As a terraced house in the UK can lose up to £300 every year due to poor internal wall insulation and produce up to 2.2 tonnes of CO2 annually from heating, choosing internal wall insulation for your home is a cost-saving and energy-efficient decision.
Understanding the various materials available for internal wall insulation can help you choose the best option for your home. In this article, we will walk you through the different types of internal wall insulation materials, their benefits, and key considerations.
Internal wall insulation involves adding a layer of insulating material to the interior walls of a house to prevent heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. This leads to reduced energy consumption and lower energy bills.
While internal wall insulation can be applied to various house types, it is most suitable for older homes built before the 1920s with solid walls that do not have a cavity to fill with insulation.
Internal wall insulation greatly increases your home's energy efficiency. It reduces heat loss through the walls in winter and minimizes heat gain during summer, creating a more stable indoor temperature. This enhanced thermal performance means your heating and cooling systems don't have to work as hard, lowering your overall energy consumption. The result is a more energy-efficient home that requires less energy to maintain a comfortable environment, promoting long-term sustainability.
Another very direct benefit of internal wall insulation is increased comfort in your home. Insulated walls are important in maintaining a consistent indoor temperature, thereby eliminating cold drafts and hot spots that are common in uninsulated homes. The measure ensures that every room in your house remains cosy all year round, regardless of the weather outside. Internal wall insulation also damps noise pollution, creating a quieter and more peaceful living environment.
Investing in internal wall insulation leads to significant cost savings on your energy bills. With less heat escaping through the walls, your home requires less energy for heating during the winter and cooling during the summer. This reduction in energy usage results in lower utility bills. Although the initial investment in internal wall insulation can be significant, you could see a payback period through these savings. Additionally, in the UK, programs like the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) and the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) offer grants to eligible homeowners for free or reduced-cost insulation installations, which can help lower the costs of improving energy efficiency in your home.
Additionally, internal wall insulation positively impacts the environment by enhancing the energy efficiency of your home. This is achieved by reducing the consumption of fossil fuels for heating and cooling, which leads to a lower carbon footprint. It helps reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, which is crucial for curbing climate change and ensuring environmental sustainability. Many wall insulation materials, including internal wall insulation, are made from recycled or sustainable sources. By choosing internal wall insulation, you are making a responsible choice that benefits both your household and the planet.
When Choosing internal wall insulation, one of the most important factors to consider is thermal performance. The effectiveness of insulation is measured by its R-value, which shows its resistance to heat flow. Higher R-values mean better insulation properties. Each material offers different levels of thermal resistance, so it is essential to choose a material that meets the specific thermal requirements of your home. Effective thermal performance will ensure your home stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer, thereby enhancing overall comfort and energy efficiency.
Moisture resistance is another important factor to consider when choosing internal wall insulation. Insulation materials that can resist moisture infiltration help prevent issues such as mould growth and structural damage. This is specifically important in areas with high humidity or where walls are prone to dampness. Materials like closed-cell foam or certain types of rigid board insulation offer excellent moisture resistance, ensuring that your insulation remains effective and your home stays healthy and dry.
Fire safety is a critical consideration when selecting insulation materials. It is essential to choose insulation that meets fire safety standards and regulations. Some materials, like mineral wool and certain types of foam, naturally have fire-resistant properties. These materials can help slow the spread of fire, offering extra protection for your home and family. Always ensure that the insulation material you choose is compliant with local fire safety codes and standards.
Acoustic insulation properties are often overlooked but are an important factor in selecting internal wall insulation. Good acoustic insulation can help reduce noise transmission between rooms and from outside, creating a quieter and more peaceful living environment. Materials like mineral wool and certain foams provide excellent soundproofing qualities.
EPS is a cost-effective insulation material known for its lightweight and moisture-resistant properties. It has good thermal performance and is easy to install.
XPS is similar to EPS, but for homes in damp environments, it is more ideal as it has a denser composition, is more durable, and provides excellent thermal insulation properties.
PUR foam is known for its durability and high thermal resistance. It creates an airtight seal and is commonly used in cavity walls, roofs, and floors. It can be sprayed or applied as rigid panels, offering flexibility in installation.
PIR is a type of rigid foam insulation often used in high-performance insulation applications. It is lightweight, fire-resistant, and moisture-resistant due to its closed-cell structure, and offers excellent thermal performance. PIR is commonly used in roofs, walls, and floors.
Mineral wool is made from rock and recycled materials, offering good thermal performance, excellent fire resistance and durability. It is also known for its soundproofing qualities, making it an ideal choice for those who need a quieter environment in their homes.
EPS is a popular insulation material because of its affordability and ease of installation. It is made from expanded polystyrene beads that are fused together to form rigid boards.
XPS is a version of polystyrene insulation with greater durability, enhanced strength, and increased moisture resistance. It is extruded to form closed-cell foam panels.
Polyurethane Foam (PUR) is a versatile insulation material that can be sprayed or applied as rigid panels. It is known for its flexibility in application and excellent thermal efficiency.
PIR is one of the best types of rigid foam insulation, known for its high thermal resistance, fire safety, and moisture resistance. It is widely used in roofs, walls, and floors.
Mineral wool insulation offers excellent fire resistance as it is made from natural rock or recycled materials. It is also known for its superior thermal and acoustic insulation properties.
Investing in internal wall insulation can be more affordable with the aid of government grants. The UK offers several programs, such as the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) and the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4), which provide grants to eligible homeowners for free or reduced-cost insulation installations, making these improvements more accessible to a wider range of homeowners.
Started in April 2023 and running until March 2026, GBIS aims to offer cost-effective insulation solutions to diverse UK households. By supporting the adoption of energy-efficient measures, this scheme significantly enhances access to insulation upgrades.
Effective through March 2026, ECO4 concentrates on improving insulation and heating systems within UK homes, with a focus on aiding low-income, fuel-poor, and vulnerable households. This initiative plays a pivotal role in facilitating energy-saving upgrades, including internal wall insulation, thereby contributing to reduced energy costs, lowered emissions, and enhanced home comfort.
What is Internal Wall Insulation? Benefits of Internal Wall Insulation Factors to Consider When Choosing Internal Wall Insulation Common Internal Wall Insulation Materials Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Polyurethane Foam (PUR) Mineral Wool Insulation Grants in the UK FAQs UK
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