The next generation of sustainable insulation
Cork is the future of building with natural insulation. It is a sustainable, long life, renewable product with good sound proofing and is free from artificial inputs. As an insulant, it is ideal for saving energy and protecting the environment, whilst complementing modern building techniques. When combined with Alumasc high performance renders, all the benefits of insulated render systems are achieved with the added environmental impact of using a natural insulation product.
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Cork bark is harvested once the cork oak tree reaches maturity (25 years). In a healthy tree 25-75mm of bark re-grows to be harvested again every nine years. This helps prolong the lifespan of the tree, often up to 150 years.
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Benefits of Cork Insulation
- 100% natural: no chemicals or additives are used in the manufacture of cork.
- Energy efficient manufacture: very low energy consumption is used by the manufacturing process. Zero Ozone depletion and zero global warming are also achieved.
- Lowest embodied energy of all commonly used insulation materials.
- Sustains a huge variety of indigenous wildlife which is dependent upon the maintenance of the cork oak forests.
- Stabilises rural economies, populations and local culture in the poorer agricultural areas of Southern Europe.
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Swistherm with Cork Insulation
When natural cork insulation is incorporated into the Swistherm system, the result is a high performance façade that offers all the benefits of an insulated render system, but with enhanced environmental credentials.
Swistherm with Cork can be used extensively on both new build and remodelling projects. A lightweight, yet robust construction system, it provides the perfect solution for low carbon, energy efficient developments and is destined to become the façade system of choice to meet the code for sustainable homes levels for external wall construction.
Swistherm System |
Benefits of Swistherm with Cork
- Thermal conductivity of 0.038 W/mk ensures the building has excellent insulation levels and is energy efficient.
- The airtight system guarantees low fluctuations of temperature, keeping the building warm in the colder months and cool on warmer days. Building clients benefit from consistent and low energy requirements.
- Excellent acoustic insulation levels are achieved offering far superior results when compared with traditional construction materials.
- This form of construction is more lightweight and yet as dimensionally stable as traditional masonry.
- Unlimited durability for the lifetime of the building; cork is rot proof and copes
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