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Thermal & sound insulation expanded cork boards

Do you ever find yourself freezing at home during the winter? And when summer hits, does your place feel like a furnace? If that sounds familiar, your insulation probably isn’t doing its job. You keep turning up the heat or running the AC, and yet comfort still feels out of reach. The result? Sky-high energy bills and a space that never feels quite right. Add to that the constant street noise, and relaxing becomes nearly impossible. Your home — the place that should bring peace — starts to wear you down. But here’s the good news: there’s an easy fix. Expanded cork is a smart, sustainable way to keep your home cozy in the winter and cool in the summer — all year long.

Got questions? We’ve got the answers right here!

WHAT EXACTLY IS EXPANDED NATURAL CORK?

Expanded cork is a 100% natural insulation material with a deep brown color and a unique texture. Available in panels or granules, it offers superior insulation compared to standard cork sheets — retaining warmth, protecting against heat, and delivering excellent sound absorption.

HOW DOES EXPANDED CORK DIFFER FROM REGULAR CORK?

The difference comes down to the color, structure, and how it’s made. Most cork products you’re familiar with — like coasters, cork boards, or flooring — are made from agglomerated cork. That type is created by bonding small cork granules together using an adhesive.

Expanded cork, on the other hand, is made differently. It’s a completely natural product where the granules fuse together on their own during heating. This happens thanks to a natural resin called suberin, which is released as the cork heats up. The result is a darker, porous material that’s denser and more resistant.

Regular (agglomerated) cork is lighter and smoother, making it ideal for decorative or everyday products such as wall panels or flooring. Expanded cork is heavier-duty — perfect for thermal and acoustic insulation, especially in sustainable and energy-efficient construction.

HOW IS EXPANDED CORK MADE FOR WALL INSULATION?

The process is a bit like making popcorn — but instead of corn kernels, you use cork granules from the bark of the cork oak tree. Inside a special mold, under high heat and pressure, the granules expand, darken, and bind together using their own natural resin.

No glues, no chemicals — it’s a completely natural process. The outcome is a dark, durable cork material with remarkable insulating performance.

WHERE IS EXPANDED CORK USED?

Expanded cork is used wherever enhanced thermal, sound, or vibration insulation is needed. It’s commonly applied in walls, floors, and ceilings as a natural insulation layer. Its unique texture also makes it a great choice for soundproofing spaces or creating eco-friendly building facades.

Thanks to its dark color and earthy appearance, expanded cork is also a popular decorative finish for modern architecture and interior design projects.

Expanded cork is filled with millions of tiny air cells that trap and stabilize air. These natural air pockets help keep homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Together, they act like a natural thermal barrier that maintains comfortable indoor temperatures year-round. In simple terms: you save on heating and cooling bills. The same porous structure also helps absorb sound, making your living space quieter and more peaceful.

When it comes to thermal insulation, cork performs on par with other common materials. Its thermal conductivity (λ) ranges from 0.036–0.040 W/mK — similar to polystyrene or mineral wool — but unlike those, cork resists moisture, mold, and pests. It doesn’t deform or lose its insulating power over time, which makes it a long-lasting and low-maintenance choice.

Cork is also a safe and healthy material. It’s hypoallergenic and non-toxic, making it suitable for allergy-sensitive homes. When exposed to fire, it doesn’t melt or release harmful fumes — it simply chars, reducing flame spread and improving fire safety.

Expanded cork is made entirely from cork granules and their own natural resin. It contains no synthetic binders or chemical additives. When heated, the granules naturally bond to form a solid structure without the use of glue or polymers. This makes cork a safe, sustainable, and environmentally friendly material that can be recycled or decomposed naturally at the end of its life cycle.

The harvesting process is completely sustainable. Cork is obtained from the bark of cork oak trees, which are not cut down during harvesting. The bark regenerates naturally every 9–12 years, and a single tree can be harvested for over 150 years. This makes cork one of the most renewable materials in modern construction.

Expanded cork also boasts a negative carbon footprint — it absorbs more CO₂ than it emits during production. In an era when most construction materials contribute to pollution, cork proves that eco-conscious building can be both modern and responsible.