Cork sealant is a plastic filler for joints between floor coverings. The combination of different materials allows you to embody complex design ideas and make the interior more comfortable for life. Thanks to the elastic filling of the seams, you can do without sills and achieve a smooth surface without violating the pattern on the floor.
Application area
When laying flooring, joints are formed between different types of materials. To close an unaesthetic gap, false sills are often used, but in many cases cork welding is the preferred option. This method is suitable for thick linoleum, a laminate of two types, as well as for processing the joints of tiles and laminate. If the floor level matches, the coverings can easily be combined into a single plane. Filling the weld cavity with a liquid plug looks aesthetically pleasing and durable. The plasticity of the material in this case allows you to compensate for shrinkage, thermal and age deformation of the coating, as well as reduce vibration from the through load. Cork wood sealant is also suitable for processing joints between laminate and parquet, to avoid the creak of floorboards.
When laying the floor, a gap is formed between the floor covering and the wall. Fluid plug is used to seal these joints. The material does not interfere with natural vibrations of the floor, but steadily maintains integrity. This type of sealant is well suited for floors insulated with mineral wool: the air flow that can carry small fibers to the surface is reliably blocked.
Bark of balsa wood has excellent sound-absorbing properties, therefore, a sealant based on it is used for gluing soundproof panels and sealing joints between them.
Composition
The main component of the sealant is cork chips, the volume of which occupies up to 90% of the total mass. Polymers for gluing occupy from 5 to 7%, and the remaining 3-5% is water, with which the mass is brought to the desired consistency. The quality of the components is determined by the durability and reliability of the sealant required during operation. The crushed cork is characterized by elasticity, resilience and water resistance, and after the composition has hardened, these characteristics must be preserved in full.
A polyacrylic adhesive is typically used as a binder component. This substance is water soluble and safe for health, since it does not emit any harmful chemicals. Polyacrylate has good adhesive properties, and its characteristics are similar to those of cork. However, it also prevents the absorption of moisture, helps to destroy harmful microorganisms and stops the decomposition caused by various oxidizing agents and ultraviolet rays.
The properties
A poorly laid floor and poorly finished joints can cause a lot of trouble: the creaking of floorboards will not allow you to fully enjoy comfort. To avoid unnecessary costs associated with the conversion of flooring, it is necessary to use high-quality sealant. Cork products have all the necessary characteristics:
- resistant to temperature extremes;
- not subject to rotting and fungus formation;
- do not change the structure under the influence of ultraviolet radiation;
- have sound, heat and waterproofing properties;
- suitable for use with any kind of materials and surfaces;
- perfectly fill joints and repeat the shape of the laminate joints;
- do not cause allergic reactions.
Thanks to a well-balanced composition, cork is an environmentally friendly product. The sealant is durable, not prone to shrinkage and drying.
Benefits
Liquid cork sealant is made from natural components, therefore it can be used in residential premises, as well as in special purpose buildings, for example, in kindergartens. An extensive color palette allows you to choose a shade to the coating from any wood species, and thanks to light-resistant colors, the available gamut becomes almost unlimited. The joint of the tile and the laminate becomes almost invisible.
The installation process, as well as dismantling is extremely simple and will be affordable even for a novice in construction matters. During the repair, this quality will save significant money and time on the search for specialists. Unlike silicone and rubber sealants, the liquid cork does not harden over time, remains resilient and elastic. Its unique features include the ability to return to its original shape after deformation. Thus, a sealant based on cork oak bark compensates for seasonal variations in the expansion and contraction of natural parquet and laminate boards. The relatively low price makes the mass affordable and acceptable, even with a meager budget.
Due to the natural antiseptic properties, the sealant prevents the formation of rot, mold, fungus. Various rodents and insects, he also does not attract. Cork does not accumulate static electricity, which is especially important when laminate flooring.
Kinds
Cork sealant can be of two types: with a solvent in the composition and without it. Due to the presence of solvent, the treated joint has greater strength, frost resistance and water-repellent properties, however, it can emit an unpleasant odor until it dries completely. Sealant without solvent does not emit any fumes and is safer, but has less resistance and durability.
Mounting Features
Cork sealant is applied to the joint cavity with a spatula or air gun. Surfaces should be pre-degreased and thoroughly dried. Masking tape is glued to the edges of the surfaces . Then the junction is carefully filled with liquid material, the surface is leveled with a damp spatula or trowel and left to dry completely.
The polymerization period can last from 24 to 48 hours, depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment, as well as the brand of the manufacturer. After hardening, masking tape can be removed. The characteristics of cork sealants are unique. One of the main advantages of the composition is ease of application and exceptional durability. Thanks to the liquid plug, repair becomes easier and more affordable.