Question 1

Where does cork come from?

Accepted Answer

A: Cork comes primarily from the bark of cork oak trees (Quercus Suberin), mainly grown in Portugal, Spain, Algeria, and Morocco. The harvesting process is sustainable, as trees can be harvested every 9-14 years without being cut down, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

Question 2

Is cork harvesting sustainable?

Accepted Answer

A: Yes. Cork harvesting actually benefits the environment. When bark is stripped, it triggers the tree to absorb more CO2 during regeneration, making cork products carbon negative. Trees can live for over 200 years while being harvested multiple times.

Question 3

How long does cork spray insulation last?

Accepted Answer

A: Cork spray installations can last 25+ years with proper application. The product comes with a 12-month workmanship warranty and a 10-year product warranty, demonstrating its long-term durability.

Question 4

What makes cork spray such an effective insulator?

Accepted Answer

Cork spray's effectiveness comes from:

Natural thermal properties that retain heat
Seamless application helping to prevent thermal bridges
Provides a more air-tight coverage, while remaining breathable
Up to 8x more thermal efficiency than traditional renders & plasters

Question 5

What are the main advantages of cork spray insulation?

Accepted Answer

Key benefits include:

Superior thermal and acoustic insulation
Fire resistance (Euro-class B rating)
Moisture control and anti-condensation properties
Natural and eco-friendly composition
Minimal maintenance requirements
Wide range of colour options
Excellent adhesion to various surfaces

Question 6

How is cork spray applied?

Accepted Answer

The application process involves:

Surface preparation
Application using specialised spray equipment
Multiple coating layers for optimal performance
Final protective finish coating

Question 7

What surfaces can cork spray be applied to?

Accepted Answer

Cork spray can be applied to:

Stone
Existing Render
New Render
Brick & Block
Internal Plaster
Painted Surface
Asbestos Sheets
Stone Walls
Ceramic Tiles
Metal Sheeting
Wooden Panels
Most Building Materials
NOT Silicone

Question 8

How much does cork spray insulation cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing typically ranges from £65-80 per square meter. While the initial investment may be higher than some alternatives, the long-term energy savings and durability make it cost-effective over time.

Question 9

What colours are available for cork spray?

Accepted Answer

Over 30 pre-coloured options are available, plus any RAL colour at additional cost. Options range from natural tones like traffic white, linen and ivory, to modern greys like stone and pewter to bold colours like sage and brick

Question 10

How weather-resistant is cork spray?

Accepted Answer

Cork spray is highly weather-resistant due to its:

Natural water-repellent properties
Breathable composition
Ability to prevent condensation
Durability in various climate conditions

Question 11

How long does cork spray installation take?

Accepted Answer

Installation timeframes vary:

Interior projects: Typically 2 days
Exterior projects: 3 days to 3 weeks, depending on project scope
Drying time is factored into these timeframes

Question 12

Who can install cork spray insulation?

Accepted Answer

Installation should be done by certified professionals through the Trusted Applicator Programme. TIWI CorkSpray provides comprehensive training and community support for certified installers.

Question 13

Is cork spray environmentally friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cork spray is:

Carbon negative
Made from sustainable natural materials
Requires no harmful chemicals in production
Helps reduce building energy consumption
Supports sustainable cork forest management
Removed Co2 out the atmosphere during harvesting
Good for the planet

Question 14

How does cork spray help reduce carbon footprint?

Accepted Answer

Cork spray reduces carbon footprint through:

Carbon-negative production process
Improved building energy efficiency
Sustainable harvesting methods
Reduced heating/cooling needs
Long lifespan reducing replacement needs

Question 15

How does cork spray compare to traditional insulation?

Accepted Answer

Cork spray offers:

Better insulation values at thinner depths
Seamless application without thermal bridges
Natural moisture control properties
Both thermal and acoustic insulation
No toxic materials or off-gassing

Question 16

Can cork spray help with damp and mould issues?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cork spray effectively manages moisture because:

It's naturally water-resistant due to Suberin and Lignin content
Allows walls to breathe while remaining waterproof
Prevents condensation build-up
Creates an effective moisture barrier
Helps regulate indoor humidity levels

Question 17

Can cork spray be used for roof insulation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cork spray is suitable for:

Corrugated roofs
Industrial roofing
Asbestos roof encapsulation

We have a product for flat roofs called XF MAP [ CLICK HERE ]

Question 18

Is cork spray suitable for historic buildings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cork spray is ideal for historic buildings because:

It's breathable and allows moisture regulation
Can be applied to various traditional materials
Preserves historical character
Available in heritage-appropriate colours
Non-invasive application process

Question 19

What maintenance does cork spray require?

Accepted Answer

Cork spray is low-maintenance:

No regular upkeep needed
Naturally resistant to weather damage
Self-maintaining surface properties
Long-lasting color stability
Durable against physical impact

Question 20

What warranties come with cork product installation?

Accepted Answer

TIWI CorkSpray provides:

12-month workmanship warranty for work carried out by TIWI CorkSpray
10-year product warranty
Professional installation guarantees
Technical support throughout warranty period

Question 21

What support is available after installation?

Accepted Answer

TIWI CorkSpray offers:

Direct customer support from the founder
Technical guidance
WhatsApp community access
Professional follow-up service
Documentation and certification

Question 22

What's new in cork spray technology?

Accepted Answer

Recent developments include:

CorkWall: New trowel-able material for smooth surfaces
Enhanced colour options
Improved application techniques
Working towards BBA certification
Continuous R&D for product improvement

Question 23

What are the potential disadvantages of cork spray insulation?

Accepted Answer

While cork spray is highly effective, there are some considerations:

Higher initial cost compared to traditional insulation
Requires professional installation
Direct sunlight exposure can affect properties over time
Limited number of certified installers

However, these are outweighed by the long-term benefits and durability.

Question 24

How does cork spray compare to spray foam insulation?

Accepted Answer

Key comparisons include:

Cork spray is eco-friendly; spray foam contains chemicals
Cork allows walls to breathe; foam creates an airtight seal
Cork offers better acoustic properties
Cork is naturally fire-resistant
Cork provides both thermal and moisture regulation
Cork has a longer lifespan (25+ years)

Question 25

What energy savings can I expect with cork spray insulation?

Accepted Answer

Energy savings vary but typically include:

Up to 30% reduction in heating/cooling costs
Improved thermal efficiency (8x better than traditional renders)
Reduced carbon footprint
Lower energy emissions through walls 
ROI typically achieved within 3-5 years

Question 26

What thickness of cork spray is needed for effective insulation?

Accepted Answer

Requirements vary by application:

Internal walls: 6mm typical thickness (with plastered finish)
External walls: 9-18mm recommended (with render basecoat)
Roof applications: 3mm standard (With XF MAP 6-8mm)
All thicknesses provide effective R-value of 0.058

Question 27

Can cork spray be applied over existing insulation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cork spray can be:

Applied over most existing surfaces
Used to enhance current insulation
Combined with other insulation methods
Applied without removing old materials
Used for retrofit projects

Question 28

What preparation is needed before cork spray installation?

Accepted Answer

Preparation includes:

Surface cleaning and inspection
Repair of any existing damage
Protection of windows and doors
Weather consideration for external applications
Moisture level assessment
Temperature and humidity checks

Question 29

What certifications does cork spray insulation have?

Accepted Answer

Our Cork Spray only holds:

ICC certification
Working towards BBA certification
EN Standard
ISO 9001
Fire resistance ratings (Euro-class B)
Environmental compliance certificates
Professional installation certifications

Question 30

How does cork spray perform in different weather conditions?

Accepted Answer

Cork spray excels in various conditions:

Resistant to rain and moisture
Performs well in high humidity
Maintains properties in temperature extremes
UV resistant with proper application
Adapts to seasonal changes
Maintains thermal properties year-round

Question 31

How does cork spray compare to traditional Internal Wall Insulation (IWI)?

Accepted Answer

Key differences include:

Space Saving: Cork spray needs only 3 vs 50-300mm for traditional IWI
No Thermal Bridges: Seamless application eliminates cold spots and creates airtightness
Installation Time: 2 days for cork spray vs 1-2 weeks for traditional IWI
Room Size: Maintains original room dimensions unlike thick IWI panels
Moisture Control: Natural breathing properties vs potential condensation issues
Installation Disruption: Minimal vs major internal disruption

Question 32

What advantages does cork spray have over External Wall Insulation (EWI)?

Accepted Answer

Cork spray offers:

Thinner Profile: 3mm vs 50-300mm for EWI blocks
Cost Efficiency: £65-£80/m² vs £150-£250/m² for standard EWI
Planning Permission: Usually not required due to minimal thickness
Application Versatility: Can be applied to complex architectural features
Maintenance: Minimal vs Regular EWI maintenance requirements
Durable: Robust material compared to soft insulation board, which can be damaged and can’t be patched.

Question 33

How does cork spray address thermal bridging issues?

Accepted Answer

Cork spray eliminates thermal bridges through:

Seamless Application: No joints or gaps in coverage
Complete Surface Contact: Bonds directly to all surface areas
Continuous Insulation: Wraps around corners and edges
Detail Coverage: Insulates window reveals and door frames
Uniform Performance: Consistent R-value across entire surface
Three-Dimensional Protection: Covers all angles and junctions

Question 34

Why are thermal bridges important to address?

Accepted Answer

Thermal bridges impact buildings by:

Causing up to 30% heat loss in poorly insulated buildings
Creating cold spots that lead to condensation
Increasing energy bills due to heat escape
Contributing to mould growth
Reducing overall insulation effectiveness

Question 35

How much living space do you lose with cork spray insulation?

Accepted Answer

Minimal space impact:

- Internal applications: Only 3mm thickness (plus 3mm plaster)
No loss of usable floor space
Maintains room dimensions
Preserves original architectural features
No need to reposition electrical outlets
No adjustment needed for window sills or door frames
No adjustments needed to coving, architrave or skirting boards

Question 36

How does cork spray's thickness compare to other insulation methods?

Accepted Answer

Thickness comparison:

Cork Spray: 3mm
Traditional EWI: 50-300mm
Rigid Board IWI: 40-100mm
Mineral Wool: 50-300mm
PIR Boards: 50-120mm

Spray Foam: 
Open Cell: 70-250mm (walls 3" min, roof 6-10”) 
Closed Cell: 50-125mm (walls 2-3", roof 4-5")25-100mm

Question 37

How does cork spray's thermal performance compare to other materials?

Accepted Answer

Performance metrics:

R-value: 0.058 at minimal thickness
Heat Retention: Up to 8x more efficient than traditional renders
Thermal Mass: Better heat storage than synthetic materials
Temperature Regulation: More stable than foam alternatives
Energy Efficiency: Superior performance at thinner depths
Long-term Performance: Maintains properties for 25+ years

Question 38

What makes cork spray more effective than traditional insulation methods?

Accepted Answer

Key effectiveness factors:

Natural Cell Structure: Millions of air-filled cells provide insulation
Seamless Coverage: No joints or connection points
Multi-functional: Combines thermal, acoustic, and moisture control
Adaptable Application: Conforms to any surface shape
Breathable Material: Prevents moisture trapping
Carbon Negative: Only insulation that actively reduces carbon footprint

Question 39

How does cork spray installation differ from traditional methods?

Accepted Answer

Installation differences:

Duration: 2-3 days vs 1-2 weeks for traditional methods
Disruption: Minimal vs major building works
Preparation: Less intensive surface preparation required
Clean-up: Minimal waste and debris
No plasterboard sat in landfill 
Immediate Use: Faster return to normal building use

Question 40

What are the technical specifications of Cork Spray?

Accepted Answer

Key specifications include:

Thermal Resistance (R-value): 0.058
Application Thickness: 3-8mm
Fire Rating: Euro-class B
Density: 170-190 kg/m³
Adhesion Strength: >0.5 N/mm²
Water Vapour Permeability: Class V2
VOC Content: <1 g/L
Sound Reduction: Up to 38dB

Question 41

What makes TIWI CorkSpray different from other spray cork products?

Accepted Answer

TIWI CorkSpray, manufactured by Vipeq Hispania, offers:

Superior thermal conductivity of 0.058 W/mK 
ICC certified
BBA certification in progress
Carbon-negative manufacturing process
Professional-grade formulation with proprietary resin technology
Exclusive UK distribution rights
UK’s first trowel on Cork material 
First Cork Spray coating in the UK.

Frequently asked questions