In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the two main contenders (spray cork and traditional renders) and unpack how they hold up in the real world, especially when the British weather gets involved.
If you’re new to spray cork, here’s the lowdown. It’s a natural render alternative made using cork granules, combined with water-based resins and natural pigments. When sprayed onto a surface, it creates a breathable, flexible and weatherproof finish that can shift and expand with the building.
Not just anyone can sell spray cork (or apply it for that matter). For example, Spray Cork UK is the sole supplier of ReveCork (a specialised spray cork product) in the UK. We don’t just distribute it, we actively train contractors to apply it correctly. And that’s important! As with any professional finish, the application matters just as much as the material.
Traditional render typically means cement-based products applied with a trowel. Sand and cement mixes are the most common, though you’ll also find lime render in older homes, or silicone, polymer and acrylic options more recently. These systems create a solid, protective coat over brickwork or blockwork.
Traditional renders are generally cheaper upfront. But in terms of longevity, flexibility, and ongoing maintenance, they’re often less forgiving.
Here’s where it gets interesting. The lifespan of any render depends on a few things: exposure to weather, movement in the substrate, quality of application and, frankly, how good the material is at rolling with the punches.
If correctly applied, spray cork can last upwards of 25 years. It’s not just about sticking power. It’s the flexibility that sets it apart from other renders. Cork is naturally elastic, which means it doesn’t crack or flake like rigid materials. This is invaluable in areas prone to building movement or shifting temperatures (which, let’s face it, is most of the UK).
Whether you’re dealing with freeze-thaw cycles in the Pennines or salt-laden air near the Cornish coast, cork can handle it. It expands and contracts with the structure, so you’re far less likely to see those hairline fractures that let in damp and lead to costly repairs later.
Another plus: cork is UV-resistant. Unlike some traditional renders that fade or degrade with sun exposure, cork holds its colour and continues to perform for longer. This matters more than you think, especially on south-facing walls or in places like East Anglia, which get more sunshine than you’d expect. No need for repainting every few years due to flaking or fading. Just a hardworking, low-maintenance render that lasts.
Sand and cement render, the most widely used option, tends to last between 10 and 15 years before cracks start to show. In harsher environments (or if applied without proper expansion joints) you might be looking at repairs within five.
Why? Because cement-based systems are rigid. They don’t flex with the structure. So, in areas with a lot of thermal expansion or movement (like London terraces with timber frames, or older properties with shallow foundations) they’re more likely to split.
Some modern alternatives, like silicone renders and External Wall Insulation (EWI) Systems use materials like silicone silicate, mineral and acrylic to unlock better performance. They claim longer lifespans (around 20 years) but can still suffer from brittleness and colour fading over time. And unlike cork, they’re often less breathable, which can trap moisture behind the render if not properly installed.
Longevity isn’t just about how long it stays stuck to the wall. It’s also about how much TLC it needs along the way.
Spray cork is impressively low maintenance. It resists moss, mildew and algae thanks to its water-repellent surface, which means you don’t need to pressure-wash it every spring just to keep it looking half-decent. It’s also easy to touch up if needed. New cork layers bond seamlessly to old ones, so patch repairs don’t stand out.
Traditional renders, on the other hand, often need more attention. Cracks may need sealing, algae might need scrubbing and repainting is inevitable if the colour fades. Worse, once cracks appear, they’re often more than cosmetic. They can let in water and lead to structural issues that compromise more than just curb appeal.
We’ve worked with contractors from Devon to Dundee who’ve switched to spray cork and haven’t looked back. Take Victorian bay-fronted homes in Manchester, for example: solid brick, no cavity wall and prone to damp. Spray cork doesn’t just weatherproof, it breathes, which means moisture can escape and internal damp is less of a problem.
In Leeds, where pebble dash is still doing the rounds, homeowners are opting to overcoat with spray cork rather than hack off years of failed render. The result? A smart, breathable finish that doesn’t need painting and lasts longer than most replacements.
And on modern extensions or timber-framed homes, the flexibility of cork gives it the edge. It copes better with movement, seasonal shifts and even the odd dodgy foundation pour.
It’s worth pointing out that spray cork acts as an extra thermal barrier. Tests show it can reduce heat loss by up to 30% in some setups, helping homes stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer. That’s no small feat in places like Aberdeen or the Yorkshire Dales, where heating bills climb as fast as the thermostat drops.
Cork is also a sustainable material. It’s harvested from the bark of cork oak trees (which regrows every nine years) so no trees are actually cut down to make the product. That’s a big tick for contractors who want greener products (and homeowners looking for eco-friendly upgrades).
If you want a long-lasting, low-maintenance and eco-friendly finish that can weather the worst of British conditions, spray cork is the standout choice. ReveCork in particular is proving itself up and down the country as a more durable, flexible alternative to traditional render.
Yes, the upfront cost may be higher but the savings in repairs, repainting and hassle add up fast. Whether you’re working on a Regency townhouse in Bath, a Cornish holiday let or a 1930s semi in Birmingham, cork’s ability to endure while still looking sharp makes it a smart investment and one of the best renders for UK properties.
Want to offer spray cork to your clients? Spray Cork UK is the only place in the country where contractors can get ReveCork and the training to apply it properly. If you're a homeowner, get in touch and we’ll connect you with an approved contractor near you.
