Do you build technically and sustainably with cork?

2023 Contacta con nuestros expertos para las mejores soluciones en corcho. cork architects, construction, cork, design, sustainably, technically

With the aim of promoting cork in construction, we have reached different agreements with Official Colleges of Architects. In our conferences, we can explain to architects the wide range of sustainability that cork offers for construction and interior design. Although there are still people who mistakenly believe that all cork is the same, every day more experts trust the various cork solutions for their projects. There are big differences and different qualities.

Logically if you want better quality, the price will be higher. However, it is worth budgeting for a good product, so we can make sure that the finished work will give us great satisfaction and perfect results.

Cork has been used for a long time. In ancient times it rewarded excellence, hence our interest in highlighting it to you. The insulation capacity, its lightness and, of course, its resistance to the elements, are some of the traits that we can assure you of cork.

The collaboration of different universities and laboratories has allowed us to have an extensive range of cork. Thus, apply it both in construction, as nautical and aeronautical, mixed with other products.

Today we analyze some characteristics of cork in construction. We cannot forget that this product is mainly Iberian, so we do not have to bring it to you from other countries. In this way, you will be able to save on transport, also contributing to less pollution during logistics.

Cork is a plant tissue, which is made up of cells, in the form of a polyhedron. Said dead cells are found in number from 25 to 45 million per cm3. This totally impermeable natural product will prevent the necessary communication between living bast cells and the atmosphere. To avoid this, the testicular canals are reddish in color due to oxidation of the tannins.

The intercellular membrane is original and very complex. Each wall that separates two adjacent cells is made up of joined sheets of unequal thickness. As each wall is common to two cells, each membrane is actually double. It consists of two outer sheets of cellulosic nature. Two thicker sheets formed in turn by 100 to 150 alternate layers of suberin wax and a double central sheet, which is lignified. The suberin is what allows, when applying a high temperature and an extreme press, to join the cork in a natural way, without having to apply any external component.

We want to highlight some of the many advantages that cork has. Let’s start by emphasizing that it is a light product. The large amount of trapped air or gas of a similar nature 89.7% and the relative lightness in cellular 3.25 allows a specific gravity of 0.12 and 0.25.

Its elasticity is also architecturally remarkable. A one-inch cork specimen was subjected to a load of 6350 kg without breaking and after being released from said pressure it recovered 90% of its original height, without increasing its length and width measurements. This test was a resistance close to 1000 kg cm2.

Thanks to the resistance of its cell walls, cork is impermeable to liquids and gases, as well as to plasmodesmata, which allow this extraordinary pressure to be relieved without bursting its cells. That is why tests and trials are already being carried out in companies that manufacture different mortars. In order to improve first and foremost the weight of said cements and also the resistance to thermal bridges. Thus, we will improve safety in buildings. Do you build technically and sustainably with cork?

How can we reduce radon gas contamination with cork?

20232023 Contacta con nuestros expertos para las mejores soluciones en corcho. cork building, contamination, cork, gas, radon

Radon is generally a gas found in harmless amounts in the open air. The breakdown of uranium in soil and rock produces radon gas. Radon is sometimes concentrated in buildings located on soils with natural uranium deposits. You already know that it is a reality in our day to day that different viruses and gases stalk us. How can we reduce radon gas contamination with cork?

Radon gas is found in our ecosystem. Normally, in soils and rocks, mainly granitic. It can also be found in water. Radon easily emanates from the soil and rises into the air. When it is in the air, it disintegrates and emits radioactive particles. It can enter buildings through structural cracks.

Perhaps because it is less well known, it is a gas that is not very present when talking about insulation in buildings. It is present in a more pronounced way in certain areas of Spain and other countries. There are some products that stop gas but can affect us in another way. Especially petroleum products.

It is important to remember the figure of the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN). As of September 24, 2020, the CTE standard, technical building code, came into force. This standard contemplates that the concentration of radon gas is less than 300 bq/m3. In order to meet this requirement, the DB/HS6 stands out, according to the areas of exposure to radon gas. In the latest trials with the collaboration of universities and laboratories, it is being stopped with totally ecological products, such as cork, which not only protect us from radon but also from other different gases that are harmful to our health.

The great advantages that cork gives us, such as that it is fireproof, come with its origin as it is a sustainable and natural product. For this reason, we believe it is important to remember the use of environmentally friendly materials. How to reduce radon gas contamination with cork? Do you want buy cork?

Differences between cork and cork projected for your EIFS

20232023 Contacta con nuestros expertos para las mejores soluciones en corcho. #thermicork, cork cork, CORK PROJECTED, eifs, expanded, insulator, surfaces

There is some confusion between choosing cork or cork projected. We want to give you a little clarification. Which cork option is the best for your EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finishing System)? There are different solutions so it will depend on their use. Differences between cork and cork projected for your EIFS:

On the one hand, if you are looking for a cork insulator such as expanded cork boards, the optimal option, so that they insulate well, we recommend a minimum thickness of 40-50 mm. This measurement will depend on the area or country where you are going to place them. You already know that the weather varies, and a lot, depending on your location. Likewise, it will also depend on the density of the cork and other technical data. On many occasions, you only look at the price without taking into account what really matters, such as the set of qualities and qualities of the cork.

On the other hand, in the case of sprayed cork (cork projected), even though it is a top-quality material with impeccable results, only 20-25% of the cork volume is applied to the paint. So the percentage of cork is minimal. Thus, if you take into account that the thickness of the spray applies between 3 and 4 mm, we will see how the amount of cork is minimal and the difference is important.

An interesting proposal and perhaps the best one, if we talk about cork, is to put the Thermicork plates first and protect your construction with Gotecork spray. This way you will get exceptional protection and insulation. You will get a unique EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finishing System).

GOTECORK, is your coating made with ecological expanded paint. Cork is a 100% ecological and renewable insulating material. You apply it with a spray gun that is connected to an air compressor. That is, similar to painting.

Therefore it is a non-invasive technique. You can apply it on multiple surfaces such as roofs, terraces, floors, walls, facades, insulation of vans, caravans, among others.

Logically, in the case of the projected it will depend on the quality of the different resins and the paint you use.

That is why we want to highlight the big difference between both options. Two options are not opposed, on the contrary, they fit perfectly.

How to incorporate cork in sustainable buildings?

20232023 Contacta con nuestros expertos para las mejores soluciones en corcho. cork architecture, build, cork, future, sustainable

Are we building for sustainable development and global goals? Do we want an architecture that respects the environment and social welfare? How to incorporate cork into sustainable buildings?

Torre Iberdrola (Bilbao) / Image: Very Bilbao

Sustainable buildings continue to be a present and future reality in our architecture. Thus, they help you improve the well-being and quality of life of the environment that surrounds you. It is important to build with a high level of efficiency. As you know, by reducing the resources that would be needed if it were not a sustainable building, such as energy, it helps to minimize pollution.

You can build with various biodegradable materials which are a great contribution to the sustainability of your building. Do you know the so-called ecomaterials?

Some of them, such as bamboo, wood or vegetable residues, are used in current constructions. Today we highlight cork as a sustainable and renewable material that does not cause damage to the tree during the extraction process. Extensive are its advantages during and after construction and building. Above all, we emphasize the cork for its non-damage to the environment, since once the extraction process has been carried out, the cork oak regenerates itself naturally. Its incorporation can be in floors, walls and ceilings, among other options. You will be able to see that it is an outstanding material in terms of sustainability and important for achieving great energy savings.

Some of the current sustainable buildings are the Acros Fukuoka in Japan, the Bosco Verticale in Milan or the Iberdrola Tower in Bilbao.

¿Cómo mejora el corcho el Plan de Choque en Climatización?

THERMICORK, the black expanded cork agglomerate, is a highly effective material in isolating the transmission of vibrations due to its elasticity. Also for its thermal and acoustic insulation thanks to its low coefficient of thermal conductivity. Therefore, it provides significant thermal savings and added value as it is sustainable.

Do not forget that it supports heavy loads and is resistant to fats, water and acids. The cork that you choose will be easy for you to transport and install. You will see that it has a low weight and easy handling. It is without a doubt your ecological material that brings great advantages to any reform, construction or sustainable building.

How to improve a cold spell this coming autumn winter with cork?

20232023 Contacta con nuestros expertos para las mejores soluciones en corcho. cork advantage, cold, cork, decorative, economic, exposed, properties, technical

We know a cold spell as the phenomenon by which there is a drastic decrease in temperatures accompanied by certain requirements. The origin is the arrival of a mass of cold air in a certain location. Not always that there is a drastic drop in temperatures is synonymous with a cold spell. You already know that when the cold arrives, being able to save on electricity and gas is something necessary. What requirements creates a cold spell? How to improve a cold spell this coming autumn winter with cork?

It is often said that the requirements for a cold spell, in general terms, are that the temperature drops for at least three days in a row and that at least 10 percent of the temperatures in the country are 5 percent lower than the average in previous years.

Therefore, we will have a cold spell when the air temperature drops drastically due to the invasive existence of a cold air mass. We may have arctic, antarctic or siberian air masses on one side. On the other, polar air mass.

We recommend you to be cautious and prepare a sustainable solution. Advantage that will come to you together with economic savings and that with the current gas situation is a point to take into account when turning on, or not, the switch.

The cork will be your ally in the face of all these uncertainties. This natural product continues to show you, year after year, that it is here to stay. Like all good material, it must be promoted so that professionals and the general public know of all the advantages it brings us.

THERMICORK, the expanded cork agglomerate, is a highly effective material in isolating the transmission of vibrations due to its elasticity. Also for its thermal and acoustic insulation thanks to its low coefficient of thermal conductivity. It provides significant thermal savings.

Do not forget that it supports heavy loads and is resistant to fats, water and acids. In addition, it is easy to transport and install due to its easy handling and low weight. It is undoubtedly an ecological material that brings great advantages to any reform, construction or building.

It is very respectful with the environment and long lasting in the conservation of all its characteristics. Remember that you can apply cork on floors, interior walls, exterior walls, ceilings, roofs and slabs, among other applications.

If you are looking for an optimal response for thermal insulation as well as acoustic and anti-vibration, our natural product is the solution. Expanded cork agglomerate is a high performance option.

Do you prefer exposed cork wall cladding? You can always choose the decorative option in addition to the properties and technical functions of cork.

Back to school with cork!

20232023 Contacta con nuestros expertos para las mejores soluciones en corcho. corcho, cork cork, floors, furniture, playgrounds, school

After the request of several public administrations for us to develop a project with cork for playgrounds and gardens, our team has achieved it. Back to school with cork!

The problem in many playgrounds for children is that they break easily after daily use and external exposure. The swings, the nets, the slides and all the furniture need special attention and maintenance. When leaving school, they are usually one of the destinations most requested by children, so it is important to pay special attention to them.

The rubbers on the floors, after the game and the races of the little ones, tear, spoil and can even cause accidents. Many public administrations, concerned about the well-being of the little ones, have tried various options. Artificial grass, rubber carpeting, pressed concrete, polystyrene carpet, among other non-ecological options. However, it seemed that something safe and lasting had not just been found.

The contribution of cork in these recreational sites has already been tried and tested with very good results. The basic advantage lies in its sustainability, its resistance and its relatively soft touch. Your answer consists of an ISO approved concrete mix mixed with granulated cork specially treated for this case and mixed with a 125-160 density resin.

In addition, once the product is installed, a very good visual reaction is achieved. Being able to finish it in several colors, it adapts perfectly to the requested optical result. When playing on this surface, it offers a reaction to the touch like a kind of carpet. Also, it is very hard against jumps and inclement weather.

Every year, cities and towns reform and inaugurate new playgrounds. As in the city of Mérida, which at the end of this year, will have eight new recreational spaces for the little ones.

The bark of the cork oak, which is a natural and ecological material, protects children against possible external infections. In this new course, going back to school with a cork is already a reality.

Do you prefer the minimalist, ethnic, nordic or cork style?

20232023 Contacta con nuestros expertos para las mejores soluciones en corcho. architecture, cork advantage, concept, cork, insulation, painting, pigments

Dedicated to you, decorator. Always with artistic and often innovative ideas. Do you dare to create an exclusive space with cork? Do you prefer the minimalist, ethnic, nordic or cork style?

Until recently, when you wanted to insulate a wall to protect yourself from noise and the weather, the question was whether to choose cork or another material. The lack of variety in colors and finishes made the choice very easy, focusing on the natural color of the cork. Therefore, if you wanted a visual finish of a different tone, you had to paint over it. This additional painting added cost and time.

Now, you have the solution for finishes with different pigments, saving you the paint coat phase. You can opt for cork plates with unique, enveloping, different and above all colorful designs.

These designs, far from the traditional natural color, offer you a very practical concept. Cork sheets combine the advantage of insulation and the plus of beauty in the finish. You will be able to choose between different color options, so it is up to you to present your customers with the different color options.

Expanded cork sheets are your ideal solution to improve insulation and decoration. In addition, you will have a sustainable construction. Likewise, you will decorate with a 100% natural product, with mechanical stability and A+ indoor air quality.

The advantage of cork and its new finishes, apart from the traditional natural tone, is that it fits into most decorative styles. If you like the classic, industrial, wabi-sabi, japanese or provençal style, you will be able to find your colored cork pieces that fit the desired environment. Do you prefer the minimalist, ethnic, nordic or cork style?

Which cork granulate is the best for a soccer field?

20232023 Contacta con nuestros expertos para las mejores soluciones en corcho. corcho, cork ABSORPTION, cork, ecological, GRANULATE, SOCCER, SOCCER FIELD, SPORT

Professional soccer fields around the world and especially in Europe are beginning to have more granulated cork under their turf. Which cork granulate is the best for a soccer field?

The soccer players are very grateful to the new signing called cork, with which the current grass is being replaced with this ecological material. The properties of absorption, use and avoid using toxic materials such as rubber please them.

Wembley Stadium is known to be one of the most modern football stadiums today. Its lawn is considered one of the best in Europe. The Champions League and first division matches are becoming more and more popular. Day by day, the king of sports moves a lot of money and that is why until now we have focused on the grass but not on what is under it.

Our granulate, offers you qualities approved by the UEFA so that this ecological and healthy material obtains good results and zero infections for the players. Likewise, it is a material that offers the grass greater consistency and durability. It does not emit any toxic emissions in case of rain.

An ecological option that is contemplated when incorporating it into soccer fields was the olive stone. These, as an alternative to other synthetic materials. However, the choice of olive stone does not present the same absorption in the tread than cork. Being the result of the first firm and hard, the second, on the other hand, cushions the player’s stride. Another key point, a lower percentage of muscle injuries is achieved and a better game minute by minute, even on penalties.

In addition to football, there are other sports that are already set in this material, such as tennis courts. (more info).

The advantages of granulated cork are, among others, the reduction of slips, thermal capacity and durability in matches without having problems of falls. But it is still soccer and sports with grass fields where its use is greater. In the USA and on its American football, baseball and other fields, new granulated cork floors are being installed.

In sports, we have seen that this natural material is also an outlet and is increasingly valued. Evidently, the ecology provided by this material is also important for health and for the proper use of sport in its facilities, providing its “cork” grain for its good enjoyment. Which cork granulate is the best for a soccer field?

Can cork ensure a more armored and reinforced door?

20232023 Contacta con nuestros expertos para las mejores soluciones en corcho. corcho, cork armored, cork, reinforced, resistance, robust, security

How to prevent robberies this summer? It is known that the armored door is safer than the shielded one against external attacks. However, you should not only differentiate the type of door when we talk about security. What you have to take into account is the degree of resistance. Can cork ensure a more armored and reinforced door?

Can cork ensure a more armored and reinforced door? — photo Milano Windows and Doors

If you have an armored door, your door will roughly have a leaf structure and a wooden frame. This door leaf has some reinforcements to make it more robust. Also, in this structure you can see the lock and the latches. Thanks to the characteristics of cork and its density, you will close your house with more reinforced security.

Surely your concept of security will be very relative. Today we focus on your security door. When we close our house we think of a reinforced and armored door among others. All of them with the same purpose, which is to protect you and your loved ones.

Similarly, it is important to remember the weight. A door made entirely of wood or metal material will not weigh the same as a door with a percentage of expanded cork. Likewise, you already know that the cork is anti-fire, so if you were faced with a fire, remember that it will serve as a firewall. Also, no toxic fumes. That is why we want to expand and reinforce a new safety concept such as Thermicork A/D plates in expanded cork.

A small flame causes a small fire which spreads rapidly. The fact that it does not lose its characteristics over time makes it ideal for use in any new building and reform that you want to carry out in all types of construction. These plates will serve as a firewall and protection in your home, thus preventing the spread of flames.

THERMICORK, the black expanded cork agglomerate, is a highly effective material in isolating the transmission of vibrations due to its elasticity. Also for its thermal and acoustic insulation thanks to its low coefficient of thermal conductivity. Therefore, it provides significant thermal savings.

At first, it is easy to transport and install due to its low weight and easy handling. At last, it is undoubtedly an ecological material that brings great advantages to any reform, construction or building. It is very respectful with the environment and long lasting in the conservation of all its characteristics. Can cork ensure a more armored and reinforced door?

Do you want to rehabilitate your habitual residence with cork?

20232023 Contacta con nuestros expertos para las mejores soluciones en corcho. architecture, corcho cork, decorators, design, designers, insulation, rehabilitate, residence

Now that you will have a few days to yourself, it is the perfect time to renovate that part of your habitual residence that was pending. We know the rehabilitation of housing as that constructive or building action that is carried out to improve certain conditions of the property. Some of them may be of habitability or constructive and structural safety. Also protection against the appearance of water and humidity or accessibility. Do you want to rehabilitate your habitual residence with cork?

Do you want to rehabilitate your habitual residence with cork?

In the case of rehabilitation of buildings or offices, we will have a much larger work with the aim of adapting the property to new functionalities and uses. Whether they are changes inside or outside the property, such as your façade, you will always have several options for the use of cork.

We offer you cork panels for both floor, wall or ceiling. On the one hand, you will obtain the intrinsic characteristics of this ecological material, such as its thermal and acoustic insulation. Also its high resistance to fats, water and acids, among others. On the other hand, you can opt for a sustainable, original and different interior design. Cork is increasingly recommended by decorators and interior designers both nationally and internationally.

THERMICORK, the black expanded cork agglomerate, is a highly effective material in isolating the transmission of vibrations due to its elasticity. Also for its thermal and acoustic insulation thanks to its low coefficient of thermal conductivity. Therefore, it provides significant thermal savings.

If you are one of the people who prefers a different and ecological interior design, do not miss the wide range of options that cork offers you. Do you prefer wall coverings or floor coverings? Do you want to rehabilitate your home with cork?