At Cork Imports, its safe to say we love our product and we are really passionate about it. We truly believe that our product is a great design choice.
And this is why:
Natural acoustic properties
The unique acoustic and sound dampening structure of cork reduces reverberation and noise transference between rooms.
Sounds great doesn't it?
As one of the few sustainable, renewable and delightful soundproofing materials that won't break your bank, its used in recording studios and theatres because of its efficient sound dampening properties.
Too good to be true you say ... Not so.
Cork is more than 50% air. Cork is made up of a honeycomb structure of air-sealed cells that are designed by nature. The cells absorb the vibrations of sound, dampening and reducing the transference of those sounds to other sources.
So how does it reduce the transference of sound?
Great question!
Sound travels in waves. When the waves are uninterrupted we hear the noise that they make. The honeycomb structure of cork effectively interrupts the sound waves and transforms it into energy and releases only a remnant of the original source.
Cork can also reduce the sound level of percussion noises due to the impact on a slab such as the noise from people moving around, children, dragging furniture or falling objects.
It also happens to be a natural fire retardant. The ultimate two-in-one product!
Natural thermal properties
Cork is one of the oldest insulation materials used commercially. But why?
As someone who had ceramic tiles removed and replaced with cork, we personally know that cork is considerably warmer in winter than either the timber floor or our old ceramics. But knowing it because we live on it isn't necessarily the same as knowing the science behind the claim.
So here is some science...
Thermal conductivity is defined as the amount of heat (in watts) transferred through a square area of material of given thickness (in metres) due to a difference in temperature. The lower the thermal conductivity of the material the greater the material’s ability to resist heat transfer, and hence the greater the insulation’s effectiveness. Typical thermal conductivity values for cork are between 0.035 and 0.043W/m∙K.
Many insulating materials (e.g. cork insulation) function simply by having a large number of gas-filled pockets which prevent large-scale convection. In the case of cork, the air filled honeycomb cellular structure of the natural product means that the heat must be transferred through many interfaces causing rapid decrease in heat transfer coefficient.
The science show that cork, compared with other insulating products.
Cork floors don't need expansion gaps
Cork is commonly used as expansion for other floor coverings.
Expansion is important, particularly for timber and bamboo floors, because it allows your floor to expand and contract in varying climates.
In the varied environments we have in Australia, Cork is the ultimately climate sensitive flooring solution.
And, because you don't need an expansion joint, the end product is a more seamless and aesthetically pleasing result.
Health benefits
Cork has long been touted as having great health benefits.
Cork is anti-microbial and water resistant, which helps to reduce the growth of mould or mildew. The antistatic properties and tight cellular structure of cork ensures that it does not attract or retain dust, pollen or other alleges. This means that your cork floor won't harbour dust mites and being non-allergenic means that it creates a healthier environment for home or office.
