There's still a lot of confusion in the market about cork flooring. Many people aren't fully aware of what it is, and even some merchants and industry professionals often mix up the terms. This lack of clarity can lead to misunderstandings when choosing or installing cork flooring.
Today, we’ll take a closer look at cork flooring by referencing the industry standard LY/T1657-2006, aiming to clarify common misconceptions and provide a better understanding of this unique flooring option.
Myth 1: The Classification of Cork Flooring – Cork Flooring vs. Cork Laminate
In the flooring industry, "cork flooring" is a general term that includes both traditional cork flooring and cork laminate flooring. These are distinguished based on their appearance and construction methods.
Traditional cork flooring refers to the type commonly found on the market, typically with thicknesses of 4mm, 6mm, or 7mm. It’s made by applying natural cork bark with adhesive and then attaching it directly to a subfloor like concrete or wood. There’s no pure cork flooring without a carrier layer, as per the industry standard.
On the other hand, the lock-type cork flooring seen today is considered cork laminate. According to the standard, it includes a fiberboard base between the cork layer and the backing. It’s installed directly over the subfloor without adhesion, making it easier to install and remove.
Looking ahead, it would be helpful for consumers if these two types were clearly labeled as “adhesive cork flooring†and “lock cork flooring.†This distinction would make it easier to understand their different production processes, installation methods, and maintenance needs. Understanding these differences is crucial for the proper application and promotion of cork flooring.
Myth 2: Confusing the Properties of Natural Cork with Those of Cork Flooring
A common mistake is assuming that all cork flooring has the same physical properties as natural cork. This is a significant misunderstanding, especially when it comes to using cork flooring for underfloor heating (geothermal systems). Some people think that because cork has good insulation properties, any cork flooring must also be insulating. However, this logic isn’t entirely accurate.
Natural cork has excellent elasticity, sealing, thermal insulation, soundproofing, and electrical resistance due to its honeycomb structure filled with air. But when it comes to manufactured cork flooring, the process changes those properties. For example, adhesive cork flooring is made by grinding cork bark and then compressing it at high temperature and pressure. This process flattens the honeycomb structure and reduces the air content, which actually improves thermal conductivity rather than reducing it.
Additionally, the thermal conductivity of a floor depends on both the material and the thickness. Adhesive cork flooring is usually only 4mm thick and is directly adhered to the subfloor, creating a solid, heat-conductive surface. In comparison, other floors like laminate or solid wood composite have much greater thickness and may include air gaps or padding, which reduce heat transfer efficiency.
As a result, adhesive cork flooring performs very well in geothermal systems. Its thin profile and direct installation allow for efficient heat transfer. On the other hand, lock-type cork flooring has similar thermal conductivity to laminate wood flooring, so it’s not ideal for radiant heating systems.
Understanding these differences helps consumers make more informed decisions when selecting the right flooring for their home or project.
Household Appliances Safety Test
Household Appliances Safety Test,Electric Shock Protection Testing Device,Microwave Oven Door Mechanical Durability Testing
Guangdong Yuwei Testing instrument Co., Ltd , http://www.yuweiinstrument.com