Benefits of using cork rolls as insulation:
Thermal insulation
Cork has low thermal conductivity, which means that it effectively prevents heat loss in winter and protects against excessive heating of rooms in summer.
Sound insulation:
The structure of cork absorbs sound, making it a good solution for reducing noise inside buildings.
Environmental friendliness:
Cork is a natural, renewable and biodegradable material. Obtained from the bark of the cork oak, it does not harm the tree, making it a sustainable choice.
Lightness and flexibility:
Cork rolls are lightweight, easy to transport and install. They can be easily cut to size.
Moisture resistance
Cork is resistant to mold and fungus, which is important in wooden structures where moisture can be a problem.
Aesthetics:
Cork can be used as an insulator and finishing element, giving the interior a natural and cozy character.
Assembly methods:
Directly on the wall:
Cork can be glued directly to wooden walls using glue suitable for natural materials.
As a layer between the structure:
In frame structures, cork can be placed between wooden beams as an additional insulating layer.
Protection against damage:
To increase the durability of the cork layer, it can be covered with varnish or a special protective coating.
Potential limitations:
Cost: Cork is a relatively more expensive material than other forms of insulation.
Thickness: For optimum insulation, it may be necessary to use a thicker layer of cork, which will reduce the space in the room.
Susceptibility to mechanical damage: Although cork is durable, it can be damaged in areas subject to heavy use.
Advantages of using cork rolls under rubber floors:
Acoustic insulation:
Cork effectively dampens sounds, which is important in places such as clinics, where noise from footsteps or moving objects can be bothersome.
Amortization:
Cork provides additional elasticity and cushioning, which improves the comfort of walking on rubber floors. This is important for both patients and medical staff who spend long hours on their feet.
Thermal insulation:
Cork prevents the floor from feeling cold, which increases the comfort of using rooms in clinics.
Ecologicality:
Cork is a natural, renewable and environmentally friendly material. This is important, especially in the context of sustainable construction and health care.
Moisture and mold resistance:
Cork is naturally resistant to mold and fungus growth, which is crucial in medical environments where hygiene is a priority.
Compatibility with rubber flooring:
Cork creates an even and stable surface on which rubber floors can be easily laid, preventing them from shifting and deforming.
Installation method:
Preparing the substrate:
The surface under the cork should be dry, clean and even. Any irregularities should be removed to avoid damage to the rubber floor.
Laying out the cork rolls:
The cork rolls are unrolled on the floor surface, taking care to fit them exactly to the edges and connect without gaps.
Gluing:
In medical clinics, where floors are used intensively, it is recommended to glue the cork to the substrate using glue designed for natural materials.
Installing the rubber floor:
The rubber floor is laid on the cork layer, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Thanks to the elasticity of cork, rubber floors can withstand loads better and do not wear out quickly.
Potential limitations:
Cost: Cork is more expensive than some synthetic underlays, which can be important for large surfaces.
Thickness: A thicker layer of cork may be needed to achieve the appropriate cushioning properties, which can affect the height of the floor.
Why is this solution suitable for clinics?
Hygiene: Cork is antibacterial and easy to keep clean.
Comfort: Reduces the load on the joints and spine when working long hours standing.
Durability: Works well with rubber floors, extending their life.
Safety: The anti-slip properties of cork and rubber reduce the risk of slipping.
Summary:
Cork rolls as an underlay for rubber floors are a functional, ecological and durable solution, ideal for use in medical clinics. They provide adequate thermal and acoustic insulation, and also increase comfort and safety of use. To maximize their potential, it is worth investing in high-quality cork and installing it properly.
1. Composition and production:
Cork rolls:
Material:
Made of 100% cork granulate obtained from the bark of the cork oak.
Production process:
Cork granulate is pressed and bonded using natural or synthetic binders, then formed into sheets or rolls.
The production aims to preserve the natural properties of cork, such as elasticity, lightness and resistance to moisture.
Purity:
Fully ecological and biodegradable material, with a very high content of natural cork.
Rubber cork rolls:
Material:
A combination of cork granulate with synthetic rubber (most often nitrile rubber - NBR or other elastomers).
Production process:
Cork granulate and rubber are mixed and then formed into rolls using high pressure and temperature.
The addition of rubber improves flexibility, strength and resistance to mechanical damage and chemical substances.
Mixed composition:
Depending on the proportion of cork to rubber, the product properties can be adjusted to specific applications.
2. Functional properties:
Cork rolls:
Thermal and acoustic insulation:
Very good thermal insulation and sound-absorbing properties thanks to the porous structure.
Elasticity:
Good elasticity, but lower mechanical strength compared to rubber cork.
Ecology:
Ideal for people looking for ecological solutions.
Moisture resistance:
Naturally resistant to moisture and mold, although they are not fully waterproof.
Rubber cork rolls:
Mechanical strength:
Thanks to the addition of rubber, they are much more resistant to compression, stretching and mechanical damage.
Elasticity:
More flexible and durable under high load conditions.
Chemical resistance:
Resistant to oils, fuels and other chemicals, making them ideal for technical applications.
Water resistance:
Considerably higher than in the case of cork rolls.
3. Application:
Cork rolls:
In construction:
Insulation of walls, floors and ceilings (thermal insulation and soundproofing).
Decoration:
Cork boards, wall coverings with a natural appearance.
Light industry:
Seals in undemanding applications.
Ecological projects:
In places where the ecological nature of the material is a priority.
Rubber cork rolls:
Automotive and machinery industry:
Seals and shock absorbers, especially where resistance to oils and high loads is required.
Technical construction:
Machine pads, vibration isolation systems.
Sports and industrial floors:
A shock-absorbing layer in places with high traffic or intensive mechanical load.
Other technical applications:
Damping elements in vibrating devices. 4. Advantages and disadvantages:
Cork rolls:
Advantages:
Natural, ecological, good thermal and acoustic insulation properties.
Disadvantages:
Lower resistance to abrasion, loads and moisture.
Rubber cork rolls:
Advantages:
High mechanical strength, resistance to chemicals and water, flexibility.
Disadvantages:
Less ecological (addition of rubber), heavier than pure cork.
Summary:
The choice between cork and rubber cork rolls depends on the specific application:
If naturalness, ecology and insulation are the priority (e.g. in construction or decoration), cork rolls are a better choice.
If the material is to be durable, flexible and resistant to chemical factors and heavy loads (e.g. in the technical industry), rubber cork rolls will work better.