Blocks: Wine Cork Blocks are an intermediate form that are available for fabrication. This is the form that contains the molded wine corks before they are sliced into tiles. The Wine Cork Blocks can be fabricated into many products using processes specifically designed for cork product manufacture. Yemm & Hart recommends locating a manufacturer that already is converting cork into finished products to convert Wine Cork Blocks into a specific product.

Tiles: Wine Cork Tiles are a wood tile or plank product that can be installed by the individual or by the professional flooring installer. When choosing a flooring installation contractor, it is preferable to choose one that is experienced with installing cork floors, wood floors or one that is willing to research how to do it efficiently and successfully.

SUBFLOOR PREPARATION

1.  For the successful installation of cork floor tile, proper preparation of the subfloor is essential. The entire subfloor must be level, smooth, completely dry, clean and free of dirt, grease, wax, paint  or any foreign material that may prevent the adhesive from bonding. On existing wood floors, use a paint or varnish remover then scrub with tri-sodium phosphate. In some cases, it may be necessary to machine sand the floor. After these steps have been completed, the floor must be washed, rinsed and allowed to dry thoroughly.

2.  Wood Floors must be leveled and all cracks filled with a wood filler. The floor should then be sanded to assure uniformity and vacuumed. If conditions require, existing floors may be covered with 3/8 or 1/2 inch securely anchored plywood with both sides free from cavities.

3.  Concrete floors (new or existing) must be leveled with latex fill as needed. Prime the concrete with standard concrete primer. NOTE: Do not install cork floor tile on or below the grade, unless precautions are taken to guarantee that moisture will not penetrate through the subfloor.

4.  If installing on existing vinyl or other smooth surfaces, rough up surfaces to ensure good adhesive bond. Existing vinyl and sheet goods subfloors must be in good condition, firm and clean.

TILE INSTALLATION

1.  Acclimate the cork tiles by removing them from the packing materials and place open tiles in the room where the installation will take place for 48 hours prior to installation. Temperature should be between 60ºF and 70ºF (15ºC and 21ºC) with normal levels of humidity during this period as well as during subsequent installation.

2.  Follow the adhesive manufacturer's instructions for application of adhesives. For adhesives requiring a trowel application it is essential to use the proper trowel size to ensure the correct amount of adhesive is applied.

3.  Begin setting the tiles into the adhesive, according to a predetermined plan. A typical plan starts with 2 lines drawn on the floor of the room, each parallel with 2 opposite walls and crossing in the center of the room. One tile is placed in each quadrant with their corners touching directly above the crossed lines. Subsequent tiles are set around the first tiles and along the plan lines, working towards the walls. The final tiles against the wall, thus are the only ones requiring trimming.

4.  Carefully roll tiles with a standard 100 or 150 pound tile roller. Tiles should be rolled a minimum of four times in each direction. To clean excess adhesive from tiles after installation, use a damp cloth if the adhesive is wet or mineral spirits if it is dry.

5.  Tiles may be cut with a linoleum or utility knife. Be sure knife is sharp.

6.  After installation, restrict heavy traffic for 24 hours or more, depending on type of adhesive used.

7.  Urethane or flooring wax can be applied immediately following installation. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

ADHESIVES

Cork Floor Adhesive and Installation Products –
Chemrex CX-941 by BSAF – A one component, polyurethane based trowel-grade, waterproof structural adhesive with vapor reducing characteristics. It is VOC compliant, suitable for indoor or outdoor applications and contributes to LEED credit
.

Another adhesive worth consideration is the readily available water-based contact cement. Cork, being a porous material, will allow the water in the adhesive to evaporate and develop a strong bond. It is recommended that contact cement be tested before installing an entire floor.

MAINTENANCE

Maintenance will vary depending upon the type of finish used on the cork floor.

For All Finished Cork Floors -
Wipe up liquid and vacuum particle spills immediately.
Daily vacuum or broom sweep to remove fine particles that will scratch the floor.
Every week, damp mop with a mild detergent or vinegar/water solution.
For protection of the finished cork floor, use entrance mats at doors that can breath. Install wide protectors under feet of furniture and only allow furniture with wide casters. The use of drapes or other window treatments can protect the floor from fading, a result of exposure to direct sunlight.

For Urethane Finished Cork Floors – After a few years the finish may start to wear off and this is the time to lightly sand the surface and reapply a new coat of urethane.

For Wax Finished Cork Floors – Occasionally use liquid solvent wax when cleaning. For major cleaning or refinishing, use electric buffing with 00 steel wool discs and then reapply the wax finish with lamb’s wool pads.

 Please contact us if you need further information or help with a specific application.

All information given herein is offered in good faith as general guidelines for floor and wall installers. It is the responsibility of the installer to determine the correct adhesive to be used based upon jobsite conditions and to follow all instructions accurately based upon existing conditions at the time of the installation. Yemm & Hart Ltd assumes no liability for the installation.