All About the Benefits of Cork Flooring Tiles

Cork, since its discovery have already been fashioned and refashioned to meet various demands that require its use. Known as bottle stoppers, cork is also one of the prominent choices for floor tiling since the end of the 19th century. While its fame died a couple of decades ago, many homeowners are now opting for cork floor tiles.

Fifty years after the first use of cork floor tiles, the interest soon died. But it met its rise in favor again in early 70's when people wanted more nostalgic designs.

One of the main reasons why cork floor tiles are constantly gaining favor and subsequently falling out of public's interest is due to the reason that they are relatively hard to maintain.

But new cork floor tile versions these days are far different from their predecessors. Here are some of the main attributes that you could consider when looking for a new tiling for your floor:

Cork floor tiles appeal to beauty and appearance. Unlike the first age of cork floor tiles, new versions now have various designs and a larger selection of colors that are as good as other types of floor tiles.

The cellular composition of cork makes it durable enough to last for hundred of years. The Library of Congress is made of cork floor tiles and the floor of a church in Chicago which was established since 1890 is made of cork floor tiles. Unlike laminated floor tiles, wood or slate tiles, cork floor tiles are resistant to impact and pressure which help extend its life.

Cork floor tiles are relatively impermeable by liquids and gasses. The main reason for this is that the material has natural suberin which is a waxy substance which makes cork tiles behave this way. For proof, you could look into wine bottle stoppers that are made of cork and check if any amount of fluid escapes through them. This substance is also one of the reasons why corks do not rot.

Cork floor tiles are insect and microbe resistant. Termites would not go near any cork floor and it is impossible for microbe colonies to survive in cork floors.

Cork floors have the resilience that is second to none. This makes it ideal for condo units that require sound proofed floors. It also endures pressure in such a way that the floor cellular composition would return back to its normal state once the pressure is removed. This is the very same property that most manufacturers of other types of floor tiles continuously mimic.

Cork floors could also act as good insulators. If the room is built underground where temperature could reach negative degrees Celsius, you could rely that cork flooring could prevent this unwanted temperature from reaching your feet. In the same process, cork is also known for its heat retardant properties.

Because cork floor tiles are all natural, it also offers hypoallergenic properties that either produce or harbor particulate irritants and harmful chemicals. Cork flooring is also resistant to dust.

The ecological aspects and unique benefits alone could not be equated with the price that other expensive floor tiles could offer. Cork floor tiles are relatively cheaper than other types and have longer life.

There are wide options in floor tiles and cork floor tiles are just one of them. But considering the benefits that these flooring posses, cork have absolutely created a breed of its own.

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