We Defend
Your Property.
Yorkshire's premier cork spray specialists. Delivering natural, breathable insulation with uncompromising traditional craftsmanship.
The Craftsman Behind the Cork
Founded by a time-served plasterer, we approach every wall as an architectural canvas. No subcontractors, no shortcuts — just pure dedication to the fabric of your building.
See Our Process15 Years of Craft. One Natural Discovery.
John Martin started where most good tradesmen do — on site, learning the hard way. A time-served plasterer and renderer from Leeds, he spent years working across West Yorkshire on everything from Victorian terraces to modern new-builds. He knows how buildings move, breathe, and age.
A few years back, John came across cork spray insulation. Not the synthetic, chemical-heavy stuff the industry keeps pushing, but natural cork — harvested sustainably from Portuguese oak trees and applied as a seamless, breathable coating. He trained as a TIWI-certified installer and hasn't looked back.
Today, Eco Coatings is one of the UK's few dedicated cork spray specialists. John is on every job personally — from the initial survey right through to the final finish. No subcontractors, no shortcuts.
John is on every single job. When you hire Eco Coatings, you get the founder — not a subcontractor who learned last week.
Cork: Centuries of Natural Insulation
Harvested from Portuguese cork oak trees without felling a single one, cork has been used for centuries. Its natural cellular structure contains millions of tiny air pockets — making it one of nature's finest insulators.
Breathable
Cork allows moisture vapour to pass through naturally, preventing trapped condensation. Essential for older UK properties where walls need to breathe.
Water-Resistant
The waxy substance in cork cells (suberin) makes it naturally water-resistant. It sheds rainwater while still allowing the wall to breathe from within.
Fire-Retardant
Cork naturally resists combustion. It doesn't produce toxic gases when exposed to flame, and its cellular structure makes it self-extinguishing.
Building-Compatible
Unlike rigid foam boards, cork spray works with your building's existing structure. It flexes with natural movement and won't crack or delaminate over time.
Cork oak forests absorb CO₂ and support biodiversity. The bark regenerates every 9 years — no trees are harmed in harvesting.
TIWI-Certified Cork Spray Installer
TIWI (Thermal Insulation and Weatherproofing Industry) certification means John has been formally trained and assessed in cork spray application. It's not a weekend course — it covers the full process from substrate assessment to final finish.
This expertise has taken Eco Coatings beyond the UK. John has completed cork spray projects in Spain, demonstrating the versatility of the material across different climates and building types.
- Proper substrate assessment and surface preparation
- Correct mixing ratios and application technique
- Climate and moisture management during installation
- International project experience including Spain
How We Work
No hard sell. No subcontractors. Just honest advice and quality work.
Honest Advice
We'll tell you straight whether cork spray is right for your property. If it's not the best solution, we'll say so. No pressure, no gimmicks — just a genuine recommendation based on what your building actually needs.
Quality Craftsmanship
John is on every job from start to finish. With over 15 years as a plasterer and renderer, he brings a level of attention to detail that comes from doing the work yourself, day in, day out. No cutting corners.
Sustainable Building
Every material we use is natural and sustainably sourced. Cork spray insulation reduces your carbon footprint, lowers energy bills, and gives your property a finish that lasts decades — all without harming the environment.
Why Cork, Not Spray Foam?
Spray foam insulation has been heavily marketed in the UK — but it's not the right solution for every property. Here's why we chose cork.
Spray Foam: The Problems
- Traps moisture. Closed-cell foam creates a vapour barrier that stops walls breathing — leading to hidden damp, condensation, and potential timber rot.
- Structural risk. Expanding foam exerts pressure on roof timbers and can cause rafters to bow or distort, particularly in older properties.
- Mortgage complications. Many UK mortgage lenders and surveyors flag spray foam negatively. It can affect valuations and make properties harder to sell.
- Difficult to remove. Once applied, spray foam bonds permanently. Removing it is costly, time-consuming, and often damages the surface beneath.
- Hides roof defects. Foam conceals the underside of roof tiles, making it impossible to spot leaks, missing tiles, or pest damage until serious harm is done.
Cork Spray: The Benefits
- Fully breathable. Cork's open cellular structure lets moisture vapour escape naturally. Your walls breathe as they were designed to — no trapped damp.
- Works with the building. Cork flexes with natural building movement. It doesn't exert pressure on timbers or create rigid, incompatible layers.
- No mortgage issues. Cork spray is a surface coating, not a cavity fill. It doesn't trigger the same red flags with lenders and surveyors.
- Naturally sustainable. Made from cork oak bark that regenerates every nine years. No petrochemicals, no off-gassing, no environmental guilt.
- Low maintenance. Cork spray resists algae, fungal growth, and UV degradation. The manufacturer backs it with a 10-year-plus warranty.
Let's Talk About Your Property
Whether you're insulating an older stone property or rendering a new-build, we'll give you honest advice and a free quote. No hard sell, no obligation — just a straight-talking conversation about what your building needs.