As building science advances, we tend to reach for the newest technology for the answers. Sometimes, that technology can combine ways old and new and needn’t be toxic. Spray Cork is an excellent example of a creative and tested solution for external building finishes, cork spray insulation, and waterproofing that uses an old, natural construction material. Spray Cork is a paint or stucco substitute made up of 80% cork granules and 20% water-based paint that comes in various colors. Spray cork has a similar appearance to stucco. It has a textured surface that is pleasant to the touch. Cork is comparable to paint in nature, although it is denser. It comes in the same number of colors as regular paint and can be tinted.
Uses of Cork Coating
Spray cork may be used on almost any surface that would typically be painted. Spray cork may be applied directly to all types of traditional home siding. Cork texture also provides an excellent antislip surface, ideal for decks, patios, and pathways. Cork does not get as hot to the touch as brick or stone, making it an excellent choice for pool decks.
Spray cork may also be used in interior wall cavities to seal air gaps as an alternative to spray foam but without the need for construction depth. Unlike closed cell spray foam, it is breathable and enables vapor to pass through it, allowing the wall assembly to dry. Before putting insulation in an uninsulated wall cavity, this treatment would be sprayed into the cavity to seal gaps and air leakage points. This application method might help preserve wooden walls from mold and decay by using a protective cork coating over the wood. If you enjoy the look of spray cork on interior walls, you may apply it straight to them.
Cork is a highly renewable resource generally collected in Portugal from federally protected Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified forests. Throughout the trees’ 150-250-year lifespan, the bark is collected every nine years. As a result, cork harvesting does not harm the trees. Even better, the granules used in spray cork are generally leftovers from the cork stopper business.
Cork Spray Exterior Cost
Prices for new materials might always fluctuate due to the varying quality of different items. There will be firms that attempt to be the cheapest, but you get what you pay for. When individuals charge the least amount of money, you usually receive the lowest quality. For example, cork spray is becoming a popular product in Canada. However, many firms sell low-quality products. As well, some businesses utilize low-quality ingredients.
Traditional synthetic foams do not provide thermal insulation. Our Cork Sprays cost between $2 and $3 per square foot of material. The average overall cost for a two-story residence, including labor. Only material ranging from 2-3 per Sq. Ft. This product’s key features. For example, to insulate a 1500-square-foot area with a one-inch-thick layer of closed-cell spray foam insulation, you’ll cost between $1500 and $2250. Because there is an economy of scale at work, the bigger the square footage, the lower the cost.
Spray Cork Insulation
Cork is an excellent insulator. Cork provides some thermal and acoustic insulation despite being applied at such tiny thicknesses. In this regard, its advantages significantly outweigh those of standard paint or stucco. Thermal spray cork insulation is not assessed in R-value. It is instead measured in terms of thermal conductivity. The rate at which temperature passes through a substance is measured as thermal conductivity. According to Vipeq, their Cork has a thermal conductivity of 0.058. A low number, like Cork, implies it transmits less energy, functioning as an effective thermal barrier.
Spray cork closes gaps and air leaks very efficiently, and an airtight structure is a significant step toward a thermally efficient construction. Thus, despite the lack of an R-value, spray Cork is a unique method for increasing thermal efficiency and lowering heating/cooling expenses.
Maintaining Spray Cork
Sediments and dust seldom stick to the surface of Cork, and when they do, they may be washed away. After a decade, like any paint, the finish may fade in the sun and require reapplication.
For exterior application, several spray cork products come with ten to fifteen-year guarantees. According to Cork Sol, Spray cork may endure for more than 20 years and outlast other exterior paints. Spray cork may need to be reapplied at varying rates according to the application. For example, the surface of a deck would most likely require reapplication sooner than that of an external wall.
Cork Spray is essentially a home skin. It is a cork and water resin-based paint, with Cork accounting for 80 percent of the composition. It is placed outside or inside homes and structures to provide a breathable, waterproof, thermic, and sound deadening covering. It is impervious to sea salt, fungus, and UV radiation. Cork Spray keeps a consistent interior temperature regardless of the outside temperature. It is antislip and may be used on pathways, walkways, and patios.
