Plastering and rendering mortars incorporating regranulated of expanded cork to improve durability

Abstract

Plastering and rendering mortars anomalies are frequently associated to cracks, leakages, fungi colonization, etc. Frequently, these anomalies are related to the presence of moisture or lack of ventilation and thermal insulation from these materials. To try to reduce these problems and to improve the properties of the plastering and rendering mortars, a new material was tested that is mortars incorporating regranulated of expanded cork (REC), a sub-product of the cork industry. The objective of this work was to obtain mortars with better thermal insulation, reducing the condensation problems in walls. Results of the experimental tests conducted are presented for the evaluation of properties of the new material. The material proved to be a promising solution in relation to the classical cement mortar and can be applied to rehabilitate similar types of plastering mortars.