When you think of cork, what first comes to your mind? Perhaps wine bottle corks? Cork has long been thought of as something that is used for wine bottles and not much else. But as it turns out, cork is one of the more versatile and interesting materials at our disposal, especially when it comes to our homes. The diverse ways that cork can be used are nothing sort of stunning. Perhaps best of all is the fact that cork is environmentally friendly and safe.
Whether it’s being used in sound proofing, flooring tiles or a range of other uses, cork stands as one of nature’s most impressive materials. The simple fact is that while cork may not be “new and sexy” there is no denying it’s benefits. If you want a greener and healthier home then you’ll want to opt for cork whenever possible. In this article, we will explore the diverse ways that cork is being used as well as its many benefits.
1.Cork is Environmentally Friendly
First, it is important to note that cork is viewed as being environmentally friendly and for good reason. Typically, wood products depend on wood being harvested from trees; this of course means that trees must be cut down to provide the wood used in the form of lumber.
Cork, however, is quite different. Cork harvesting does not require trees to be cut down. Instead, the bark of a tree is removed and harvested in order to create the cork. The tree then regrows its valuable cork. Since cork is completely renewable and requires no trees to be cut down, cork is seen as a very environmentally friendly product. Combine all of these facts and it becomes clear that cork is an outstanding, if not overlooked, material.
2.Cork Can Be Great Home Insulation
In understanding why cork is so impressive it is first key to understand cork’s properties. Cork is used in wine bottles due to the fact that it is practically impermeable, but that is only the beginning. Cork is also naturally fire retardant and has both acoustic and insulating properties. This combination of properties means that cork is an ideal choice for home insulation.
3.Cork Has Acoustic Properties
Those worried about chemical insulations and the health hazards that they bring will, will find that cork is an interesting and compelling alternative. Today, cork tiles are uses in flooring for many reasons. One of the top reasons cork tiles are appearing with greater and greater frequency in homes is that cork tiles have acoustic properties.
If you want to keep noise from traveling from one floor to the next then cork flooring can do the trick. While there are plenty of other sound absorption options, cork has the benefit of being natural and renewable.
4.Cork Doesn’t Trigger Allergies
Individuals with chemical sensitivities will really love all that cork has to offer. New cork can smell upon initial installation, but the truth is that cork is generally a non-allergenic product and is considerably safer than chemical-based options.
5.Cork Resists Mold Growth
Plus, unlike most other forms of insulation, cork is highly resistant to water damage and thus mold growth. Mold is a constant concern for homeowners but those who opt for cork insulation have a little less to worry about. For homeowners living in colder, wetter climates, the benefits of cork all around can be rather substantial.
6.Cork Board is Also Easy to Use and Loaded with Benefits
Considering all of these facts it is no great surprise that cork insulation is a winner. Products such as cork board help underscore the versatility of cork as a building and insulation product.
Cork board is all natural and does not require glues or binders, which is important for those with chemical sensitives are looking to achieve a high indoor air quality. Glues and binders are some of the more problematic areas when it comes to air quality issues and cork easily addresses this issue.
Cork board also has a good R-value meaning that it functions well as an insulator, meets fire-safety requirements and even qualifies for LEED credits. Additionally, cork insulation is durable while at the same time biodegradable. The biodegradable nature of cork is such that cork products can easily be recycled and contain no harmful chemicals. It is possible to find cork board and cork insulation that is made from waste that comes from the cork stopper industry. Recently, cork has even been used for the facades of buildings, due to its insulation properties, durability and exceptional acoustic insulation properties.
7.Cork Can Make Amazing Flooring
Both cork flooring in the form of tiles and cork insulation are also becoming increasingly popular in home construction and remodeling due to the fact that they are easy to use. Cork flooring and tiles are lighter weight and easier to cut and place than stone tiles. Cork flooring is more durable than linoleum and other engineered flooring products and does not have the degassing issues associated with petroleum based tile and flooring options.
Sound absorbing cork tiles are also a good option for those looking for ways to reduce sound while also avoiding degassing. Sound absorption tiles are usually made from chemicals and can provide significant issues for those with chemical sensitives or homeowners looking to improve indoor air quality.
Even Your Wine Corks Can Be Useful
We started out this article mentioning wine corks. Now that we’ve pointed out so many benefits to cork, perhaps you’re a little less eager to throw away those handy plugs that keep our wine so well-plugged. If you’re looking for ideas for what to do with your old corks, check out this great article at This Old House. Their creative ideas range from making mulch to making doorstops.
The future is very bright for this versatile, eco-friendly and green building product. Cork may be more expensive than other options, but there are many benefits that make up for the difference in cost. The fact that cork products tend to last much longer than other options is a significant benefit. If you are looking for an eco-friendly product with superior capabilities, you’ll want to check out how cork can benefit your home.