Buildings in Ireland built before the 1960s are usually poorly insulated, which leads to heat loss through the walls. While you can’t entirely avoid these losses, you can significantly reduce them with professionally installed internal insulation.
In this article, you’ll learn everything of importance before you install internal wall insulation at your residential or commercial space. We’ll talk about commonly used materials, pros and cons, and how internal insulation makes your home cosy while simultaneously increasing its value.
Source: pexels.com
What is internal wall insulation?
The purpose of internal wall insulation is to insulate a room from the inside to reduce heat transfer and repel moisture from the walls. At the same time, heat is stored, which prevents the room from cooling down. Properly installed internal insulation also prevents mould caused by condensation.
Insulation is applied to the inner side of the walls of a building. It involves bonding or mechanically fixing insulation materials, such as insulation boards, directly to the walls. This insulation extends from the internal floor area to the eaves, all the way to the roof to create a continuous barrier.
While external wall insulation helps with thermal conductivity, internal insulation warms up your home faster and significantly improves indoor comfort.
Internal wall insulation materials
One of the classic methods of internal insulation is the installation of insulation panels, such as rigid foam boards.
They are a common choice due to their high thermal performance. These boards are fixed to the interior walls using mechanical fixings or adhesive. Foam boards offer good insulation properties, but they are also thin enough to avoid significantly reducing the floor area. They are often paired with a vapour control layer to prevent moisture penetration.
Most of the traditional materials are now highly controversial among DIY enthusiasts and professionals. The main reason is that they are not good for the environment. However, more eco-friendly insulation materials are increasing in popularity such as fibreglass.
Fibreglass insulation is often used in stud walls where the material can be inserted between the timber studs. It is known for its thermal conductivity, but installing a proper vapour barrier is important if you want to avoid condensation issues.
Source: elements.envato.com
Installation process and considerations
Insulating an internal wall is a job that must be done properly. Only that way you can protect your walls from rising damp and cold bridging. We recommend trusting a professional with the necessary knowledge and tools.
Before installing internal wall insulation, it’s essential to assess the condition of the existing wall.
If the walls are insufficiently weather-tight, internal insulation could trap moisture, causing mould growth. Best practices for a durable installation include ensuring a damp-proof course is in place and that your external walls do not let rain penetrate.
Internal wall insulation involves several steps:
- Wall preparation – make sure that the wall surface is clean and dry. Before starting, check for any moisture issues, particularly rising dampness or leaks. Old paint or wallpaper should be removed to ensure good adhesion of the insulation material.
- Fixing insulation – insulation boards are fixed either by adhesive or mechanical fixings. For solid stone walls, mechanical fixing may be required due to irregular surfaces.
- Vapour control layer – а vapour barrier or vapour control layer should be applied to prevent condensation build-up.
- Plastering – after the insulation is fixed, a plaster finish, such as an insulated plasterboard, is applied. This step not only finishes the wall but helps with thermal performance.
- Final inspection – check for any gaps or cold bridging at the edges where heat could escape. To achieve the desired room atmosphere, you may prepare your walls for wallpaper or paint with a dry lining.
For expertly installed internal insulation in your home, call a renovation and insulation professional. The specialists at IVCG work precisely and strictly follow the listed steps.
Source: elements.envato.com
What are the pros and cons?
Your internal home insulation makes your space healthier and more energy-efficient. Like anything else related to house renovation, there are advantages and disadvantages associated with it as well.
The pros of internal wall insulation include:
- Indoor comfort – One of the biggest advantages of installing internal wall insulation is the improvement of indoor comfort. As discussed earlier, internal walls heat up faster, which means you feel warmer when inside, even without heating.
- Reducing heat loss – Internal wall insulation can reduce heat loss. This leads to better thermal efficiency, which is particularly important for poorly insulated homes, where heat can escape quickly. Adding solid or cavity wall insulation can significantly cut heating costs.
- Investment returns – while the internal wall insulation cost can vary, it can also improve your energy efficiency, as we already mentioned. Though internal insulation may not deliver the same savings as external wall insulation it is still a good investment.
These are the drawbacks:
- Reduction in living space – a clear drawback of internal insulation is that it reduces living space, depending on its thickness. That can affect room usage.
- Mould due to condensation – condensation is difficult to prevent in rooms with internal insulation, even with good ventilation. Insulation traps heat inside, preventing it from reaching the outer wall. Moisture can build up between the insulation and exterior wall, leading to mould, especially in poorly insulated walls.
Always consider all the advantages and disadvantages before adding insulation to your home.
Indoor air quality and ventilation
You should ensure proper ventilation when installing internal wall insulation. While the insulation helps prevent heat loss, it can also trap moisture, leading to condensation and potentially causing damp spots.
Ventilation systems, such as integrated ventilation solutions, help manage air movement and prevent moisture-related issues.
Homes need to breathe, and entirely blocking air movement can lead to an unhealthy environment. If you want to achieve optimal thermal performance without negatively affecting indoor air quality, you need a well-designed insulation system paired with a suitable ventilation solution.
Whether it’s external or internal insulation you are planning, you should identify thermal bridges before renovation work begins so you can address them during the planning phase. Renovation workers who specialise in various renovation services use thermal cameras to detect weak points in your home.
Source: elements.envato.com
Is it worth it?
For many homes, installing internal wall insulation is a practical solution, particularly for solid walls where external insulation is not feasible due to planning restrictions or some other reason.
Though it doesn’t offer thermal efficiency levels as high as external wall insulation does, it still offers substantial benefits.
In older houses, particularly those with stone walls or solid wall construction, internal insulation is often the only option. Reducing heat loss and improving comfort levels adds value to the property while also reducing the risk of condensation.
However, it’s essential to consider factors such as the internal wall insulation cost, potential disruptions to living spaces, and the need for professional help in adhering to building regulations.
A professional will ensure that the insulation is installed correctly, preventing issues such as dampness or cold bridging.
Source: elements.envato.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How frequently should I replace my internal insulation?
Depending on the materials and their quality, it is a good idea to replace the insulation every 15 to 20 years.
Which is the most effective insulation for inside walls?
Fibreglass is often the best insulation choice for your interior. It’s not expensive and is easier to install. It can also offer you durability, fire resistance, and good thermal performance.
Can I internally insulate just one room in my house?
Yes, you can, but that may lead to condensation and mould in uninsulated areas due to temperature differences. We advise insulating the entire house to avoid long-term issues.
