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By what definition is ‘Green’ in today’s age of ‘going Green’? I think we can all safely say it means using or putting into use products that reduce waste and can be easily renewed or reused without causing extensive damage to the earth that sustains us all. Well then, I’d like to introduce cork for your home building, renovating or ‘going green’ needs. First is the understanding of what exactly cork is: QuercusSuber/QuercusVeriabilis – The Cork Oak Tree It all starts with the cork oak. Most cork oaks are to be found in cultivated orchards throughout the Mediterranean countries such as Portugal, Spain, southern France, Italy, or Morocco. Today though, a small and ever increasing amount of commercial cork is being produced from Chinese cork oaks – QuercusVeriabilis. The Asian Cork Oak has a slower growth cycle than its European cousin. The cork produced from the Asian oak is denser than but not as spongy as the more common cousin. The European Oak can be harvested by the age of 25 years. That same tree can then be harvested every 9-12 years. The Asian Cork Oak is a slower growing tree and is able to withstand being peeled only every 12-15 years. Harvesting can continue until the tree reaches 200 years of age. The cork oak, be it European or Asian, has the natural ability to shed its bark. Scientists believe this ability developed as a natural aberrationto combatwild fires. The cork oak trees ability to shed damaged bark enables the tree survive fire and to reestablish itself as the dominant species. All without having to establish new trees in an area that has been ravaged by fire. This miraculous method has enabled humans to peel the bark without killing the tree. The cork oak is the only tree that has developed this mutation. Secondly, what makes it superior to other materials: Properties of Cork As a natural product, cork’s advantages over its competition are astonishingly diverse. The tree is not clear-cut but peeled for its product. This means the cork tree does not need to be replanted for as many as three human generations. This ensures that cork springs to the top of the “Renewable Resources” list. The costs of heating or cooling a home are increasing. The thermal insulating properties of cork make it an excellent insulator. A cork surface acts like a carpeted surface but without the accumulation of dust or allergens. Reducing noise pollution is something not often consciously thought about. With cork you can at reduce its impact in your environment. Cork is an excellent insulator. This is due to cork’s cellular structure. The “honey-comb” like structure of the bark is made up primarily of chambers air. This is what makes cork so buoyant. Cork produces a natural element called Suberin. This waxy substance acts as a natural repellent to insects, mold and mildew and is capable of resisting water damage or fire damage. With pros such as these standing in corks stead, what more can you ask for. Cork floors prove advantageous in many ways and therefore popular as a flooring choice today. Contact iCork Floor for the lowest competitive prices and order Cork Flooring today.
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