CorkSol Buying Guide

Find out all you need to know when choosing CorkSol for your home

You realise that your home is in need of repair because externally the walls are cracked or discoloured and internally you are cold and there is damp. There are so many options out there that can help - but which is the right one for you?

When considering rendering solutions for your home, CorkSol offers an eco-friendly option with our spray applied cork coating, which stands out from traditional render types. Here's a quick guide to help you make an informed decision:

Types of Rendering Systems

1. Cement Render: Common but prone to cracks due to inflexibility and weather conditions. It typically lasts 7-15 years.
2. Lime Render: More flexible and breathable, lasting up to 30 years, but requires specialist application.
3. Silicone Render: Durable and water-resistant, lasting 25-30 years, though it isn't environmentally friendly.
4. Cork-Based Render: CorkSol's sprayed cork coating offers superior flexibility, crack resistance, insulation, and eco-friendliness. It's long-lasting with a 25-year guarantee and works well in harsh conditions, including salt exposure near coastal homes.

Benefits of Cork-Based Render

On top of features such as weatherproofing, fire resistance, adhesion to almost every surface, and a natural resistance to cracks, damp & condensation, algae & moss, CorkSol's sprayed cork coating offers the following additional benefits:

Durability – CorkSol coatings resists cracking and fading, helping your home maintain a fresh look for decades.
Sustainability – Made from natural cork, it's a low-impact option with excellent insulation and thermal performance, reducing energy bills.
Low Maintenance – Requires fewer repairs over time, making it a cost-effective long-term solution.

Where Can I Use CorkSol?

CorkSol’s spray applied cork coating has various applications, both for internal and external uses. Each application offers specific benefits tailored to different parts of the home or building, while leveraging its natural cork properties for insulation, soundproofing, and weather resistance.

External Wall Coatings

CorkSol is commonly used on exterior walls to provide:

Weatherproofing: It protects against the elements, including rain, sea salts, and algae. This makes it ideal for coastal homes.
Thermal Insulation: The cork helps reduce heat transfer, keeping the home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Crack Resistance: The flexible nature of cork prevents cracks from forming over time.

Internal Wall Coatings

For interior walls, CorkSol offers:

Insulation: It can be applied as Thin Internal Wall Insulation (TIWI), which helps with both thermal insulation and condensation control.
Acoustic Dampening: Cork naturally absorbs sound, making it a great solution for reducing noise within the home.
Mould and Condensation Prevention: CorkSol coatings help control humidity and eliminate condensation, particularly useful for older buildings.

Conservatory Roofs

Applying CorkSol to conservatory roofs can improve thermal regulation by preventing excess heat in summer and heat loss in winter

This makes conservatories more comfortable year-round without the need for additional heating or cooling.

Asbestos Encapsulation

CorkSol's cork coating can be used as a protective coating for asbestos-containing materials, safely encapsulating the material and preventing harmful fibres from being released.

Cracked Render

CorkSol's sprayed applied cork coating can be applied to existing substrates with surface cracks, subject to any necessary remedial work being carried out, to provide a flexible and durable finish. It adheres to various surfaces and can often be used without requiring a full re-render, saving you time and money.

What Else Do I Need To Consider?

When deciding to use CorkSol for your home, several key considerations need to be evaluated:

1. Budget

The cost of applying a sprayed cork coating from CorkSol can vary significantly depending on factors like the size of your property, the condition of the surfaces, and your location. Each project requires a site survey for accurate pricing, and you’ll need to obtain a quote from a member of the Independent Applicator Network.
Costs may also rise if additional preparatory work, such as repairing missing pointing, is required.

2. Surface Consideration and Preparation

Before applying CorkSol's innovative material, the surface must be clean, dry, and free from dust or other contaminants. Any missing pointing or damage to brickwork must be repaired, and a primer might be needed for particularly dusty surfaces
Ensure that these preparatory steps are discussed during your initial consultation.

3. Desired Aesthetic

Our cork coating is available in 27 standard colours and can be custom tinted for larger orders. Your aesthetic preferences, whether for internal or external walls, will influence the overall cost and approach.

4. Durability and Maintenance

While CorkSol is highly durable and crack-resistant, it may still need periodic cleaning. Jet washing is possible but must be done carefully to avoid damage
The product’s natural resistance to algae and moss also makes it a low-maintenance option for homeowners, but regular maintenance should still be factored in.

5. Thermal and Acoustic Performance

Cork is a natural insulator, making our cork coating an excellent option for improving your home’s energy efficiency. However, the full benefit depends on the overall build and insulation of the walls
Additionally, cork can significantly improve soundproofing, especially in areas with high external noise.

6. Environmental Impact

If sustainability is important to you, CorkSol is a strong option. It’s made from natural cork, which is harvested without harming the trees, and helps reduce the carbon footprint of your home by enhancing thermal efficiency.

7. Warranty

Our material comes with a 25-year product warranty, but you should also check the warranty on workmanship with the Independent Applicator. The warranty covers product failures but excludes damage caused by external factors or poor application.

How Do I Get CorkSol Applied To My Home?

If you want to have CorkSol applied to your home, follow these steps:

1. Find an Independent Applicator

CorkSol don’t apply the product directly, but we work with a network of Independent Applicators. You’ll need to contact us with some information about your requirements and we'll connect you with one of these professionals to handle the application.

2. Request a Site Survey

After contacting an applicator, they will perform a site survey to evaluate your property’s condition and determine the scope of work. They will assess the surfaces (brick, render, or other materials) to ensure they are suitable for CorkSol’s sprayed cork coating and identify any preparatory work needed, such as cleaning or repairing missing pointing.

3. Receive a Quote

Once the site survey is completed, the applicator will provide a custom quote. This will vary based on factors such as the size and condition of your home, location, and any specific customizations (e.g., colour choices) you might want.

4. Schedule the Application

After agreeing to the quote, you’ll schedule a date for the application. The applicator will prepare the surface by cleaning it and, if needed, applying a base coat or primer. The sprayed cork material is then applied in two coats using a spray machine, with a total thickness of around 3-4mm.

5. Post-Application Maintenance

Once applied, CorkSol is low maintenance, but occasional cleaning is recommended. You can also contact the applicator for advice on long-term care.

Enter your details below and discover more about the features and benefits of SprayCork.

"*" indicates required fields

Contact CorkSol to find an Independent Applicator in your area.

Find An Applicator