What is spray cork? - VIPEQ

Current demand within the building sector requires the more and more environmentally eco-efficient materials. It is also the case in ecological insulation materials such as cork. For its great virtues and characteristics, it is considered as one of the eco-efficient materials more implemented nowadays.

If cork is applied through mechanical means, that is to say with an aerographic spray gun with an air compressor, we can talk about projected cork. The use of spray cork is aimed both at façade renovation and in new modular buildings.

Applying sprayed cork

Applying spray cork, the building improves its sustainability levels, because it is a renewable or a biosphere recycled material, such as wood, animal or vegetal fibres, natural paintings and varnishes, with low levels in industrial processing. VIPEQ^® spray cork is an ecological product which addresses current demands on environment protection and conservation.

Spain and Portugal represent 80% of global natural cork production. Our granulate provider is AMORIM CORK COMPOSITES, the first cork producer in a global scale. This supply agreement enables us to guarantee the quality of all our consignments.

Cork which comes from cork oak tree cortex (Querqus Suber L) is a very complex material. Cork is a vegetal tissue formed by cells with regular 14 polyhedron faces. The different nature of cellulose cells, of suberin, of wax and of lignin are combined to act as a membrane with great endurance and resistance. Cork is light weighted and floats, 98% of its mass is air. It is elastic; recovers 95% of its original form when there is no pressure over it. It is due to its very flexible membranes. It shows a low conductivity, both on hear as on sound or vibrations. It is a waterproof material. Suberin and ceroids cover its cells and enable to preserve without any alteration cork insulation properties. Its resistance against humidity enable the material to endure without deteriorating. And last, it shows a heat resistance 30 folds higher than concrete.

The product formulations contain a high percentage of low-density cork granules, which, in combination with various acrylic resins and additives, result in spray-applied cork.

VIPEQ^® spray cork products

These are our spray cork products, if you want to know more about them, click on the images.

Characteristics and advantages of spray cork

VIPEQ’s^® spray cork offers a series of advantages and characteristics that make it unique.

It regulates our home temperature

Spray cork works as a thermal corrective reducing thermal bridges in façades, walls and arches. It can also be applied in singular external elements, such as cornices, mouldings, arches, balconies’ ledges and slab structures.

Acoustic improvement

Acoustic improvement, minimizes impact, external and air sounds. Sound absorption coefficient (of acoustical materials) according to NP EN ISO 354.

It avoids microfisures

Its high flexibility enables to absorb structural tensions avoiding the occurrence of micro-cracks.

It dampens impact noise

Spray cork is an impact sound absorber, the problem is also known as ‘drum’ effect and it is caused by the rain. Its high waterproofing power offers also an extra advantage to face this circumstance.

It avoids condensations

Spray cork is very permeable to water steam and therefore it avoids condensations.

Commit to durability

It has excellent durability and requires minimal maintenance.

Spray cork uses are multiple and versatile

The different cork emulsions spray from VIPEQ^® have total adhesion on most materials (mortar, metal, wood, PVC, expanded polyethylene, fiber cement …) and are suitable as:

Façade coatings

Saving energy and improving energy consumption.

Acoustic-reverberation absorbent

Union bridge between ceramic and mortar

Anti-condensation in plate decks (dew effect)

Humidity and condensation protection in buildings

Protection and sealing air conditioning ducts

In its F10 version, it serves as a reinforcement for waterproofing on all types of roofs (asphalt felt, metal sheets, fiber cement, etc.).

Reduction of thermal bridge in pillars and slabs

Promoting adherence in anti-slipping floors (wood, metal, ceramics)

Façade renovation

Thermal protection of tanks and silos/bunkers

Thermal protection for gutters and downspouts

Providing cold-hot barrier in industrial metal doors

Thermal corrector for the preparation of camper vehicles

Thermal corrector

Coating and decks renovation

Sealing microcracks

Thermal corrector in concrete prefabs

Thermal corrector in building wood houses or domos

Thermal corrector in the nautical industry

Examples of spray cork uses

Spray cork façade coating

Many façades are nowadays deteriorated due to the time lapse, humidity makes paint fall due to not being able to ventilate and avoid the environmental humidity excess. Until recently, solutions offered were limited to paint periodically, but this option did not solve the humidity problem neither was a thermal improvement for the building. Buildings coated in VIPEQ^®F08 or VIPEQ^®F09 succeed in correcting thermal deficiencies creating a healthier indoor environment.

Original state

After renovation with projected cork

Deck and ceilings insulation / Fibre-concrete encapsulation

A lot of housing and industrial buildings require coating insulation. In a significant part of them, fibre-concrete boards have been used as roof coatings. To produce fibre-concrete, originally asbestos was used as a reinforcement fibre, but when asbestos related problems were acknowledge, its use was being gradually reduced. From the 1990s on, asbestos was being substituted by other kind of fibres, such as cellulose fibres, glass fibres or vinyl fibres. Demolition of those fibre-cement elements containing asbestos is really dangerous and is to be strictly controlled. Although the fibre-cement is not a friable material, if asbestos microfibers are inhaled pleural cancer risk rises enormously. This demolition process is really expensive and an alternative is VIPEQ spray cork encapsulation, which enables to extend the coating lifespan.

Spray cork adheres to substrates such as corrugated metal sheets, provided that the surface is clean, dry, and free of dust or grease. Any leaks should be treated beforehand.

Spray cork reaction to fire

A real case example

On December 31st 2013 there was a fire on the roof of Euskadi Etorbidea 5, in Pasajes (Basque Country) and the flames extended through the roof deck to the adjacent building. The following house in line was a bit higher and the blind wall facing the fire had, as the rest of the building, red projected cork VIPEQ^®F08 as coating. As it can be seen in a regional police video filmed with a drone, VIPEQ^®F08 prevented fire expansion and it suffered just a slight material alteration, a mere smoke blackening.

In this case VIPEQ^®F08 was applied over fibre-concrete, a material which at high temperatures bursts and suffers deformations or cracks. Even though, VIPEQ^®F08 spray cork avoided the fibre-concrete to be damaged.

VIPEQ^®F08 should not be considered merely as a thermal insulation product, but also as a material that aids in passive fire protection.

Spray Cork: The Eco-Efficient Solution for Your Projects

At VIPEQ, leaders in spray-applied cork, we offer efficient and sustainable solutions for your construction projects. Our goal is to provide construction companies, architects, and private clients with the best eco-efficient materials, ensuring energy efficiency and sustainability. With years of industry experience, we provide personalized advice and a wide range of products that exceed our clients’ expectations.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

In the construction industry, energy efficiency and sustainability are crucial. Spray-applied cork is an ideal solution that meets these demands, offering high energy efficiency while contributing to environmental conservation. At VIPEQ, we understand these challenges and provide our expertise and personalized guidance to achieve outstanding results.

Versatility of Our Product Lines: VIPEQ^® F08, VIPEQ^® F09, and VIPEQ^® F10

We present our three product lines: VIPEQ^® F08, VIPEQ^® F09, and VIPEQ^® F10, designed to meet diverse needs and requirements in construction projects. Available in a wide range of colors, they offer excellent thermal and acoustic protection, fire resistance, and improved insulation and energy efficiency.

Ideal for Renovation and New Construction

Whether for renovating older buildings or new construction projects, spray-applied cork is the smart choice. In renovations, it enhances energy performance and efficiency, ensuring a comfortable environment. In new construction, it meets the highest standards of efficiency and sustainability, perfectly adapting to your project’s needs.

Benefits of Spray-Applied Cork

Improved thermal and acoustic insulation
High fire resistance
Eco-efficiency and sustainability
Versatility and adaptability
Durability and low maintenance

In short, spray-applied cork is a smart choice that delivers energy efficiency, sustainability, safety, and comfort for all types of cladding projects.

Request Your No-Obligation Quote! At VIPEQ, we are committed to providing high-quality spray-applied cork solutions and personalized guidance. If you are looking for a sustainable, efficient, and versatile solution, contact us today!

Technical Opinions

For our study, the use of cork instead of other materials as an insulating component in an ETICS improves two fundamental aspects:

We achieve an unparalleled level of acoustic absorption. The regulatory requirements in this area are still low, but increasing this level of insulation will be the next challenge for the standard, as it is the source of many discomfort situations for users.
We create a membrane that is permeable to water vapor. Cork does not cause interstitial condensation in the building envelope—something we will hear more about in the future when such pathologies appear in buildings where ETICS has been applied using materials impermeable to water vapor.

Rubén Zabalza, Architect at Blasco Esparza y Asociados

As the master Antonio Gaudí once said:

“The architect of the future will base their work on the imitation of nature, because it is the most rational, durable, and economical of all methods.”

The VIPEQ product is truly nature itself!

Julián Fdz. Ruiz, Architect at LQN