Cork flooring is still a concept that many people find confusing. There's a lot of misunderstanding about what cork flooring actually is, and even some merchants and industry insiders get the terminology mixed up. Today, we’ll take a closer look at cork flooring based on the industry standard LY/T 1657-2006 to clarify common misconceptions.
**Myth 1: Cork Flooring vs. Cork Laminate Flooring**
The term "cork flooring" is a general category that includes both traditional cork flooring and cork laminate flooring. This classification is based on how the products are structured and installed.
Traditional cork flooring refers to the type commonly seen in the market with thicknesses like 4mm, 6mm, or 7mm. It’s made by processing cork bark from oak trees and attaching it to a subfloor using adhesive. According to the industry standard, this type of flooring is defined as a bonded cork floor—made from cork bark processed with adhesive and then attached directly to the ground.
On the other hand, lock-type cork flooring is more similar to laminate flooring. It features a cork surface layer combined with a fiberboard base and a balancing back layer. This type is designed to be installed without adhesive, often using a click-lock system over a subfloor.
To avoid confusion, it would be better for consumers if the industry clearly labeled these two types as "adhesive cork flooring" and "lock cork flooring." These two have different production methods, installation techniques, maintenance requirements, and applications, so understanding the difference is essential for proper use and promotion.
**Myth 2: Confusing the Properties of Natural Cork with Those of Cork Flooring**
Another common mistake is assuming that all cork flooring has the same physical properties as natural cork. For example, many believe that because natural cork is insulating, all cork flooring should also be insulating—especially when used in underfloor heating systems.
This is a logical error. While natural cork does have good insulation due to its honeycomb structure filled with air, this property changes during the manufacturing process. Adhesive cork flooring, for instance, involves high-pressure and high-temperature processing, which compresses the air inside the cork and reduces its insulating effect. As a result, its thermal conductivity improves.
Additionally, the thermal performance of flooring depends not only on material properties but also on thickness. Traditional adhesive cork flooring is typically only 4mm thick and is directly bonded to the concrete floor, allowing for quick heat transfer. In comparison, other flooring types like laminate or solid wood composite floors are much thicker and often installed with underlay, which can slow down heat conduction.
In fact, studies and consumer feedback show that adhesive cork flooring performs very well in underfloor heating systems. The lock-type cork flooring, however, has a thermal conductivity similar to that of laminate wood flooring, meaning it’s not ideal for geothermal use.
Understanding these differences helps ensure that cork flooring is used appropriately and effectively.
Accessibility And Safety Probes
Accessibility and Safety Probes
Guangdong Yuwei Testing instrument Co., Ltd , http://www.yuweiinstrument.com