Internal Insulation / Dry-Lining
Internal insulation is a very popular “fix” for the DIY market. From research it would be better to assess the possibility of condensation occurring behind the insulation before progressing with such work. Most people want to insulate using this method because the walls are always cold to the touch and tend to get a layer of condensation at certain times of the year. It may be the case that this surface will get even worse if covered.
The Dew Point – A Point to Note.
There is an occasion when moisture in the air condenses at a time when the temperature and humidity are just right. This can happen at a specific point within a wall. With little or no air in the wall this will largely have very little effect. However with the introduction of internal insulation to a solid wall the position at which this occurs can be moved into the room. “What does this mean?” This means that by trying to get rid of moisture from a specific wall, it can actually be made worse.
If, by dry-lining, you have introduced the dew point to the inner surface of the wall, you now of course will not be in a position to see it. You will not be able to see also that through the changing seasons and temperature differences how it becomes an ideal area for mould growth.
If the wall is checked by a professional and found to be unlikely to suffer the above, internal insulation can be a great method of sealing the heat into a room.
“What does it involve?”
- The wall should be prepared before work begins. Walls cleaned, plaster applied where necessary, etc.
- Batons are fixed to the wall upon which plasterboard will be fitted.
- Before the plasterboard goes on, pack between the batons with your choice of insulation.
- Fit a polythene vapour barrier between the wall and the insulation to prevent dampness.
- Fit plasterboard and finish as normal.
An alternative to the above is ready made insulation boards which can be fixed to the walls of the room. They are a bit more expensive but can reduce time taken to complete the job.
The room in which the insulation work is carried out will lose some floor area at the edges. Radiators, skirting boards, curtains, sockets, switches and any other fixings will have to be removed and refitted to the new insulated wall surface.
“When should I get internal insulation?”
Some people have insulated with internal insulation after finding the cavity walls (two-leaf walls) of their property were not retaining enough heat. In some of the first cavity wall homes built, the cavity between the outer and the inner wall was quite narrow and so even with pumping insulation into the wall there can be an increase in heat retention with internal insulation.
Internal insulation is also great for internal walls within a building to separate rooms that are used regularly and those only used occasionally. E.g. between a storage room/ utility/ garage and living room/ kitchen/ bedroom. Another benefit of this is, depending on the insulation choice, you can also reap the rewards of acoustic insulation. Ideal if your teenager starts a band in the garage.
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