and is flexible as well. It is therefore very conducive for domestic use around the household. The domestic environment requires that the floor remains clean and tidy all the time. The cork is very easy to clean as just a simple wet towel is enough to keep it clean and sparkling.
• A natural chemical called suberin which makes up the cork is waterproof. Therefore, cork flooring is good for both kitchens and bathroom.

Cons of cork flooring

• The corks are very sensitive to heat and UV rays. If exposed they get discolored very first. They therefore need extra care such as blinds and curtains in a room where cork flooring has been installed.
• Some manufacturers add a mixture of polyurethane to the cork mixture and the resultant product is not environmentally friendly at all. After some time one might need to reapply this coating for the sake of beauty of the floors.
• Flexibility of cork is not that efficient especially if heavy furniture such as seats and wall units are placed on the floor. It can easily get damaged and will require a whole new repair which is usually very expensive.

It is evident that even though there are various benefits of cork flooring there are cons as well. It therefore comes to one’s own personal choice on whether to go for cork flooring or not. The subject of cork flooring pros and cons portrays a detailed picture of what both homeowners and construction companies need to know and focus on. In a nutshell the benefits outweigh the cons and that is why even governments have cork flooring as recommendations for buildings.