ExpandedCork(ICB)
Derived from the bark of the cork oak, it is the perfect natural insulator. Steam-expansion of granules bonds them with their own internal resin (suberin), creating a panel free from chemical adhesives, rot-proof and with high thermoacoustic performance.
Fig. 01 — Cork structure: granules bonded by suberin (the natural cork resin activated at 300°C steam). Each granule is a mass of closed air cells providing thermal and acoustic insulation.
Cork is the bark of Quercus suber. Its harvesting takes place every 9-10 years without ever felling the tree, making it a material with a deeply regenerative soul. In construction, it becomes the king of bio-compatible insulators.
For structural or insulating use, ground cork undergoes a thermal process in a steam autoclave (about 300 degrees C). This thermal shock causes the granules to expand and the suberin to melt, the natural wax of cork, which acts as the sole binder. The final product, Expanded Toasted Cork (ICB), is a dark-brown panel free of polyurethane or phenolic glues.
Unlike synthetic insulators, cork possesses a high specific thermal capacity that translates into excellent summer thermal lag (it delays the entry of solar heat by up to 12-14 hours). The biochemical composition of suberin makes it naturally rot-proof, water-repellent and impervious to rodents and wood-boring insects.
Standards
European and international references applicable.
Physical properties
Usage environment
Cork maintains its thermal lambda value even when wet — unlike mineral wools which collapse when soaked. It is the insulation of choice for basements, cellars and underground applications where incidental moisture contact is expected.
Documented applications
TAV. DETICS external cladding
Breathable panels glued to the exterior of masonry walls for both winter thermal efficiency and summer thermal lag.
Exposed cork facade
Very high density ICB panels left exposed as a facade finish. They develop a fascinating silver-grey patina with UV and rain exposure.
Roof insulation
Panels fitted between timber rafters to block summer overheating in attic and loft spaces.
Acoustic underlays
Thin cork underlays laid under floating screeds or timber floors to reduce impact sound transmission.
Compared performance
TAV. EThe thermal inertia index determines the material's capacity to buffer heat. While EPS and Polyurethane are excellent against cold, they fail in summer because their low mass cannot absorb the solar heat wave — which cork and wood fibre do excellently.
Used in these processes
TAV. PUsed in these systems
TAV. SReference regulations
8 norms- D.Lgs. 192/2005Implementation of Directive 2002/91/EC on the energy performance of buildingsIn force
- D.M. 23/06/2022Minimum Environmental Criteria for construction (CAM)In force
- D.M. 26/06/2015Minimum energy-performance requirements for buildings (the 'minimum requirements decree')In force
- D.P.C.M. 05/12/1997Determination of the Passive Acoustic Requirements of BuildingsIn force
- Reg. (UE) 2020/852The Taxonomy Regulation: what can be called 'sustainable'In force
- UNI 11367UNI 11367: the acoustic class of dwellingsIn force
- UNI EN 13501-1:2019Fire classification of construction products and building elements - Part 1: Reaction to fireIn force
- UNI EN 15804UNI EN 15804: the rules for Environmental Product Declarations (EPD)In force
Informational links to the regulatory framework. Always verify the current text on the official source.
Operational documents from this sheet
Specification clauses, site checklists and compliance dossiers generated from the graph — and kept in sync when a cited norm changes. Join the waiting list.
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