Is CORK flooring for you?

Have you been looking at sustainable flooring alternatives to wood flooring.
Read further if you cannot decide if Cork flooring is suitable for you.
Cork flooring has the following characteristics:

- Cork is a renewable resource. The bark of the Cork tree is peeled to make cork products. In a few years, the bark grows back and ready to be harvested again.

- Cork is a fairly good insulator that will not conduct heat like wood or tile flooring. It is not a good option for radiant heat.

- Cork feels great to walk on barefoot because it feels soft and it is never too hot or too cold.

- It is not hard surface, so it is great for children's rooms.

- It is a great choice for areas such as kitchens or laundry rooms, where you stand for long periods of time. However, any water spill should be cleaned up fairly quickly.

- Cork in its nature does not offgas. However be sure that the product you buy is treated with low or zero VOC finish.

- Cork flooring is available in floating panels that snap together and is ideal for a DYI application. There is an air space under the panels. Make sure that a felt underlayment is installed to prevent excessive noise when you walk.

available in many colors (Cork by DuraDesign)

- There are a wide array of finishes and looks available to fit your taste.

You can mix different colors to create a design of your choice.

- Cork flooring can be recycled.

- It is not an ideal product for a sunny area because it fades in bright light.

We love this product because of its wonderful qualities and availability in a variety of colorful finishes.

Keep pollution out of your home

 Keep your indoor air quality at healthy levels, follow these simple steps recommended by American Lung Association.

• Declare your home a smokefree zone.  Never let anyone smoke indoors. Ask smokers to go outside.
• Test your home for radon, an invisible gas that causes lung cancer.  Every home should be tested since radon may be found in any home.  If your home has high radon, it can be fixed.
• Keep humidity levels under 50 percent.  Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner, as needed. Clean equipment regularly so they don't become a source of pollution themselves. Open windows or use the ventilator in the kitchen when boiling liquids.
• Be sure to replace filters on heaters and purifiers as often as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Fix all leaks and drips in the home. Standing water and high humidity encourage the growth of mold and other pollutants.
• Put away food, cover trash and use baits for pest control and not pesticides.
• Avoid burning wood because it adds pollution indoors and out.  Don't use outdoor wood boilers, also called hydronic heaters, to heat your home's water. They add unhealthy soot to the air in your neighborhood. 
• Install a carbon monoxide detector in any room with a fireplace, gas heater, gas dryer, or gas stoves. Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and is called the silent killer. The first signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are headaches and flue-like symptoms without a fever.
• Don't use scented candles or fragrances to hide odors. Figure out what is causing the odor, then clean that up and ventilate to add fresh air.
• Use cleaning, household and hobby products that are less toxic. Don't store hazardous chemicals in your home.