Cork insulation/flooring application

[Tinglemd]

Not sure if this is the right place to ask this, and if someone can direct me to and existing discussion on the subject, please do. Here we go:

I have an ample supply of 2" thick based baked cork panels that I would love to use as insulation and maybe even flooring/insulation in my conversion. Has anyone used this? Good idea/bad idea? Is there some kind of sealer I should add (specifically if I use it as the exposed flooring?

Thanks!

[Twigg]

Originally Posted by Tinglemd

Not sure if this is the right place to ask this, and if someone can direct me to and existing discussion on the subject, please do. Here we go:

I have an ample supply of 2" thick based baked cork panels that I would love to use as insulation and maybe even flooring/insulation in my conversion. Has anyone used this? Good idea/bad idea? Is there some kind of sealer I should add (specifically if I use it as the exposed flooring?

Thanks!

Cork has an R-Value of 3.

That is about half the value of spray-foam or the better foam-boards.

So you can now decide with real numbers.

Cork also absorbs water unless it is well sealed.

[Tinglemd]

Does anyone use a combination of materials for insulation? Like, maybe 1" or so closed cell spray foam for a decent air/moisture seal, then 2" cork panels for additional insulation leaving it exposed as the wall finish/finished flooring? If it's a bad idea, or the cork doesn't give enough R value per inch to make it make sense, There's no reason to do it, but, man, I like the idea and think it's some pretty cool looking stuff if it would work as a finish.

[john61ct]

Of course you can use it, many people would buy it off you, want natural.

Yes you can combine no problem.

Only reason not to is if you absolutely need every bit of space.

Yes you don't want it absorbing moisture.

Google for the duck decoy carver forums and ask there for sealant suggestions.

[Tinglemd]

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll google it now and see what I can find.

[kauai.skoolbus]

Hello, what do you think about 'reflective barrier' insulation?

[Twigg]

Originally Posted by kauai.skoolbus

Hello, what do you think about 'reflective barrier' insulation?

If you mean the stuff called "Reflectix", it has an R-Value of 1.

Everything else is just a "claim".

[john61ct]

Reflective barrier (it's not insulating) only works outermost, shiny facing out, with an air gap between it and the skin.

Or pressed up against glass as part of a window cover.

The fact that it's airtight plastic means it can work as a vapour barrier, but 6-mil poly is stronger and cheaper.

The bubble wrap does nothing.