DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES

Cork tiles are used for both floor and ceiling coverings.

Cork is durable, it provides acoustical and thermal insulation, it is resistant to moisture damage and decay, and it is harvested from trees in a sustainable manner.

All-natural protein binders are used today.

Cork tiles are produced by slicing agglomerated cork into sheets.

The use of polyurethane is recommended as adhesive for the installation of the tiles, which is stable without offgassing after cutting, but that could be dangerous during installation, so specify high ventilation levels during installation.

Cork is the outer bark of an oak tree, the Quercus suber, which grows in the Mediterranean. The bark is harvested on a periodic basis - 9 to 10 years -- in large slabs.

 PROS

The trees are strictly protected and the forests are very carefully managed.

It is a very good insulator and its cellular structure is extremely strong, flexible and waterproofing.

There is almost no waste fron the manufacturing process.

 CONS

Concern has been expressed about toxicity of the binders.

The use of some adhesives can create IAQ problems, prefer water-based, low-polyurethane latex adhesives. Use proper indoor air quality precautions.

When working the cork material up into slab form a lot of dust is generated.

Cork tiles are expensive both economically and environmentally because of the transportation from overseas countries.

 RECOMMENDED USES