How Is Internal Wall Insulation Installed?

What is Internal Wall Insulation?

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Internal wall insulation is the process of adding insulation material to the inside of your home's external walls. This can be done using a variety of techniques, such as insulation boards, battening the walls, or building a stud wall.

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Types of Houses Suitable for Internal Wall Insulation

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Internal wall insulation is most suitable for houses with internal walls, which are walls that do not have a cavity between them. This type of construction is common in older houses, particularly those built before the 1930s. The walls have an alternating pattern of long and short bricks.

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If your house has cavity walls, which are walls with a gap between an inner and outer layer, you may be able to have cavity wall insulation installed instead.

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Methods of Internal Wall Insulation

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Insulation boards: Rigid Insulation boards are a popular choice for internal wall insulation, particularly in rooms where space is at a premium.

These rigid panels are made from materials such as Kingspan and are fixed directly onto the wall using adhesive. Insulation boards are quick and easy to install and can provide a high level of insulation, making them an excellent choice for those looking to improve their home's energy efficiency. They also take up less floor space, making them a popular choice.

Battening the walls: Battening the walls involves fixing wooden battens to the wall and filling the cavity between them with insulation material. This type of internal wall insulation is particularly effective for older homes with uneven walls, as it allows the insulation material to be custom-fitted to the wall's shape.

Battening the walls can also be a cost-effective option, as it uses less insulation material than other types of internal wall insulation.

Building a stud wall: Building a stud wall involves constructing a new wall a short distance away from the existing wall and filling the cavity between them with insulation material.

This type of internal wall insulation provides excellent insulation and is particularly effective at reducing noise pollution. However, it is also the most expensive and time-consuming option, as it involves building an entirely new wall.

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Benefits of Internal Wall Insulation

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There are several benefits to insulating your Internal walls with internal wall insulation:

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Improved energy efficiency: Internal wall insulation helps to reduce heat loss through your walls, which can lead to lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions. This is particularly important for homes with Internal walls, as these homes tend to lose more heat than those with cavity walls.

Increased comfort levels: Insulating your walls can help keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, making it more comfortable to live in. This can be especially beneficial for older homes with Internal walls, which can be difficult to heat and cool efficiently.

Reduced noise pollution: Internal wall insulation can help reduce noise pollution from outside your home, making it quieter and more peaceful. This can be particularly beneficial if you live in a busy area or near a busy road.

Reduced condensation: Insulating your walls can help reduce condensation, which can lead to damp and mould problems. This is particularly important for homes with internal walls, as these homes tend to be more prone to condensation than those with cavity walls.

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Can it cause damp?

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One of the concerns with internal wall insulation is the potential for damp.

The dew point is the temperature at which moisture in the air condenses into water.

Internal wall insulation can cause the dew point to move closer to the internal surface of the wall, which can increase the risk of moisture being absorbed by the insulation and appearing as damp patches on the plasterboard.

To prevent damp penetration, a vapour control layer is usually installed.

While insulated walls are generally warmer, reducing the likelihood of condensation forming, there are still areas, such as where an external wall meets an internal wall, that can remain cold.

These areas can be prone to condensation, typically in high-level corners. To address this, the insulation may need to be extended to cover these cold bridges.

It's important to note that the risk of damp can vary depending on the type and quality of insulation used, as well as the condition of the wall and the environment in which it is installed.

To minimise the risk of damp, it's essential to work with a professional installer who can help you choose the right type of insulation and ensure that it is installed correctly and safely.

If you have solid walls, it's definitely worth considering internal wall insulation as a way to achieve these benefits. So why not take the first step towards a more energy-efficient home today and contact us.

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