To insulate dry lined walls using a specific method, you begin by removing existing materials before installing insulated plasterboard of different thicknesses for main wall areas and window reveals.
This process focuses on adding a layer of rigid insulation combined with plasterboard directly to the wall structure, often referred to as 'dot and dab' or direct mechanical fixing, to improve thermal performance. Based on a common approach:
Preparing for Insulation
Before installing new insulation, it is necessary to prepare the wall surface thoroughly.
- Remove Existing Materials: Start by carefully removing any existing dry lining currently on the walls.
- Clear Window Areas: This preparation also includes removing existing dry lining from window reveals.
- Detach Window Boards: Any existing window boards must also be removed at this stage.
Installing Insulated Plasterboard
Once the existing coverings are removed, the new insulated boards can be installed. Insulated plasterboard is a composite board combining plasterboard with a layer of rigid insulation foam (like PIR or EPS).
- Main Wall Areas: For the main flat areas of the walls, install 92mm insulated plasterboard.
- Ensure there are no gaps present at the back of the board when fixing it to the wall.
- Secure the boards using mechanical fixings. These are typically specialist fixings designed to hold the board securely to the wall structure.
- Window Reveals: Due to space constraints around windows, a thinner board is often used. Install 38mm insulated plasterboard specifically to the window reveals.
This method adds insulation and a new internal finish layer in one step, helping to reduce heat loss through the walls.
