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Frequently Asked Questions
Since I've installed cork in my home, I'm constantly being asked question about
it. Therefore, I decided to write down the most frequently asked question along
with the answers. Why is cork so Unique? To start with, cork is an all-natural product, whose harvest does not contribute
to deforestation of our planet. Cork is harvested every 9 to 14 years from the
bark of the cork oak tree, which regenerates itself, leaving the tree unharmed.
In fact, cork is considered a 'Green Home Environmental Products,' meaning that
it's safe for our environment. Cork feels warm and soft underfoot. This is because of cork's honeycomb cellular
structure, which is comprised of millions of micro-sized air pockets, which helps
to provide the cork resiliency, as well as making the cork soft underfoot. Because of these tiny honeycomb cells, cork can withstand intense pressure. This
means that cork will not dent, break down, or be destroyed by heavy traffic, or
having heavy furniture or objects placed upon it. Once the pressure is removed,
cork starts recovering its shape. However, because cork is pliable, when you have
to move heavy equipment over cork flooring such as refrigerator or entertainment
center, you must protect your cork flooring prior to moving the heavy furniture
as sharp edges can and will cut into the cork flooring. In addition these same tiny air pockets, which makes up the cork thermal insulates
the cork making it non-conductive of heat and cold. This makes cork flooring always
feel warm to the touch when compared to stone, ceramic, vinyl, and even hardwood
floors. Cork also is known to repel insects including mites and termites. It also retards
mold growth. This is due to a waxy substance called Suberin that cork naturally
produces. This waxy Suberin also makes cork water resistant and prevents cork from
rotting when submerged under water for any period of time. How many colors and patterns are available in Cork? Cork tiles and planking are available in several colors as well as designs including
mosaic tiles. The colors of cork flooring range from natural shades of very light
to extremely dark hues as well as reds, blues, greens, and even yellows. With cork
tiles and planking, you can use your creativity to design a unique floor patter
that's completely and exceptionally yours. How difficult is cork to install and can the average person do-it-themselves? Installing cork is relatively simple, providing that you have the proper tools and
adhesive. In addition, you have to take extreme care in properly preparing the
subfloor. Once the subfloor has been properly prepared, you will next establish
a centerline and work out toward the walls and entryway. Once you have established
the centerline, you will next apply the adhesive, and then align the first tile
to the centerline. Once the tile is the correct position, carefully secure the
contact between the tile and substrate by using a rubber mallet. Then after you
have a few tiles are in place, you can use a small piece of plywood as a tapping
board along with the rubber mallet. It is important to understand that once you
have tapped the tiles in place, they cannot be removed without damaging the tiles.
After the infield has been laid, then you will cut in the perimeter. After all the tiles have been installed, allow the adhesive to completely dry.
You will need to clean all overspill adhesive from around the edges of each tile,
using a damp cloth while the adhesive is wet or by simply rubbing the excess adhesive
off the edges when the adhesive has dried. If the cork tiles are natural and unfinished you will immediately have to coat them
using urethane or flooring wax. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer's
instructions. What kind of substrate or sub-flooring can cork be installed? Cork tiles can be applied directly on to of sealed concrete, which is above grade,
on plywood sub-floors, or even over primed drywall. Can cork tiles be installed over other types of floor surfaces such as wood parquet,
vinyl tiles, carpet, or ceramic? The answer for this is, no. Carpeting, vinyl tiles, sheet vinyl, etc., will have
to be completely removed and the subfloor sanded until smooth or a new plywood sub-floor
will have to be installed prior to installing the cork tiles. The adhesive used
to apply the cork will not adhere to other surfaces, resulting in the tiles pulling
away. For ceramic and stone tiles, first you must ensure that non of the tiles are loose,
then you will have to float cementious patching cement over tiles to fill in all
deflections, and grout lines. It is vital that the subfloor be smooth, flat, and
free of all defects as well as clean of all paints, dirt, oil, grease, and other
foreign matter. If the subfloor is not smooth and free of all defects, these can
transfer through the cork tiles. Can anyone install cork flooring? If you are good at do-it-yourself projects, and have installed other types of flooring,
then you will probably not have any difficulty. However, if you have never installed
any form of flooring, then you may wish to employ a reputable flooring installer
who is experienced in installing vinyl, wood, or ceramic tiles. If you decide to
have your cork floors professionally installed, ensure that they are familiar with
the product and brand that you have chosen. How difficult are cork tiles to maintain and keep clean? For the proper maintenance and to protect against moisture leeching into the seams,
apply an additional coat of water-based varnish to the tiles after they are installed.
Before applying the finish, the tiles must be clean and free of adhesive. Once you have applied the second coat of finish, to keep the cork tiles clean all
you must do is vacuum regularly, or sweep with a fine bristle broom followed by
damp moping with a ph balanced cleaner. Do not use any products that contain ammonia
or abrasives.
You should never wax your cork floors. Will my cork floors ever need to be refinished? If you keep your cork floors well maintained they should last for decades. If you
apply a cork floor polish, or another topcoat finish once every year or two depending
on the traffic your cork floors should not need to be refinished.
, Simply Cork Flooring.com |
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