Commercial refurbishment · Birmingham
Birmingham factory refurbishment with spray cork
From tired brickwork to a clean, coordinated architectural finish. This factory unit refurbishment brought a drab commercial building back into focus, with spray cork finishes to the walls and coating work across the roof.
A better-looking building. A more comfortable place to work.
The factory had the familiar problems of an ageing industrial property: dull brickwork, a dated appearance and uncomfortable seasonal temperatures. The project account describes a building that felt cold in winter and hot in summer, with a brief to smarten the property and improve its performance.
The aim was to work with the existing building, refresh the walls and address the roof as part of a coordinated refurbishment. The photographs show the most immediate result: a more uniform exterior and a substantially improved presentation.
Factory unit refurbishment: before and after
Refreshing the brick walls with spray cork
The wall surfaces were cleaned and prepared before the spray cork finish was applied over the existing brickwork. The textured coating brought the different areas together visually, creating a consistent finish without concealing the building’s industrial character.
For owners considering spray cork for external walls, substrate condition, preparation and the specified system matter. Suitability should be assessed for the individual property before a coating is selected.
Commercial roof refurbishment and insulation considerations
The project also included roof coating work. The supplied account describes work to steel and asbestos cement roof areas, including internal and external surfaces, with preparatory treatment of minor defects before the cork coating.
If you are researching insulation for a commercial roof, start with the roof condition, existing construction and the thermal performance you need. A cork coating can form part of a specified refurbishment, but its contribution depends on the product, thickness and complete roof build-up. It should not be assumed to provide the same thermal resistance as a thicker conventional insulation system.
See our factory roof insulation and commercial roof refurbishment page for the assessment process and system considerations.
Asbestos cement roofs require competent assessment, appropriate controls and ongoing management where asbestos remains in place. This case study is not a cleaning or application method. Any leak repairs and waterproofing specification must be assessed as a complete system; a cork coating alone should not be treated as a universal leak repair.
The result
The before-and-after photographs document a clear visual transformation: the factory’s weathered exterior now has a coordinated, contemporary finish. The project account also reports improved comfort and energy performance, and a delighted client.
No before-and-after energy measurements, U-value calculations or temperature monitoring have been supplied for this project. The comfort and energy benefits are therefore reported outcomes, rather than quantified savings or a guarantee for another building.
More photographs from the project
Original project photographs show the existing surfaces, work in progress and completed finishes. Select any photograph to view it at full size.
Planning insulation for a commercial property?
A factory, warehouse or industrial unit may need wall insulation, roof insulation, weather protection, a refreshed appearance—or a combination. A survey helps identify which parts of the building are causing problems and which system can meet the brief.
Tell us the property location, roof and wall materials, any known leaks or condensation, and how the building is used. Photographs are a useful starting point. We can then discuss suitable options and the evidence needed to support the specification.
Explore spray cork applications, review our technology and quality evidence, or see more ECOPROCORK projects.
Commercial wall and roof questions
Can spray cork refresh an existing brick factory wall?
It can provide a textured, coordinated finish on suitable prepared brickwork. Surface condition, moisture, repairs and the specified coating system must be checked before application.
Can a commercial roof be insulated without replacing it?
Some existing roofs can be retained and upgraded, subject to a condition survey, structural suitability and the required performance. The complete insulation and weatherproofing build-up must be specified for the building. Discuss commercial roof refurbishment options.
Will a spray cork coating stop factory roof leaks?
Leaks need diagnosis and appropriate repairs. A coating is not a substitute for structural repairs or a complete compatible waterproofing system. The project account describes preparatory treatment of minor defects, but the exact roof build-up has not been documented here.
Can spray cork be used on an asbestos cement roof?
Any proposal requires competent assessment of the material and its condition, the work involved and the appropriate asbestos controls. A coating does not remove asbestos or its ongoing management requirements. Do not use this case study as a general application method.
Your commercial property
Give a tired building a clearer future.
Talk to ECOPROCORK about your factory, warehouse or commercial unit. Start with the building, the problem and the result you want to achieve.
Discuss a commercial refurbishment