Cork-based exterior wall coatings are a type of finish that is applied to the exterior walls of a building using a mixture that contains cork as one of its main components.
This coating is known for its unique properties and benefits, which include thermal insulation, waterproofing, and durability.
As a company, we do not actually offer this cork-sprayed system and at the time of writing, have no plans to do so, but as we blog each week about new things we find related to wall coatings, we thought it would be an interesting topic to discuss.
Again, please note, if you are looking to buy this cork wall coating system, please do not call us, as we do not sell it, but there are plenty online who do, although we are not vouching for them obviously.
Anyway, lets read on and learn about cork based exterior wall coatings.
Cork is not just for your wine bottle!
Cork is a naturally occurring material, which has been used for centuries for a variety of things although most of us would know cork from wine bottles.
I myself have been to a cork forest, in Portugal, and seen how they carefully remove the bark from cork trees (without killing the tree) and stack them up in rows to dry out before being sent to a factory.
It is quite a bizarre sight to behold and I would recommend going to see the process if you ever get the chance.
Cork Based Exterior Wall Coatings Explained
One popular method to upgrade an exterior wall is with spray cork-based coating.
This article reviews the pros and cons of this new approach to insulate and waterproofing walls.
Many homeowners are turning to spray cork insulation for its many advantages, such as superior thermal insulation and sound control, although at present most homeowners choose the more traditional types of wall coatings that we sell, but a little competition is never a bad thing!
I am sure that cork sprayed coatings for walls have their practical uses, I need to go and see it being installed to make up my mind as to whether I like it or not.
Composition of cork wall coatings
Cork-based exterior wall coatings are created from recycled natural cork granules combined with water-based resins.
This creates a breathable, waterproof and thermal insulating layer for the exterior of your building.
These corked wall coatings are highly breathable and reduce fading on walls.
This means you’ll enjoy a longer-lasting finish for your home or business with a cork based wall covering.
This product is also environmentally friendly, as it comes from natural cork oak forests that are harvested every nine years to maintain the trees’ health and avoid destruction during harvesting.
Application of cork wall coatings
Cork-based exterior wall coatings offer several advantages to both buildings and the environment. Not only do they provide thermal insulation, but they can also absorb some sound waves.
Spray cork can be applied directly to render, steel, aluminium, wood, brick and vinyl surfaces – it’s versatile enough for nearly any paintable application and easy to apply apparently.
Cork-based exterior wall coatings are also great for sealing air gaps in walls and reducing heat loss, especially when applied before insulation is installed.
These advantages can reduce heating bills by up to 30% according to the manufacturer.
Benefits to the homeowner having a sprayed cork based wall coating
Many homeowners appreciate the fresh-painted house look. Unfortunately, paint will inevitably fade, crack, and peel over time.
Cork-based exterior wall coatings, on the other hand, offer several practical advantages.
Not only do they protect buildings against water damage and improve energy efficiency and acoustic insulation levels, but they can also enhance aesthetic appeal.
Paint tends to lose about 1% of its durability annually, while wood typically loses 10%.
These products offer an environmentally friendly and non-toxic alternative to traditional paint. They’re free from VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and hazardous substances.
Spray cork products are responsibly sourced from sustainable cork oak forests, so the trees don’t have to be cut down for production.
Downsides of cork wall coatings.
Cork-based exterior wall coatings are an excellent choice for insulating buildings. Their low thermal conductivity makes them a reliable barrier against heat transfer, which in turn reduces your heating and cooling bills.
They are fairly NEW products and as such, have a very limited proof of performance, and any of these products do not have the coveted BBA certificate, essential when choosing a building material.
Sprayed cork coatings are VOC free, meaning they don’t contain any hazardous chemicals. This is an enormous advantage for green homebuilders and eco-conscious homeowners.
According to a recent post on “healthyflat.com” they argued that…….
Spray cork is Not recommended in areas exposed to light
This is one of the most notable disadvantages of using sprayed cork. When direct light is received, cork can dry out and lose some of its properties, including those that make spray cork insulation waterproof.
Cork spray offers an advantage over paint, which can crack and flake with age; unlike cork spray which is elastic and adheres well to many surfaces.
The fellas over at buildwithrise.com also argued that a spray cork wall coating only ideally will last for just 10 years, compared to a spray applied wall coating, which will last over 20 years, and is CHEAPER than cork.
Not only is it more resistant to moisture than paint, but you won’t have to reapply as often either so they say however surely cork being wood based would SOAK UP water? No idea.
Plus, with cork spray you could get up to 20 years of service out of it – significantly longer than many other exterior paints!
What are the pros and cons (in our opinion) of Cork wall coatings?
Pros of cork-based exterior wall coatings:
- Thermal insulation: Cork is a natural insulator, which means that cork-based exterior wall coatings can help regulate the temperature inside the building by reducing heat transfer through the walls. This can result in improved energy efficiency, lower heating and cooling costs, and increased comfort for occupants.
- Waterproofing: Cork is highly resistant to water and moisture, making cork-based exterior wall coatings excellent for protecting buildings from water damage, such as from rain or humidity. This can help prevent issues like mould growth, rot, and deterioration of the walls over time.
- Durability: Cork-based exterior wall coatings are known for their durability, as cork is a resilient material that can withstand harsh weather conditions, UV radiation, and other environmental factors. This can lead to a longer lifespan for the coating and reduced maintenance requirements.
- Eco-friendly: Cork is a renewable and sustainable material that is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees, without harming the tree itself. Cork-based exterior wall coatings are therefore considered environmentally friendly and can contribute to green building practices.
Cons of cork-based exterior wall coatings:
- Cost: Cork-based exterior wall coatings may be more expensive than other types of exterior wall finishes due to the cost of harvesting and processing cork. However, the long-term benefits in terms of energy savings and durability may offset the initial cost.
- Application complexity: Applying cork-based exterior wall coatings requires skilled and experienced professionals, as it can be a complex process that requires careful preparation and application techniques. Improper application may result in reduced effectiveness and durability of the coating.
- Aesthetics: While cork-based exterior wall coatings are available in various colours and textures, they may not provide the same aesthetic options as other types of wall finishes, such as paint or stucco. Some individuals may prefer the look of other finishes over cork-based coatings.
- Maintenance: While cork-based exterior wall coatings are durable, they may require periodic maintenance, such as resealing or repainting, to maintain their effectiveness and appearance. This can add to the overall maintenance costs of the building.
Regardless of what exterior wall coating you wish for your own home, each application is only as good as the competence and skill of the person applying it. All repairs needed to the house must be done before application, including crack repairs, re rendering, damp proofing and removal of flaky paint.
If this prep work is not done, the job will not last, so make sure you choose a reputable company.
And if you go on a cork wall coating website and they are displaying the following image….
WARNING! This is NOT a house they have done, nor it is a house with a cork based wall coating. This is STOCK image from an online photo agency and can be found here
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/chorleywood-hertfordshire-england-uk-february-27th-1657820962
The house above does NOT have a sprayed cork wall coating and should not really be used to advertise as such. The house above almost certainly has coloured render applied to the walls, not spray cork.
So make sure you can go and view some actual, real examples of their work, NOT pretend house photos they have bought online.
All the work we do, we post on this website so you always know what you are getting. It is our handiwork, not stolen from elsewhere.
In conclusion, cork-based exterior wall coatings offer unique benefits such as thermal insulation, waterproofing, durability, and eco-friendliness.
However, they may also have some drawbacks in terms of cost, application complexity, aesthetics, and maintenance requirements.
It’s important to carefully consider the specific needs and goals of a building project when considering cork-based exterior wall coatings as a potential option.
Consulting with a qualified professional and conducting thorough research is recommended to make an informed decision.
Bear in mind we did not approach a cork wall coating company before we wrote this, so if any of them reads this and would like to clarify something or dispute something, I am happy to listen so email us with any concerns or praise indeed.
Both resin-based wall coatings and cork-based wall coatings have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the suitability of one over the other depends on various factors, such as the specific requirements of the project, budget, climate, and personal preferences.
Resin based wall coatings Vs. Cork based wall coatings: A direct comparison.
Resin-based wall coatings:
- Durability: Resin-based wall coatings are known for their durability and can provide a long-lasting finish that is resistant to wear and tear, UV radiation, and weathering. They are typically more resistant to impact, abrasion, and cracking compared to cork-based coatings.
- Aesthetics: Resin-based wall coatings offer a wide range of colours, textures, and finishes, providing greater design flexibility and customization options. They can create a smooth or textured appearance, and can be used to achieve a variety of architectural styles.
- Water resistance: Resin-based coatings are typically highly water-resistant, which can provide effective waterproofing for the walls and protect against moisture-related issues such as mold growth, rot, and deterioration.
- Low maintenance: Resin-based coatings are generally low-maintenance, requiring minimal upkeep and typically only needing occasional cleaning or resealing. They may not require as frequent maintenance as cork-based coatings.
Cork-based wall coatings:
- Thermal insulation: Cork-based wall coatings are excellent thermal insulators, providing natural insulation properties that can help regulate the temperature inside the building and reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling.
- Eco-friendliness: Cork is a renewable and sustainable material that is harvested from cork oak trees without harming the tree. Cork-based wall coatings are considered environmentally friendly and can contribute to green building practices.
- Breathability: Cork-based coatings are breathable, allowing the walls to “breathe” and prevent moisture build-up. This can be beneficial in certain climates or for buildings with specific requirements related to moisture management.
- Sound insulation: Cork has good sound insulation properties, which can help reduce noise transmission through walls, resulting in improved acoustic comfort inside the building.
In summary, resin-based wall coatings are known for their durability, aesthetics, water resistance, and low maintenance, while cork-based wall coatings are known for their thermal insulation, eco-friendliness, breathability, and sound insulation.
The choice between the two depends on the specific needs and priorities of a project, and it’s important to consider factors such as climate, budget, performance requirements, and design preferences when making a decision.
Consulting with a qualified professional and conducting thorough research is recommended to determine which type of wall coating is better suited for a particular project.
I hope that you found this impartial article helpful, and if you did, please use the buttons below to SHARE on your social media.
Again please note that this article is for reference and research only, we do not sell this cork based system and it is not a critique, or an endorsement of the system.
To find a supplier please Google “cork based exterior wall coatings” to find someone who offers this.
Meanwhile we’ll stick to our highly popular “Never Paint Again” wall coatings instead!