Expanded Cork Insulation Board (ICB) – Thermal & Acoustic Panels | 10mm–300mm

Expanded Cork Insulation Board (ICB) – Natural Thermal & Acoustic Panels, 500×1000 mm

Insulate your building the natural way with expanded cork insulation boards (ICB) — the only building insulation material that is 100% natural, carbon-negative, and lasts over 50 years without losing performance. Made in Portugal from sustainably harvested cork oak bark, these rigid panels deliver outstanding thermal and acoustic insulation for walls, roofs, floors, and ETICS facades. Available in 10 thicknesses from 10 mm to 300 mm, with packs from 1 board to 25 m².

Why Choose Cork Insulation Over EPS, XPS, or Mineral Wool?

Key Benefits

• Outstanding thermal insulation — conductivity of 0.037 W/mK keeps interiors warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing energy costs year-round.
• Superior acoustic performance — absorbs airborne and impact sound (Rw 50–55 dB), ideal for party walls, floors, studios, and multi-storey buildings.
• Fire-resistant without toxic emissions — Euroclass E rated. Unlike EPS and XPS, cork does not melt or release toxic gases during a fire. It chars slowly and self-extinguishes.
• Moisture and mould resistant — naturally impermeable to water. Does not absorb moisture, rot, or support mould growth, even in humid climates.
• Dimensionally stable for 50+ years — laboratory-proven durability of over 50 years without loss of thermal or mechanical performance. Cork insulation installed in buildings in the 1970s is still performing perfectly today.
• 100% natural, carbon-negative — made only from cork granules and their natural resin (suberin). No chemical additives, adhesives, or flame retardants. The production process captures more CO2 than it emits.
• Vapour permeable (breathable) — allows moisture to migrate through the wall assembly, preventing condensation and interstitial dampness. Essential for heritage buildings and solid masonry walls.
• Easy to install — lightweight boards can be cut with a standard saw, glued with contact adhesive, or mechanically fixed with anchors. No special tools required.

Thermal Resistance (R-value) by Thickness

R-value = thickness (m) / thermal conductivity (0.040 W/mK). Higher R = better insulation.

Technical Specifications

Applications

Expanded cork insulation boards are used across residential, commercial, and heritage construction: ETICS / external thermal insulation composite systems (the most common application for 40–60 mm boards), internal wall insulation (IWI) for solid masonry and heritage buildings, flat and pitched roof insulation, floor insulation and underfloor heating substrate, acoustic insulation in party walls, studios, and cinemas, cold storage and industrial refrigeration, vibration isolation for machinery and equipment, and Passivhaus and nZEB (nearly Zero Energy Building) projects requiring high R-values with natural materials.

Available Pack Sizes

Need more than 25 m²? Contact us for a custom B2B quote with volume pricing and pallet delivery across Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many expanded cork boards do I need per square metre?

Each board measures 500 × 1000 mm and covers 0.5 m². You need 2 boards per m². We recommend adding 5–10% extra for cuts and waste, especially on walls with openings (windows, doors).

What thickness of cork insulation do I need for external walls (ETICS)?

For external wall insulation using the ETICS system, the most commonly specified thicknesses are 40 mm to 60 mm, providing R-values between 1.00 and 1.50 m²K/W. For Passivhaus or nZEB projects requiring higher thermal performance, use 80 mm to 100 mm (R 2.00–2.50). Always consult your architect or building regulations for the minimum required R-value in your region.

Is expanded cork better than EPS (Styrofoam) for insulation?

Cork and EPS have similar thermal conductivity values (cork ~0.040 W/mK, EPS ~0.035 W/mK), so EPS is slightly more thermally efficient per mm. However, cork massively outperforms EPS on fire safety (no toxic fumes), acoustic insulation (EPS has almost zero sound absorption), lifespan (50+ years vs 15–25 years), breathability (essential for solid masonry walls), and sustainability (100% natural vs petroleum-based plastic). Cork is the premium choice for projects that value health, environment, and long-term performance.

Can I use cork insulation boards for underfloor heating?

Yes. Cork boards of 20 mm to 30 mm are ideal as a thermal substrate beneath underfloor heating systems. The cork provides excellent thermal insulation below the heating element (preventing heat loss to the subfloor) and its natural compressive strength supports the screed and floor covering above.

Is expanded cork insulation fire-safe?

Expanded cork is classified Euroclass E under EN 13501-1. Unlike EPS and XPS, cork does not melt, drip, or release toxic gases when exposed to fire. It chars slowly on the surface, which actually creates a protective insulating layer. Cork is widely specified for buildings where fire safety and non-toxicity are critical requirements.

How long does expanded cork insulation last?

Expanded cork is one of the most durable insulation materials available. Laboratory tests and real-world installations confirm a lifespan exceeding 50 years with no degradation of thermal or mechanical properties. Cork insulation installed in Portuguese buildings in the 1960s and 1970s has been tested and shown to perform identically to new material.

Can I use cork insulation on heritage or stone buildings?

Yes — cork is one of the best insulation options for solid masonry, stone, and heritage buildings. Unlike closed-cell foams (EPS, XPS), cork is vapour permeable, allowing moisture to migrate through the wall without causing condensation or interstitial dampness. This breathability is critical for old buildings where trapping moisture behind insulation can cause structural damage.

Do you ship internationally and offer B2B pricing?

Yes. We ship across the EU and offer volume pricing from 25 m² upwards. For commercial projects requiring 50 m² or more, contact us for a custom quote with pallet delivery, dedicated logistics, and project support. We supply directly to contractors, architects, and construction companies.