What is Cork Spray – Benefits & Usage

It’s possible you may have heard about cork spray but are not sure what it is.

What is true is that cork spray is becoming more popular, with contractors and homeowners finding advantages in this product.

Cork spray is typically a kind of coating that combines cork and water resin to create a layer of thermal insulation.

The good part is you can apply cork sprays over most types of surfaces. Its versatility has, in fact, helped to make it a popular choice for those who cover the exterior of homes.

If you are wondering whether cork spray is suitable for your building or property, then you need to understand the benefits it offers over other coatings. So, let’s dive into them right here…

Benefits of Cork Spray

There are several advantages to using cork spray on the side of your building or residence.

One of the most important benefits is that cork is a fire-retardant substance.

And because the mixture of cork to water resin is rather high, the fire-retardant capabilities are quite strong.

This helps to make the structure more resistant to fire that either starts or spreads to the outside of the building or home.

Another benefit is that cork also inhibits the growth of mold and mildew.

As it does not allow it to stick to the surface, the cork spray prevents mold and mildew from building up and creating issues with the sides of the building, home, or structure.

Because you can mix cork with virtually any color, the spray can provide an appealing aesthetic look to the exterior of your structure.

This means you can choose the color you want, including brown, the natural color of cork, and have it applied to your building, home, or structure.

Cork Spray – Usage & Tips

You may wonder if the cork spray is challenging to apply to the exterior of a building.

The truth is that cork spray applies to the surface in roughly the same way as stucco without the need for a base layer.

Because cork spray is quite flexible, it will resist cracking.

But once it has been applied, it will provide a strong thermal shield that will last for quite some time.

In addition to coating the exterior of buildings, residences, and structures, cork spray makes for an excellent coating for pool decks and the like.

This is because the cork absorbs the heat so you can walk barefoot on the surface.

And since you can color the cork spray any way you want, you can make the deck even more attractive as a result.

If you are planning to sell your home, then adding cork spray to certain surfaces may be quite beneficial.

Cork spray is normally added to buildings and structures after they have been completed.

You can add cork spray even if your home or building is decades old.

In addition to the exterior, you can add cork spray to the roof to keep it cool during the summer months.

But you will need to reapply the coating every few years for maximum effect.

Cork spray can also dampen the effects of ultraviolet or UV rays that otherwise would damage surfaces over time.

Cork Spray vs. Paint – What’s a Better Option

If you are wondering whether you should choose cork spray over paint for exteriors, the answer is that both have advantages and disadvantages, but cork spray may be the better choice in most situations.

It will depend largely on your plans for the exterior of the building, home, or structure.

But safe to say that under most circumstances, cork spray is the superior choice over paint.

I think there are good reasons to choose cork spray over paint for exteriors.

One of the most significant is that paint tends to fade, peel, and crack in a short period depending on the circumstances.

While cork spray tends to stay together for longer periods.

But there are a few other advantages as well which is why you should consider all of them before choosing between cork spray and paint.

a) Elastic

The elastic properties of cork are considerable.

This means that, unlike paint which can quickly peel, crack, or flake under the sun, the cork will stay together for much longer.

The elasticity allows it to breathe with the surface. This means that it stays intact longer while still not peeling or cracking.

b) Insulation

If you want to cut down on heating bills, then using cork spray is an excellent answer. You can use it just like paint to cover the surface.

This will act as a shield against heat coming into or leaving the structure.

This means less temperature variation during the summer and winter months. That keeps your AC or furnace from working overtime.

c) Mold & Mildew

Because cork is hydrophobic, it makes it quite difficult for moisture to penetrate.

Water is a critical element in the growth of mold and mildew. Without it, neither substance will do much to your home.

By adding a layer of cork spray, you prevent the mold and mildew from coming into contact with the water it needs to continue growing.

d) Surface

Cork spray can cover just about any surface, including brick, stucco, vinyl, wood, and more.

And while cork spray is normally associated with exterior surfaces, you can apply it to the interior as well. Any place you can put the traditional paint, so too can you apply the cork spray.

e) Water Resistant

One of the most damaging elements for our home is water.

Whether in the form of rain, hail, sleet, snow, or flooding, water can cause significant damage to the exterior surfaces of your residence or business place.

While cork is quite breathable, it also is airtight. That is why cork is used as the stopper for wine bottles.

And when you add cork spray to the interior of your building, you compound the water resistance to make it even more beneficial.

The Bottom Line

Cork is an all-natural product that is free of toxins and VOC or volatile organic compounds.

With all the health risks associated with VOCs that are often found in paints and similar products, you can avoid that by using cork spray instead.

Cork spray has all of these advantages, and it is quite affordable, which makes it an excellent alternative to traditional paint.