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MD Facade expanded cork panels for walls

Cracking facades, flaking plaster, and yet another renovation looming. Sounds familiar? Instead of enjoying a warm, well-kept home, you find yourself staring at more damage and counting the costs. And the same question keeps coming back: is there really no other way? There is. MD Facade Expanded Cork is a completely natural alternative to traditional renders and cladding panels. It keeps the warmth in during winter, protects against the heat in summer, and maintains its elegant appearance for years to come.

Got questions? Have a look at our answers!

EXPANDED CORK INSTEAD OF DECORATIVE RENDER – IS IT A GOOD IDEA?

Absolutely. Expanded cork is an excellent choice for facades – it insulates the house while remaining lightweight, attractive, natural, and resistant to moisture and mould. In summer, it helps keep the interior pleasantly cool, and in winter, it retains warmth inside. It’s also resistant to insects, termites, and rodents. In the event of a fire, it doesn’t melt, slows down the spread of flames, and releases no toxic fumes.

By contrast, traditional renders often crack, are more susceptible to moisture, algae, and efflorescence, and do not offer the same level of insulation as expanded cork.

IS A CORK FACADE HEAVY?

No, cork is a lightweight material. Unlike heavier facade systems such as brick slips or concrete panels, it doesn’t put any strain on the building’s structure.

WHAT COLOUR ARE EXPANDED CORK PANELS?

It has a deep brown colour, created by heating cork granules at high temperatures. This rich shade of brown complements a wide range of architectural styles and effectively hides dirt, helping the facade maintain its neat, attractive appearance for longer.

IS A CORK FRONT FACADE WEATHER-RESISTANT?

Yes, it performs exceptionally well in changing weather conditions. The structure of expanded cork is infused with a natural resin called suberin, which provides built-in protection. As a result, cork doesn’t absorb water and doesn’t rot. The natural ageing process you might notice is a gentle patina forming on the surface after prolonged exposure to sunlight.

CAN EXPANDED CORK BE USED FOR OFFICE BUILDING FACADES?

Absolutely. Expanded cork is a versatile facade material suitable not only for homes but also for office buildings, commercial spaces, and public facilities. In offices, it helps reduce heating and cooling costs, while its natural soundproofing properties minimise external noise, creating a more comfortable working environment. Its organic appearance also gives the building a modern, eco-friendly look.

For years, external decorative render was considered the standard – affordable, widely available, and familiar to every contractor. Unfortunately, over time, its flaws have become all too obvious: peeling sections, unsightly stains, and the constant need for repairs. That’s why today it’s increasingly being replaced by a modern facade solution that combines aesthetics, natural materials, and long-lasting durability — expanded cork insulation.

The facade of a single-family home should, above all, be practical. While traditional materials tend to crack and need frequent maintenance, expanded cork remains durable and visually appealing. It’s one of the best natural insulators — keeping warmth inside during winter and preventing walls from overheating in summer. As a result, the interior maintains a stable, comfortable temperature without the constant need for heating or air conditioning.

What’s more, cork provides not only thermal insulation but also excellent soundproofing, creating a quiet and comfortable indoor environment. Unlike many traditional materials, it allows walls to breathe — it’s both hydrophobic and vapour-permeable, meaning it repels water without trapping moisture inside.

It’s also worth noting that expanded cork is a 100% natural material — free from glues, synthetic resins, and petrochemical substances. Its unique structure is formed solely by suberin, a natural resin found in cork oak bark. Compared with mineral wool, polystyrene, or composite panels, it’s an eco-friendly, renewable, and safe solution — both for the household and the environment.