ULTRA THIN INSULATED PLASTERBOARD: EFFICIENT SPACE SOLUTIONS
The UK's square metre prices are steadily rising, impacting our dream home aspirations. The challenge lies in balancing insulation thickness without sacrificing space. Fortunately, there's a remedy: ultra-thin insulated plasterboard, a savior in such dilemmas.
This article unveils the product's pricing, various thicknesses, insulation efficacy, and buying locations, providing a comprehensive guide.
ULTRA THIN INSULATED PLASTERBOARD BY DEFINITION
Certainly, you might be wondering what ultra thin insulated plasterboard really is. Its simplest definition would be a plasterboard adhered or compressed onto an insulating core. However, ultra thin insulated plasterboard encompasses more than just that. It efficiently insulates and provides dry lining for walls in a single, straightforward application.
Ultra thin insulated plasterboard is a purpose-built insulation solution ideal for confined spaces, ensuring minimal insulation thickness without compromising on efficiency. Complemented by a gypsum finish to conserve valuable space for plaster, it also boasts a high R-value, enhancing its insulation performance.
Ultra thin insulated plasterboard is available with the following insulation cores:
- Plasterboard + Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) - the most economical option.
- Plasterboard + Polyisocyanurate (PIR) - the most commonly chosen option.
- Plasterboard + Phenolic Foam (PF) - the most expensive option.
1.ULTRA THIN INSULATED PLASTERBOARD WITH EPS CORE
This type of ultra thin insulated plasterboard is also known as a "Thermal laminate" or "Thermal basic" and refers to a construction comprising a 9.5mm gypsum-based wallboard securely attached to expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation. This assembly is suitable for internal use in both new construction and renovation projects that necessitate a fundamental thermal enhancement.
These panels are often linked with reputable brands such as British Gypsum or Knauf, showcasing ultra-thin insulated plasterboards as slim as 22mm, certified with a thermal conductivity of 0.038W/mK. Widely available at popular retailers like Wickes, B&Q, or Selco, these solutions offer convenience alongside their quality and are highly sought after for their effectiveness in improving thermal efficiency in walls and roofs.
Another noteworthy contender is the Warmline EPS ultra thin insulated plasterboard, boasting a cost-effective 22mm panel delivering a U-value of 0.992 W/m2K.
These insulation options stand out as among the finest available in the UK market. They're hassle-free to install, measuring 2400mm in length and 1200mm in width.
Essentially, these solutions, particularly the ultra-thin insulated plasterboard made with EPS, stand out as the most cost-effective option available in the UK. While not as thermally efficient as its competitor utilising PIR or Phenolic foam cores, it remains unparalleled when cost is a decisive factor.
Due to its cost-effectiveness, this product is commonly used in caravans, garage conversions into offices or for creating mobile offices within containers.
PRODUCTS
22mm Gyproc Thermaline Basic Insulated Plasterboard
22mm Knauf EPS Thermal Laminate Insulation Board
2.ULTRA THIN INSULATED PLASTERBOARD WITH PIR CORE
Plasterboards with PIR cores, unlike those with EPS, are produced using a different method, resulting in unique qualities that EPS insulation doesn't offer. PIR core plasterboards feature an inherent vapour control layer – an aluminium foil that covers both sides of the PIR insulation core. This layer plays a crucial role in reducing the likelihood of condensation, enhancing the overall performance of the insulation.
Ultra thin insulated plasterboard with PIR core, thanks to its integrated aluminium foil, also reflects heat or cold back to its source, serving as an additional advantage over an EPS core. This foil also acts as an impenetrable barrier against rodents, as its texture irritates their mouths, making it highly effective in deterring them.
In terms of thermal conductivity, these panels fall under the category of a mid-range product, offering a thermal conductivity of 0.022W/mK.
The ultra-thin insulated plasterboard with PIR core boards can be installed using either the direct bonding ('dot and dab') technique or mechanically fixed methods.
They are available in three ultra-thin thicknesses: 24.5mm (15+9.5), 27.5mm (15+12.5), and 29.5mm (20+9.5).
Examples of such products include Unilin XT/TL, Celotex PL4000 or Ultra Liner.
Due to the incorporated aluminium foil, it is commonly used for insulating spaces like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. It is invaluable in applications such as refrigeration units, cooling equipment, and summer houses.
PRODUCTS
24.5mm (15mm) Unilin XT/TL Thermal Liner Insulated Plasterboard
27.5mm (15mm) Unilin XT/TL Dot&Dab PIR Insulated Plasterboard
29.5mm (20mm) Insulated Plasterboard Unilin XT/TL Dot and Dab
27.5mm Celotex PL4000 PIR Thermal Insulated Plasterboard ǀ PL4015
24.5mm Xtratherm XT/TL Thermal Liner Dot and Dab Insulated Plasterboard
3.ULTRA THIN INSULATED PLASTERBOARD WITH PIR PHENOLIC FOAM
Phenolic insulation integrated with plasterboard represents a top-tier, factory-bonded wallboard coupled with a fibre-free rigid thermoset phenolic core insulant. It offers an unmatched level of performance among rigid thermoset insulation materials, showcasing a thermal conductivity of merely 0.018 W/mK consistently across ultra thin thicknesses (32.5mm, 37.5mm). This exceptional performance sets it apart from PIR with a thermal conductivity of 0.022 and EPS with 0.038, making it a standout choice for high-efficiency insulation applications.
Based on your design preferences, there's a range of brands to select from, each offering diverse sizes and thicknesses. Additionally, these boards come in both standard and moisture-resistant versions. Among these options, Kingspan Kooltherm K118 and its counterpart Xtratherm Safe-R SR/TB(Unilin) insulated boards stand out as the most efficient type of rigid phenolic insulation boards currently offered in the UK market.
The ultra-thin insulated plasterboard with a phenolic core is utilised in spaces with limited room where the highest level of thermal insulation is required. In instances where PIR or EPS cores fall short, this particular type excels, although it comes with a higher price tag.
Rooms that are usually the coldest, such as bathrooms or single walls lacking cavity insulation, are examples of spaces where ultra thin insulated plasterboard with a phenolic core is applied.
PRODUCTS
37.5mm SR/TB Safe-R Thermal Liner Xtratherm Insulated Board
32.5mm Kingspan K118 Insulated Plasterboard
ULTRA THIN INSULATED PLASTERBOARD THICKNESSES
Insulation thickness matters in small areas. Making a room smaller reduces its usefulness, and using thicker insulation eats up space. That's why we opt for ultra thin insulated plasterboards. They're so thin that you hardly notice them once they're in place.
Generally speaking, using EPS core insulated plasterboard you are limited to a few basic thicknesses. While the British Gypsum and Knauf brands offer thicknesses such as: 22mm, Unilin offers a wider range of thicknesses, such as 24.5mm (15+9.5), 27.5mm (15+12.5), and 29.5mm (20+9.5). On the other hand phenolic core come in thickness options 32.5mm, 37.5mm
ULTRA THIN INSULATED PLASTERBOARD COST/PRICE
Another crucial factor in choosing a product, after insulation thickness, is its price and installation costs. Despite common belief, ultra thin insulated plasterboard isn't pricey when you consider its advantages. Insulation cores like EPS or PIR aren't too thick, so they don't come at a high cost. For instance, thicknesses between 15mm and 22mm typically cost around £11 per square metre.
Below, we'll outline the costs associated with purchasing ultra thin insulated plasterboard:
22mm British Gypsum EPS Gyproc Thermaline Basic- £31.74 / 11.02m2 / Thermal Conductivity:
0.038W/mK
22mm Knauf EPS Thermal Laminate- £29.33 / 10.18m2 / Thermal Conductivity:
0.038W/mK
24.5mm Unilin XT/TL Thermal Liner Insulated Plasterboard - £54.07 / 18.77m2 / Thermal Conductivity:
0.022 W/mk
27.5mm Unilin XT/TL Thermal Liner Insulated Plasterboard – £55.14 / 19.14m2 / Thermal Conductivity:
0.022 W/mk
37.5mm Unilin SR/TB Phenolic Insulated Plasterboard - £81.66 / 28.35m2 / Thermal Conductivity:
0.020 W/mK
32.5mm Kingspan K118 Insulated Plasterboard - £91.21 / 31.67m2 / Thermal Conductivity:
0.019W/mK
CONCLUSION
To sum up, although ultra thin insulated plasterboard may seem pricey at first, its space-saving benefits, effective insulation, and reasonable cost compared to thicker options make it a smart and economical choice for different construction needs, especially in limited spaces.
Related articles:
HOW TO INSTALL INSULATED PLASTERBOARD?
5 BENEFITS OF INSULATED PLASTERBOARD
NEXT-GENERATION INSULATION WITH A SUPERIOR LEVEL OF THERMAL EFFICIENCY
THE PERFECT FIT: INSULATED PLASTERBOARD DIMENSIONS AND OPTIONS
INSULATED PLASTERBOARD AROUND WINDOWS
MASTERING INSULATED PLASTERBOARD FIXINGS: BEST PRACTICES FOR SOLID WALLS
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO INSULATED PLASTERBOARD FOR CEILING INSULATION
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