FAQ’s
All of your Thermal CorkShield™ questions, answered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thermal Bridging?
A thermal bridge is an area where a significantly higher heat transfer exists in relation to the surrounding materials. This leads to an overall reduction in thermal insulation value.
Will I have to modify surfaces or my building to support the product?
No, 88% of our Thermal CorkShield™ product’s volume is air. This translates to a lower density; approx. between 0.12-0.24 quartz/ lb.
How is the product applied?
Thermal CorkShield™ is spray applied onto surfaces using a texture sprayer by one of Vipeq’s Certified Applicators.
What colours are available?
We currently have 30 colours to choose from, including shades of black as well as bright reds, blues and greens for identifying. Custom or brand colours are available upon request.
What uses are there for Thermal CorkShield™?
Starting as a building finish solution, the uses for Thermal CorkShield™ are endless. As experts in the oilfield, especially when it comes to insulation and maintenance, WellCork is the industry leader in spraying Thermal CorkShield™ in the industrial and oilfield sector.
What is the cost to have it applied?
Cost varies depending on many factors. Value is found with a return on your initial investment as early as year 1 following application. Please contact us for details.
Is there a warranty?
Vipeq Canada offers a ‘Limited Product Warranty’ of 15 years to all building applications only, done according to local building codes and according to Vipeq’s F08 TDS.
Is it fireproof?
ASTM E84-20 tests have proven that Thermal CorkShield™ is rated Class A in flame spread meaning nearly zero propagation of flames. It will not release incandescent particles nor toxic fumes when ignited.
Does it absorb sound?
Depending on the surface it is applied to, cork can absorb unwanted echoes and reduce sound vibration/transfer.
Is it waterproof and breathable?
It is water resistant. Just like how cork in a wine bottle functions, it will stop the passage of moisture, however, allow it to breathe and release gaseous moisture when necessary. On a complete surface it is an effective semi-permeable envelope.
What about UV damage?
Because each mixture is dyed (not tinted) with Vipeq’s own proprietary pigments, we see less than 2% fade annually on exterior projects. Compare this to the 5-10% average that comes with traditional paint and other coatings.
Is it flexible?
The capacity to recover the initial volume after deformation allows it to be very flexible. It can virtually eliminate cracking, peeling and resist impact damage seen on other finishes and coatings.
What type of surfaces will Thermal CorkShield™ stick to?
Because the cork is lined with micro suction-cups, it has a High Friction Coefficient, allowing it to adhere to almost any surface! Cementitious, metallic, acrylics and more.
Is it toxic?
No, we are proud to offer a water-based product made with natural and renewable resources that is non-toxic and non-VOC.
Is Thermal CorkShield™ a green product?
With a proprietary water-based resin and natural, sustainable cork, Vipeq is proud to offer an environmentally friendly and renewable product. The bark of the cork tree is removed approx. every nine years of its 200 year life, causing large amounts of oxygen to be released into the environment. The tree will continue to re-grow new bark for harvest and will never be cut down until it’s natural life is over.
How does it stand up to the cold, will it freeze?
Cork will never reach below 0 degrees Celcius, thus remaining flexible and functional in the most extreme temperatures. Thermal CorkShield™ will still not completely freeze when submerged in liquid nitrogen.
How does cork insulate?
Often insulation is compromised by drafts, convection, conduction or reflection of energy, causing insulating properties and technical ratings to be greatly reduced. Officially rated with a K-value of 0.068W/mk, means at only 1/8 of an inch standard application, Thermal CorkShield™ can effectively slow the transfer of energy and help insulate what it is sprayed on.