Pros and Cons of Cork Flooring You Should Know Before Buying

Cork is most widely known for sealing wine bottles. It can also be used to make boards for offices and homes to put stickers and small notes on it. One of the most unknown uses for cork is flooring, it can be fashioned for the floor you walk on with the help of resins and adhesives. This soft and warm surface is a hit choice for when you plan on flooring installation in Parker or elsewhere for your bedroom. Although it is not a new option for flooring, cork has been around for a few years but never used extensively or been a popular choice among homeowners. But with recent product advancements and new materials being used for its production, cork has had somewhat of a resurgence and is gradually picking up a decent market share and cutting into its competitors. Read on below to know why that is the case with its pros and cons outlined.

Advantages

Soft and sponge-like surface

Cork flooring has the ability to absorb sounds made by walking on it and at the same time due to its soft surface helps avoid any major injury to anyone who would fall on it. Besides carpeting, this is the only option that will be extremely comfortable for people to walk on.

Warm to touch

It is warmer than hardwood but not as much as carpet can be. This is a major reason why people opt for cork flooring. The soft and warm combination uplifts the whole specifics of this flooring option which is why people look for this option on the market when looking for flooring options.

Provides sufficient insulation

Along with its warm touch, cork also absorbs sound which makes it suitable to walk on or where heavy traffic would be. The tiny air bubbles present inside cork help with sound insulation and absorption. This factor is a major plus point for people who have small kids in their homes.

Low maintenance

All you need to worry about here is that the floor is properly and timely sealed. Rest it is very easy to get rid of any stains or clean it for that matter. A damp cloth will do the job easily and have it looking good as new. Another reason why cork is a popular option for flooring.

Prevention from germs and microbes

Cork is a naturally resistant material that resists microbes and other dust trapping organisms which leads to the conclusion that it doesn’t have the same issues or air being trapped the same as carpeting.

Disadvantages

Less environment-friendly

Although cork is a naturally occurring substance, when manufacturing cork flooring, resins and adhesives are used. These synthetic materials make it hard for it to be recycled or dumped in a landfill. This option is still a better option than vinyl, carpeting or even laminate.

Can be damaged easily

Due to its soft nature, cork flooring can be easily scratched or damaged by pet claws, heels, furniture or even dropping something heavy on it. So before opting for a cork flooring installation in Parker or elsewhere, make sure the room you select to put it in does not have any of these issues in it else it could be a costly affair.

Short shelf life

Cork flooring will need to be replaced regularly but sometimes proper finishing can extend its shelf life. If used and cared for properly, cork flooring can last up to 25 years.

Expensive option

This is on the higher end of the spectrum and almost as expensive as hardwood flooring although certain high-end options cost more.

Still not a popular option among homeowners, cork flooring is quickly becoming a popular choice for bedroom flooring where it can provide multiple types of decor options. Its biggest upside is its ability to provide insulation between floors and help avoid unnecessary noises. This provides some much-needed soundproofing which also helps with heat and air conditioning in whatever room it might be.

DIY Water Damage Restoration Tips: Cleaning Up A Flooding In Home

It could be a minor leak in the basement or the aftermath of a flood, the end result is water all over your home including places it shouldn’t be in. If not dealt with immediately, water can damage your furniture, equipment, flooring, ceiling, etc. If the damage isn’t too extensive, you might be able to do water damage restoration in Boulder by yourself. But before you start this DIY project make sure that your insurance isn’t invalidated by DIY repairs. If your insurance does not cover water damage, you might as well start. You just need to do some checks and get some equipment before starting.

Before Water Damage Restoration

Before you start your DIY water damage restoration in Boulder, you should check and do a few things in the given order:

Check The Type Of Water: In such cases, water is classified into three categories that are clean, gray and black. Clean water comes from pipes and rain and is safe to clean. Gray water comes from a washing machine, dishwasher, clean toilet, etc. They are slightly contaminated but can be safely cleaned with some safety gear. Black water comes from the sewer and is hazardous, call a professional in this case. You’ll also need a professional if you are dealing with more than a foot or two of water or if it covers more than a hundred square feet because removing too much too quickly can damage the building’s structure.

Shut Down Water & Electricity: If the leakage is coming from your pipes, then shut the piping to prevent more damage. Also cut off the power to prevent water from coming in contact with electricity.

Move Items: Move all your personal belongings to prevent any damage. Heavy items that can’t be moved should be placed on a block to keep it above the water level.

Check Damages: Check all the affected area for mold and warping.

Get Proper Safety Gear & Equipment: You’ll need a mask, rubber gloves, rubber boots, buckets, shop vac, dehumidifiers, fans, disinfectants, cleaning agents, mop, and replacement for damaged drywall and flooring.

During Water Damage Restoration

Once you’ve done all the prep work, it’s time to start the DIY project with the following steps:

Remove Water: If you are dealing with small pools, ten towels should be enough, if the entire floor is covered in water then use a shop vac. You can also rent a sump pump. Use battery operated-equipment to prevent electric shocks from outlets. Pour the water down your drain if it’s not backed up, if it is then throw it in your lawn or any permeable surface.

Dry The Area: Use dehumidifiers and fans to get the air moving and dry the area. If it’s not raining, open the windows to get rid of the humidity. This way, you can prevent mold and mildew from growing.

Disinfect The Area: Even clean water can create an ideal environment for germs to grow. Use disinfectants on the affected areas to clean them.

Remove Damaged Parts: Any items, flooring, drywall, etc. that are warped or have developed mold or mildew should be disposed of. Cut out damaged drywall parts, beams and floors. Collect recyclable items and send them to a recycling plant and dump the rest.

Repair Damages: Get necessary replacements for your drywall, floors and any other damaged items. Repair and replace the affected areas as required, apply caulking and sealants to floors and drywall to protect them. Make sure that the new parts match the old. Be sure to repair the source of the water damage, whether it’s a pipe or a gap in your exterior that’s leaking rainwater.

Once you are done the home, your home should be able to get back to your regular lifestyle. If you don’t already have a water damage insurance, then get one. This way, you’ll be able to hire a company if the damage is too much for you to handle.

Different Categories Of Home And Commercial Fences Based On Materials

Whether you want to add to your home’s curb appeal or protect your factory from intruders, fencing your premises is always a good idea. Fences prevent intrusions, protect your privacy and add to the curb appeal. An important factor you should consider when browsing the website of a fence company in Sebastian is the material it is made from. While fences are built to be strong and secure, the material it’s made out of determines its durability, aesthetics, cost, maintenance requirements and level of security depend. Here are some types of fences based on the materials they are made out of:

Wood Fence

Wood immediately comes to mind when thinking of fences and it’s not hard to see why. For ages, homeowners and business owners have relied upon wood’s strength to protect their perimeter. It can last from 5 to ten years and even longer with proper care. It’s favored by environmentally conscious people because wood is biodegradable. It also ages well adding on to the curb appeal. It can be installed as pickets, solid panels, etc. The problem with wood is that it needs lots of maintenance with sealants, painting, polishing, etc. It rots due to moisture, can be infested by termites and splinters with age.

Bamboo Fencing

Many people prefer bamboo over hardwood for its eco-friendly qualities and folksy appeal. Bamboo fences are available in three styles: live bamboo, bamboo cane and rolled bamboo. Rolled bamboo and bamboo canes are installed with sticks linked together. Live bamboo is planted together to form a fence when they grow. Bamboo can last for twenty years and resists termite infestation.

Vinyl Fence

If you want the look of a wooden fence without the high-maintenance requirements, then a vinyl fence is the best choice for you. Vinyl It’s slightly costlier than wood but makes up for the price difference with its low-maintenance needs. Simply washing it with soap and hose once a week should keep it in top shape. It can be customized to look like wood and can be installed as pickets for curb appeal or solid panels to protect your privacy. They don’t split or crack due to old age or weather so your children and pets are safe from splinters when playing in your yard.

Wrought Iron Fencing

Wrought iron fences are expensive and installed around mansions for decorative as much as security purposes. The metal can be shaped into appealing designs to decorate the perimeter. It’s very strong and won’t dent or scratch easily upon impact. It can last for decades if maintained properly. It rusts and flakes after years so you need to polish it with linseed oil or wax periodically and repaint it every five years. The rust needs to be removed with a commercial rust remover and steel wool. Wrought iron fences are usually installed as thin bars along rails that don’t do much to protect your privacy.

Steel Fence

Some owners prefer steel over wrought iron because steel comes galvanized and coated with zinc which protects it from rusting, so it lasts longer. It has the same advantages as wrought iron fencing when installed the same way. Steel wires are also used in chain-link fences which can cost anywhere between $5 - $40 per foot depending on the features you add. Chain-link is sturdy and reliable but aren’t particularly attractive.

Aluminum Fencing

It’s not as strong or secure as other fencing materials and is used for decorative purposes. Aluminum is cheaper than steel and wrought iron but costlier than wood. It makes up for the price with its low maintenance needs as they don’t rust like other metals and don’t need to be polished and repainted like wood. Its flexibility allows owners to install it on sloping grounds evenly without any bar looking out of place. It can be painted to look like wrought iron and beaten into sophisticated shapes and designs. Many companies offer a lifetime warranty due to its durability.

These are some basic types of fences based on the materials they are made out of. You can hire a fence company in Sebastian to install them or do it yourself depending on the time and resources available.