The roof of a building is one of the most vulnerable walls to the effect of various external agents, such as climate and weather changes. Over time, elements such as cold or rain end up making a dent and causing cracks that give way to infiltrations and humidity.
Under such circumstances, it is necessary to undertake a repair project to avoid structural and aesthetic damage. What solutions do you have within your reach? Without a doubt, the best thing is to resort to waterproofing. In our case, we opt for a double protection system in which we use insulating and thermal cork that offers magnificent results.
Why use cork in the rehabilitation of these vertical structures?
This material has excellent properties and is perfect for use not only in exterior works, but also interiors. What do you think if we highlight some of the most interesting? Take note!
- Cork is a one hundred percent natural and sustainable material, as it is renewable and recyclable. This is the main reason why it is increasingly used in what we know as “green architecture”.
- The thermal resistance of the cork agglomerate, whose manufacturing process is simple and its cost is low, is 1.15 m².K/W. This makes it a magnificent thermal insulator. In addition, its density is 105 Kg/m, much higher than that of other materials used in insulation. Therefore, it is also a great acoustic absorber that minimizes the impact caused by external noise and vibrations.
- Due to its breathability, cork prevents external humidity from condensing inside. Thanks to its pores, its insulating properties remain unchanged at all times.
- It is a material that has great mechanical resistance and is flexible, which facilitates its handling. Likewise, it is fireproof and difficult to combust, since it resists around 40 minutes before burning in case of direct exposure.
Cork guarantees great durability, because it supports the action of chemical agents, rodents, insects or microorganisms. Being an inert and non-synthetic material, its toxicity is completely null.
Benefits of waterproofing a roof
The process of applying a special coating in order to generate a kind of hermetic seal on this type of surface is what we call waterproofing. What are the benefits of betting on these coatings? We warn you that there are many more than you imagine:
- It contributes to prolonging the useful life of these structures, which reduces the cost of frequent repairs. This solution, therefore, will allow you to save money in the long run.
- It increases the energy efficiency of the building, since the resistance to UV rays is greater and, in addition, it allows the interior temperature to be reduced by up to 8 degrees.
- It allows you to enjoy a more comfortable home and, indirectly, to preserve your health. Humidity is a factor that, in the long run, causes problems such as breathing difficulties, cough, skin irritation, eye infections and others.
- Increase the value of your property by up to 20%. In this way, if you are interested in putting it up for sale, you will be able to make a higher profit.
What is double protection for roofs?
For the roof of your home to be perfectly functional, it is advisable to undertake an effective coating process. The main causes for which these structures are damaged have to do with the expansion and contraction that occur as a result of extreme temperatures, as well as the wear caused by inclement weather.
Therefore, we recommend resorting to a double protection system like the one we use in our rehabilitation projects. To undertake these actions, there are several alternatives:
Install cork sheets that come in rolls, expanded cork adhesive plates or chipboard panels. A good option for flat roofs, sloped roofs and green roofs. Its assembly is simple and economical. To do this, special cork glues are used, approximately 100 grams for each sheet. The entire structure is then reinforced with connecting pins. Although it offers the possibility of leaving it without additional finishing, in this case it is advisable to use paints, varnishes, stains and other flexible finishes on a reinforcing mesh.
Use of projected cork, a light, elastic material thanks to its flexible membranes, with low conductivity and very resistant to microcracks. It is made up of a mixture of cork particles, different types of water-based and solvent-free resin, stabilizers, mineral fillers and inorganic and special additives. Before its application, it is convenient to eliminate surface irregularities, such as fissures or cracks. Likewise, it must be free of dust, humidity and dirt. It is installed through an applicator and can be used on multiple supports, such as asphalt fabric, plasterboard or plaster, ceramic or concrete blocks, fiber cement, corrugated sheets, sandwich panel, PVC, EPS, XPS…
Reinforce the protection of your home
The main advantage of betting on the double protection of your roofs based on insulating cork and waterproofing is that the comfort of your home is multiplied. Not only will you be reinforcing its thermal and acoustic insulation, but you will also be increasing its safety. In this way, the risks of landslides are eliminated.
The cork is reinforced with sealants that enhance its effectiveness. Although there are also those who choose to use cork paint for waterproofing. This is made up of natural resins and micrograins of crushed cork. Their results are also interesting.
To all the advantages of relying on this double protection system based on insulating cork for the roofs of your building, we must add that it has a high degree of customization. Mainly, because in the market you will find a wide range of colors and shades both in sheets, plates or cork panels as well as in paints and projected cork.
Obviously, each project requires a specific action. For this reason, it is convenient to consult the opinion of professionals before beginning the rehabilitation of your roofs. They will recommend the solution that best suits your particular needs.
