VIPEQ Guide — Cork Render Ireland
One of the most common questions we receive from Irish homeowners is whether VIPEQ cork spray can be applied over their existing exterior render — without stripping back to the bare wall. The short answer is yes, in most cases.
VIPEQ Thermal Corkspray bonds to a wide range of substrates — including sand/cement render, polymer render, roughcast, pebbledash, lime render and painted masonry. The key requirement is that the existing render is structurally sound and well-adhered to the wall beneath.
If you tap the wall with your knuckles and hear a hollow sound, the render has delaminated and needs to come off first. Render that is solid and well-bonded can be over-coated directly — after appropriate surface preparation.
Assessment
The wall is checked for delamination, hollow sections, structural cracks and biological growth. Problem areas are identified.
Removal of loose material
Any hollow or delaminating render sections are removed. Efflorescence, algae and biological growth are treated and removed.
Crack filling
Cracks wider than approximately 1mm are filled with a flexible, compatible mortar or filler. Minor hairline cracks are typically bridged by the cork itself.
Pre-treatment wash
The surface is cleaned to remove dust, dirt and any remaining biological material — ensuring a clean, receptive substrate.
Bonding primer
A primer is applied to improve adhesion between the existing render and the incoming cork coating.
Cork application
VIPEQ Thermal Corkspray is machine-applied to the prepared surface in a 3–6mm layer, providing thermal improvement and a new flexible, weather-resistant render finish.
Send us photos of your exterior walls and we'll assess suitability for VIPEQ cork spray — no obligation, free advice.