Solid wall insulation is a great way to make your home more energy-efficient, reduce your carbon footprint, and save money on heating bills. However, there are different types of solid wall insulation available, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of solid wall insulation, which types are best suited to the UK, how each type works and how to install it, what you need to consider before installing solid wall insulation, and the average cost in the UK to install solid wall insulation versus the return on your investment.
Types of Solid Wall Insulation
There are two main types of solid wall insulation: internal and external. Internal insulation is applied to the interior walls of your home, while external insulation is applied to the exterior walls.
Internal Insulation
Internal insulation is generally cheaper than external insulation, but it can reduce the size of your rooms and alter the appearance of your walls. There are two types of internal insulation: stud wall and dry lining.
Stud Wall Insulation – This type of insulation involves building a new wall inside your existing wall. Insulation material is placed between the two walls, which creates a cavity that can be filled with insulation material. Stud wall insulation is the most effective type of internal insulation.
Dry Lining – Dry lining involves fixing insulation material to the interior walls of your home. A layer of plasterboard is then fixed to the insulation material, which creates a smooth, flat surface that can be painted or wallpapered.
External Insulation
External insulation is more expensive than internal insulation, but it doesn’t reduce the size of your rooms or alter the appearance of your walls. There are two types of external insulation: cladding and render.
Cladding – Cladding involves fixing insulation material to the exterior walls of your home. A layer of cladding is then fixed to the insulation material, which provides a protective layer and improves the appearance of your home.
Render – Render involves fixing insulation material to the exterior walls of your home, then applying a layer of render to the insulation material. This creates a smooth, flat surface that can be painted or decorated.
Which Types of Insulation are Suited to the UK?
The type of solid wall insulation that is best suited to your home will depend on a number of factors, including the age and condition of your home, the size of your rooms, and your budget. In general, external insulation is more effective than internal insulation, but it’s also more expensive.
How Each Type Works and How to Install It
Stud Wall Insulation – Stud wall insulation involves building a new wall inside your existing wall. Insulation material is placed between the two walls, which creates a cavity that can be filled with insulation material. The walls are then plastered or finished with dry lining.
Dry Lining – Dry lining involves fixing insulation material to the interior walls of your home. A layer of plasterboard is then fixed to the insulation material, which creates a smooth, flat surface that can be painted or wallpapered.
Cladding – Cladding involves fixing insulation material to the exterior walls of your home. A layer of cladding is then fixed to the insulation material, which provides a protective layer and improves the appearance of your home.
Render – Render involves fixing insulation material to the exterior walls of your home, then applying a layer of render to the insulation material. This creates a smooth, flat surface that can be painted or decorated.
What You Need to Consider Before Installing Solid Wall Insulation
Before installing solid wall insulation, it’s important to consider a few key factors:
- Age and Condition of Your Home: The age and condition of your home can impact the effectiveness and cost of installing solid wall insulation. Older homes may require additional preparation work or repairs before installation, which can add to the overall cost.
- Size of Your Rooms: The size of your rooms can also impact the cost of installation. Larger rooms will require more insulation material and may take longer to install, which can increase the overall cost.
- Type of Insulation: As mentioned earlier, there are different types of solid wall insulation, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. You need to consider which type of insulation is best suited to your home and budget.
- Planning Permission: In some cases, planning permission may be required before installing solid wall insulation. You should check with your local council before beginning any work.
- Cost and Return on Investment: Installing solid wall insulation can be expensive, but it can also save you money on heating bills in the long run. You should consider the cost of installation versus the potential return on investment.
- Professional Installation: It’s important to have solid wall insulation installed by a professional to ensure it’s done correctly and safely.
By considering these factors before installing solid wall insulation, you can ensure that you make the best decision for your home and budget. Funding is also available through the Governments ECO4 scheme https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/energy-company-obligation-eco you can also visit my website www.craigmonks.co.uk for more information on how I can help advise you through this process