Understanding The Structure Of Cork Flooring and Cork Underlay
More and more homeowners are choosing to use cork flooring in their homes because of the diverse advantages this unique material displays. Not only is cork ecologically friendly it is also more cost effective than most other flooring options on the market today. In addition, it is also very durable, long lasting as well as easy to maintain. Another huge advantage of using cork for flooring is that it eliminates the need to install wall to wall carpeting for warmth’s sake. Cork flooring is comfortable to walk on and its inherent thermal barrier helps to keep the floor warm to your feet. This is because cork has a cellular structure similar to a honeycomb, and the chambers are able to trap air. This cellular structure together with the air that is trapped in it causes aninsulating barrier that keeps floors warm while also acting as a shock absorber when you walk over it.
If you are planning on purchasing flooring made of cork, you will find its construction and the various techniques involved quite interesting. It has to be said that all cork floors are not manufactured in the same way. However, while there are variations in the actual construction from one manufacturer to another, most cork flooring will consist of the following layers:
Cork Underlay: Cork underlay is a low-density cork composite paneling. This is a versatile material and is the perfect solution to someone looking for an affordable way to create acoustic installation in any room. While earlier cork underlay was applied as a separate tile, it is now increasingly being used as part and parcel of the floor panel.
Stabilizing Core: The stabilizing core can be made from high density fiberboard, HDF, or it can be made from medium density fiberboard, MDF. The perimetersof the stabilizing core panels are designed so that each tile can be interlocked to another corresponding tile.
Cork Core: This layer provides the additional shock absorption as well as the insulation that is found in cork tiles. However, this is not present in all types of cork flooring. Whether or not it is added depends on the manufacturer.
Cork Bark Veneer: The cork bark veneer is the layer that you can see. It is also often called the ‘top layer’. The material of this top layer can vary depending on the desired texture or pattern. It can either be made from processed cork or from the bark of the cork tree.
Wear Surface: The wear surface is usually oil, hardened varnish or some type of sealer that acts as a protective layer. It can be field applied or factory applied.
There are two distinct methods for installing cork flooring. One is the glue down application and the other is a floating floor application. The latter is easier and is the more commonly preferred of the two. The only precautions that need to be taken is that the subfloor is even and flat and completely dry before you do the installation.
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Cork Flooring offers a versatile and affordable makeover for any room. The best place to go to for the best cork underlay is iCork Floor.
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