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<title>BuildDirect - Articles</title>
<link>http://www.builddirect.com</link>
<description>Informative articles on flooring, decking, siding and building materials. Provided by BuildDirect.</description>
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<copyright>Copyright 2009 BuildDirect Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.</copyright>
<managingEditor>merchandizing@builddirect.com</managingEditor>
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<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - Introduction to Cork Flooring</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Cork gives you the a great solution for low-maintenance flooring; beautiful to look at, easy to care for, and soft and warm to touch. Cork flooring is durable enough to handle all kinds of traffic i.e. pets, children, and the elderly.  It is fashionable and insulates against sound, noise and temperature change.  An extremely durable flooring material, cork flooring has outstanding moisture and heat resistance and resists cracking.  And above all, your cork flooring will be the most comfortable floor you will ever walk on.
												 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Introduction_to_Cork_Flooring.aspx</link>
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</item>
<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - Advantages of Cork Floors - Part 1</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Cork floors have been used in commercial and public areas for decades. Some 
										advantages of cork floors are their durability, ability to reduce sound travel, 
										to keep warmth in and cold out, to reduce the presence of allergens. They are 
										easy to care for and very comfortable under your feet. Additionally, in the 
										past few years of technological advancements, cork has become one of the most 
										beautiful and reliable flooring materials available. There is more to it when 
										we talk about the advantages of cork floors, and here is a detailed description 
										to help you decide. Have a look!
									 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Advantages_of_Cork_Floors_Part_1.aspx</link>
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<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - Advantages of Cork Floors - Part 2</title>
<description><![CDATA[ A list of advantages you can expect to enjoy when you install cork floors includes the following:
													 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Advantages_of_Cork_Floors_Part_2.aspx</link>
<guid isPermalink="true">/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Advantages_of_Cork_Floors_Part_2.aspx</guid >
</item>
<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - Cork - Composition and Production</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Cork flooring is manufactured from cork which is a natural product. There is no man made material that can match cork, nor is one likely to replace it. Cork flooring is very resilient. It possesses a unique ability to adapt to various climatic conditions as well as hold up under the highest traffic.
												 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Cork_Composition_and_Production.aspx</link>
<guid isPermalink="true">/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Cork_Composition_and_Production.aspx</guid >
</item>
<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - Preparing to Install Cork Flooring</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Only proper installation can ensure a completely satisfying experience with 
							cork flooring. Most of the time when problems arise with cork flooring, it is 
							about improper installation and not about the product itself. Use of unsuitable 
							adhesives, improper application, poor subfloor preparation or simply ignoring 
							the manufacturer�s instructions can lead to a troublesome flooring 
							installation. Therefore, it is very important to follow the manufacturer�s 
							recommendations and make sure that you follow every minute detail while 
							performing the installation procedure yourself.
						 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Preparing_to_Install_Cork_Flooring.aspx</link>
<guid isPermalink="true">/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Preparing_to_Install_Cork_Flooring.aspx</guid >
</item>
<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - Cork Installation - Subfloor Preparation and Types</title>
<description><![CDATA[ The key to a successful cork floor installation is to achieve a good bond 
							between the subfloor and the flooring.
						 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Cork_Installation_Subfloor_Preparation_and_Types.aspx</link>
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</item>
<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - Cork Floor Installation - Applying Adhesive and Installing Cork Tiles</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Commonly recommended adhesives for installing cork are �water-based contact cement� adhesives which are known to be amongst the most reliable and effective. Cork is a porous material and allows the water in the adhesive to evaporate, creating a strong bond.  Moreover, contact cement is easily available in nearly every hardware store. 
 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Cork_Floor_Installation_Applying_Adhesive_and_Installing_Cork_Tiles.aspx</link>
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</item>
<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - Benefits of a Cork Floor</title>
<description><![CDATA[ A cork floor is now among the preferred flooring materials for people looking 
							for quality and beauty. It works exclusively well at both residential and 
							commercial locations. Superior elasticity, warmth, softness and insulation 
							features added with aesthetics become the main factors why you may want a cork 
							floor in your home or office. Here is a selected list of the benefits a cork 
							floor has to offer:
						 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Benefits_of_a_Cork_Floor.aspx</link>
<guid isPermalink="true">/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Benefits_of_a_Cork_Floor.aspx</guid >
</item>
<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - Cleaning Cork Floors</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Cleaning cork floors once they are installed is a very easy job. Just some 
							prevention followed with regular sweeping and mopping the floor will do the 
							job. Cleaning cork floors requires no special equipment, tools or harsh 
							chemicals. This is an additional way of how cork floors are environmentally 
							friendly in their usage too. Here are the basic steps for cleaning cork floors 
							when newly installed and afterwards too:
						 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Cleaning_Cork_Floors.aspx</link>
<guid isPermalink="true">/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Cleaning_Cork_Floors.aspx</guid >
</item>
<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - Maintaining your Cork Floors</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Cork floors are the easiest floor covering to maintain. Standard maintenance 
							and regular cleaning can easily keep your cork floors beautiful and long 
							lasting. Only some protective measures are required. Here are the suggestions:
						 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Maintaining_your_Cork_Floors.aspx</link>
<guid isPermalink="true">/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Maintaining_your_Cork_Floors.aspx</guid >
</item>
<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - All about Cork Flooring Usage</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Cork flooring is known as a practical, comfortable and decorative floor 
							covering. It has the potential to last for many years in locations which endure 
							very heavy foot traffic like government and public buildings. Besides being a 
							naturally durable and tough material, cork flooring also possesses a unique 
							ability to adapt to various climatic conditions.
						 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/All_about_Cork_Flooring_Usage.aspx</link>
<guid isPermalink="true">/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/All_about_Cork_Flooring_Usage.aspx</guid >
</item>
<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - Cork Flooring - All about Durability</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Cork has been serving as an exemplary flooring material for well over 100 years 
							now. Cork flooring stands out as a distinctive, affordable and beautiful floor 
							covering option with numerous benefits. Durability is one of cork flooring�s 
							outstanding advantages and can be attributed to three elements � cork�s finish, 
							resilience and its unique structure and chemical composition.
						 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Cork_Flooring_All_about_Durability.aspx</link>
<guid isPermalink="true">/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Cork_Flooring_All_about_Durability.aspx</guid >
</item>
<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - Cork Flooring - A Wide Variety</title>
<description><![CDATA[ One of the many reasons why cork flooring attracts flooring buyers is the wide 
							variety of size, shape, color and pattern it has to offer. Cork is so in demand 
							that manufacturers are now producing a variety of options to choose from when 
							it comes to installation methods, d�cor, style and appearance. Here is an 
							account of how cork can become a part of your home and office in your desired 
							manner.
						 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Cork_Flooring_A_Wide_Variety.aspx</link>
<guid isPermalink="true">/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Cork_Flooring_A_Wide_Variety.aspx</guid >
</item>
<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - Cork Floors - Impeccable Elasticity</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Cork floors are known to be very flexible, elastic and compressible. Due to 
							their elastic nature, they can maintain their shape and beauty even if pressure 
							is applied. Cork is said to be one of the resilient most flooring materials, 
							returning to its original shape or form after being subject to everyday sources 
							of compression, such as furniture weight.
						 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Cork_Floors_Impeccable_Elasticity.aspx</link>
<guid isPermalink="true">/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Cork_Floors_Impeccable_Elasticity.aspx</guid >
</item>
<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - Cork Flooring - Ideal for both Residential and Commercial locations</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Cork flooring is a favorite choice of both home and office users for a long 
							time now. It has been used in commercial environments for many years but 
							recently became increasingly popular due to its endurance to heavy foot traffic 
							and varied design possibilities.
						 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Cork_Flooring_Ideal_for_both_Residential_and_Commercial_locations.aspx</link>
<guid isPermalink="true">/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Cork_Flooring_Ideal_for_both_Residential_and_Commercial_locations.aspx</guid >
</item>
<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - Cork Floors - An Environmentally Friendly Flooring</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Cork floors are often called a �green� alternative to traditional flooring. 
							They have proved to be among the best floor covering for those who are looking 
							for an environmentally-friendly flooring product. The main reason of this 
							feature is amazing; nothing is harmed to manufacture cork flooring.
						 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Cork_Floors_An_Environmentally_Friendly_Flooring.aspx</link>
<guid isPermalink="true">/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Cork_Floors_An_Environmentally_Friendly_Flooring.aspx</guid >
</item>
<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - 10 Reasons Why You Should Choose Cork Floors</title>
<description><![CDATA[ <b>Durability: </b>... ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/10_Reasons_Why_You_Should_Choose_Cork_Floors.aspx</link>
<guid isPermalink="true">/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/10_Reasons_Why_You_Should_Choose_Cork_Floors.aspx</guid >
</item>
<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - Cork Flooring - Acoustical Insulation and Impact Noise Resistance</title>
<description><![CDATA[ <i> Sometimes when you need a break from a demanding life, wanting to unwind, you 
								need a break from the noisy atmosphere of the modern lifestyle. In other case, 
								this is also true at the workplace, where silence and focus is the key to 
								success in many ways. </i>
						 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Cork_Flooring_Acoustical_Insulation_and_Impact_Noise_Resistance.aspx</link>
<guid isPermalink="true">/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Cork_Flooring_Acoustical_Insulation_and_Impact_Noise_Resistance.aspx</guid >
</item>
<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - Ten Quick Facts about Cork Flooring</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Cork Flooring is a completely natural flooring product. As far as its features and innate benefits are concerned, no man-made material can substitute or replace cork.  ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Ten_Quick_Facts_about_Cork_Flooring.aspx</link>
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<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - The Manufacturing Process of Cork Flooring</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Cork flooring is manufactured from cork, a natural product. Cork made from is 
							the bark of cork oak tree with a honeycomb structure of 60 � 100 million air 
							cells per cubic inch. This bark can only be harvested if the cork oak tree is 
							at least 25 years old. This harvesting or stripping of the bark process can be 
							repeated every 9 � 12 years, and is done by hand. The older the tree is the 
							better quality of cork it can produce, as the bark becomes smoother every time 
							it re-grows after the harvest.
						 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/The_Manufacturing_Process_of_Cork_Flooring.aspx</link>
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<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - The Dos And Don'ts of Maintaining your Cork Floors</title>
<description><![CDATA[ You have spent a great deal of time, effort and money on your cork floor selection and installation. Now it�s time to know all about how to maintain them for a long time. Here is a quick list of do�s and don�ts while maintaining your cork floors. 
 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/The_Dos_And_Donts_of_Maintaining_your_Cork_Floors.aspx</link>
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<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - The Dos And Don'ts of Cleaning your Cork Floors</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Regular sweeping and mopping is all you need to do to keep your cork floors 
							clean. However there are some preventive measures you must know to keep your 
							cork flooring tidy, steady and intact. And if you follow these instructions, 
							there is the possibility that many future generations in a household will see 
							the same flooring with all its shape and beauty in place.
						 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/The_Dos_And_Donts_of_Cleaning_your_Cork_Floors.aspx</link>
<guid isPermalink="true">/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/The_Dos_And_Donts_of_Cleaning_your_Cork_Floors.aspx</guid >
</item>
<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - The Softness and Comfort of a Cork Floor</title>
<description><![CDATA[ A cork floor meets, and often surpasses, expectations in terms of durability 
							and overall endurance against heavy foot traffic, warmth, and the aesthetic 
							value it adds to any location where it is installed. Another outstanding 
							characteristic of a cork floor is its softness and the comfort.
						 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/The_Softness_and_Comfort_of_a_Cork_Floor.aspx</link>
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<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - Cork Floor Tiles - Pattern, Shading, and Color</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Cork floor tiles are a unique and decorative floor covering material and a 
							great choice for any room in your home or office. Cork floor tiles are finished 
							(whether natural or in color), in the same manner as any hardwood floor 
							(installed and then the urethane applied). They are warm, durable and flexible. 
							However, being a natural product, cork floor tiles show variations in 
							structure, color, and shades from tile to tile. This variation can also exist 
							within the same production of a single pattern or design.
						 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Cork_Floor_Tiles_Pattern_Shading_and_Color.aspx</link>
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<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - Cork Flooring - A Naturally Healthy Choice</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Cork flooring is more than an environmentally friendly option. It's also a healthy choice for your home and office. Cork is naturally anti-allergenic, and contributes in creating a healthy indoor air quality. 
 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Cork_Flooring_A_Naturally_Healthy_Choice.aspx</link>
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<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - Cork Flooring - Exceptional Thermal Insulation</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Cork flooring is the only flooring material with natural thermal insulation ability. Cork is composed of 14 sided cells i.e., 60 � 100 million of them per cubic inch. These cells are insulated and separated from each other and have an enclosed gaseous mixture sealed in them. Due to this composition, cork tissue is considered 90% gaseous on a ratio, and enables a very low density for cork material. 
 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Cork_Flooring_Exceptional_Thermal_Insulation.aspx</link>
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<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - Cork Flooring - Unique and Amazing Technical Propertie</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Cork flooring is now being adapted widely for several reasons. But the most important and unique of those reasons is its characteristic resistance against the traditional enemies to your floor and general environment. This diverse range of resistance comes in the category of cork flooring�s technical properties. Here is a brief description: 
 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Cork_Flooring_Unique_and_Amazing_Technical_Propertie.aspx</link>
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<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - The Recent Fame of Cork Floors</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Cork floors have been around for more than a century, but it is just recently that it is being largely adapted as the flooring of choice by both commercial contractors as well as homeowners. Made from the bark of the cork oak tree, and harvested by hand held equipment, cork floors are becoming an ideal choice due to their resilience, anti-allergenic nature and insulation ability against sound and heat.  
 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/The_Recent_Fame_of_Cork_Floors.aspx</link>
<guid isPermalink="true">/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/The_Recent_Fame_of_Cork_Floors.aspx</guid >
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<item><title>BuildDirect - Cork Flooring Articles - Evora Cork Flooring: Quality Cork Floors at a Discount</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Floors are definitely an important feature in every home.  They provide protection and insulation from outside elements, and they partly determine the look and feel of your home.  Over the years, the search for new flooring options has led manufacturers to delve into materials that were not primarily used in flooring.  These materials are made into viable and durable flooring options that at first many people tend to discount.  Flooring of this kind however not only serves to protect your feet but adds harmony and beauty to your home as well.
 ]]></description>
<pubDate>July 31, 2009</pubDate>
<link>/Cork-Flooring/Cork-Floors-Articles/Evora_Cork_Flooring_Quality_Cork_Floors_at_a_Discount.aspx</link>
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