A lot has been said about the many benefits of cork flooring. By now you are sure to know that cork floors are durable and sturdy and capable of withstanding the wear and tear that is normal in any household. It is also much more cost effective than most other flooring options and is easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, because of the air-filled structure of natural cork, it also offers considerable shock absorbing as well as sound absorbing qualities as well as a high degree of temperature insulation. Besides all of this, did you know that cork flooring offers several health benefits too?
Sure, most of us do not really think about health benefits when we think about flooring. In fact most of us do not see it as having any impact at all on our health. At the most we know that it offers us a warm and comfortable surface to walk on. Well, the truth is, cork floors offer us many more health benefits.
The most significant benefit of cork flooring is the fact that it is anti-allergenic. Cork contains Suberin, which is a naturally occurring waxy substance. When the cork is harvested from the tree and processed to manufacture floor tiles, it retains this substance. It is this Suberin that gives cork floors their water resistant qualities and also helps prevent the accumulation of pet dander, pollen, dust or mold. All of these substances can be easily removed from the flooring by simply vacuuming or sweeping the floor regularly with an occasionally mopping done with a damp mop. This can be a great relief if you have anybody in the home is allergic to any of these substances or if your mother in law who is visiting for the week is allergic to pet dander. If you have cork floors, you do not have to keep your dog in the backyard during that week. Instead, all you need to do to prevent any allergy flare up is to sweep up
Cork flooring is also resistant to mold mildew and water so it can safely be used in kitchens, basements and bathrooms without worrying about getting ill. Usually these areas are prone to getting damp and remaining damp for long periods of time, which promotes the formation of mold and mildew. The spores of mold and mildew can make you sick and can cause flare ups in people who are prone to suffering from allergies. Because of corks inherent resistance to mold and mildew, it offers you a healthier flooring option especially in the bathroom, kitchen and basement.
Another significant health benefit lies in the shock absorbing property of cork. Cork cells are filled with air. As you walk over the surface, these cells tend to absorb the impact so your knees do not feel the impact as much. In this way cork helps in the prevention of damage to joints by providing a comfortable shock absorbent surface to walk on and even to exercise on.