Insulated Plasterboard

Insulated plasterboard is a time saving and DIY friendly option for drylining and stud wall construction, comprised of a sheet of general-use plasterboard (such as wallboard) adhered to a sheet if insulating material - ranging from simple polystyrene backing to our high performance, foil-backed PIR insulation.

To install insulated plasterboard, first ensure the surface is clean and dry. Measure the area and cut the panels to fit if necessary. Position the panels snugly against the wall or ceiling, ensuring they're straight, then fix them in place with appropriate fixings.

Most of the time, insulated plasterboard can be joined with jointing tape and compound over the joints and fixing points, and allowing it to dry completely before sanding smooth. Finish with plaster, paint or wallpaper as desired, adhering to local building codes and manufacturer instructions throughout the process. If unsure, consult your builder for advice.

EPS vs PIR

EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) and PIR (Polyisocyanurate) are two common types of insulation used in plasterboard. EPS insulated plasterboard, made from expanded polystyrene foam, provides good thermal insulation properties at a relatively lower cost, making it a budget-friendly option. On the other hand, PIR insulated plasterboard, constructed from polyisocyanurate foam, offers superior thermal performance with a higher R-value per inch of thickness, making it more effective in reducing heat transfer. Additionally, PIR has better fire resistance properties compared to EPS, making it a safer choice in fire-prone environments.

Celotex PL4000 Series

Our Celotex PL4000 range features high-performance PIR insulation cores with excellent thermal conductivity of 0.022 W/mK. Available in five thickness options from 37.5mm to 77.5mm, these boards provide superior thermal performance for demanding specifications. The 52.5mm and 62.5mm options are particularly popular for new build applications, whilst the slimmer 37.5mm variant suits retrofit projects where space is limited.

British Gypsum Gyproc Thermaline

The Thermaline range combines British Gypsum's renowned plasterboard quality with integrated PIR insulation. Available in 38mm, 53mm, 63mm, and 78mm thicknesses, these boards feature tapered edges for seamless jointing. The 53mm option provides balanced performance for most applications, whilst the 78mm variant delivers premium thermal specification for high-performance builds.

Warmline PIR Range

Our Warmline series offers reliable PIR insulation at competitive prices across five thickness options from 37.5mm to 72.5mm. These boards maintain the same thermal conductivity as premium brands whilst providing excellent value. The 52.5mm and 62.5mm options are ideal for standard specifications, with the 72.5mm variant suitable for enhanced thermal requirements.

Siniat Thermal EPS Range

For budget-conscious projects, our Siniat Thermal range uses EPS insulation cores with thermal conductivity of 0.038 W/mK. Available in 22mm, 30mm, 40mm, and 50mm thicknesses, these boards offer reliable thermal improvement at competitive prices. The 22mm option provides minimal thickness thermal upgrade, perfect for space-restricted retrofits.

Applications and Performance

New Construction: Our 52.5mm to 63mm thickness range provides straightforward compliance with current Part L requirements. PIR core products deliver superior thermal performance in minimal thickness, with U-values typically achieving 0.25-0.35 W/m²K depending on substrate and specification.

Retrofit Projects: Slimmer profiles from 22mm to 38mm allow thermal upgrades without major structural alterations. These options are particularly suitable for period properties where internal dimensions must be preserved whilst improving energy efficiency.

Budget Projects: The Siniat EPS range offers reliable thermal improvement at competitive prices, ideal where cost is a primary consideration whilst still achieving meaningful thermal enhancement.

Technical Specifications

All products measure 2400mm x 1200mm and feature tapered edges for invisible joints. PIR products (Celotex, British Gypsum, Warmline) provide thermal conductivity of 0.022 W/mK with integrated vapour control properties. EPS products (Siniat) offer thermal conductivity of 0.038 W/mK with excellent value positioning.

Installation follows standard plasterboard practices using mechanical fixings or adhesive dot-and-dab methods. Junction treatments require attention to maintain thermal continuity, whilst standard finishing techniques apply once installation is complete.

When building or re-building a cavity wall, you may often want to insulate the cavity for better sound and heat insulation. Insulated plasterboards are specifically sized to fit a standard cavity wall size and allow you to insulate and board your cavity wall in one go. They are available in a range of thicknesses to suit different depths of cavity. Our measurements include both the thickness of the cavity and the thickness of the board (typically 12.5mm plasterboard).

Thermal Insulation:

The integrated insulation helps improve the thermal efficiency of a building, reducing heat loss through walls or ceilings. This can lead to lower energy bills and increased comfort indoors.

Sound Insulation:

Insulated plasterboard can also enhance soundproofing qualities, reducing the transmission of noise between rooms or from outside sources. This is particularly beneficial for creating quieter and more peaceful living or working environments.

Space Efficiency:

Compared to traditional methods of adding insulation to walls or ceilings, insulated plasterboard saves space. It combines both insulation and finishing in one product, allowing for thinner walls or ceilings without sacrificing thermal performance.

Ease of Installation:

Installing insulated plasterboard is often simpler and quicker than installing separate layers of insulation and plasterboard. This can save on labor costs and reduce construction time.

Fire Resistance:

Depending on the specific type chosen, insulated plasterboard may offer increased fire resistance, providing an extra layer of protection in case of fire.

We offer a range of insulated plasterboard by various manufacturers. Our most popular brands are Celotex, British Gypsum (Gyproc), Siniat (GTEC) and Warmline.