How to insulate a cold wall from the inside: Detailed Guide
Many people are struggling with cold walls. In this, the house often feels cold and uncomfortable, particularly during the wintertime. This problem is widespread in older houses. Especially in those that do not have cavity walls, but are solid walls.
Cold walls also keep your energy costs higher. And make your heating system less efficient, too. The good thing is that you can fix this problem. Here we will discuss how to insulate a cold wall from the inside.
It’s the best methods, types of insulation, and how they work. This will be helpful if you want to become more comfortable and energy-efficient house.
If you want to apply for an internal wall insulation grant, S6Energy can help you access funding, reduce your energy bills, and keep your home warm all year round.
What is a Cold Wall
A chill wall is when the heater has been switched on, but still feels cold. These walls tend to let the heat out, so the space is cold and uncomfortable. And cold walls, especially in the winter season, can cause dampness or condensation, too.
Solid wall homes are more prone to this problem. Unlike cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation requires internal or external wall insulation. This is to solve the problem of insulation.
If walls are cold to the touch, and heating bills are too high. Then it’s time to start considering installing the proper insulation.
Cold wall Insulation
What is Internal Wall Insulation
Internal wall insulation is one of the methods of insulating the interior walls. It involves adding insulating material to the interior walls. This is to ensure that there is less heat loss and that insulation is increased.
This method is especially effective in houses where the walls are solid. An insulating layer can be obtained by fixing insulation boards to the wall. Or by building a stud wall, which is filled with mineral wool or foam.
Internal wall Insulation is more likely than external wall insulation. Since it is more convenient and generally not as costly.
Types of Wall Insulation
Walls may be insulated in many ways. It depends on whether it is exterior or interior insulation, the budget, and the construction. The major types are:
- Cavity Wall Insulation: It is used for cavity walls, which contain space between 2 brick layers. This gap is covered with insulation, trying to avoid heat loss.
- External Wall Insulation: This method is used to insulate the external walls. By a technique of putting a layer of insulation and a protective finish.
- Internal Wall Insulation: It consists of installing various forms of Insulation on the inside walls of a room.
They all have their advantages and disadvantages. Choose them according to your needs and budget.
Ways to Insulate a Cold Wall from the Inside
Some of the most used ways to insulate the cold wall from the inside are:
Rigid Insulation Boards
One of the most common ways of insulating interior walls is the use of rigid insulation boards. They are attached cleanly to the wall. All are made of materials that have good thermal insulating properties.
It is an easy and fast way to minimise heat loss. And take up less space compared with other solutions. They should be considered when you require a simple solution.
That performs well in terms of insulation. There is also an inbuilt vapour barrier that balances moisture. It also prevents condensation.
Stud Wall Insulation
Another method of interior wall insulation is to put a stud wall in front of the cold wall. This involves the installation of a frame made of metal. Or also of wood and stuffing it with insulation. The insulation of the stud wall is filled with mineral wool or foam insulation.
It is according to your needs and budget. Plasterboard is applied to give a finished surface after installing the insulation. When you need to hide pipes or wires, at the same time.
Then the stud wall insulation is especially useful. It can also be used to take thicker insulation. It may need greater space, but it gives better acoustic and thermal insulation.
Insulating Wallpaper
In case you are seeking a cheap solution for insulating interior walls. Then the insulating wallpaper is the good one. This special type of wallpaper is installed as normal wallpaper.
Then it is covered with a thin layer of insulating material. It is not as good as stud or board wall insulation. But it can still boost comfort and reduce the cold surface effect. Insulating wallpaper would be best suited for minor areas.
Or also as a temporary fix, as you would work on a more permanent remedy. It is a cheap and easy way of insulating cold walls. There is also no need for much labour.
Foam Insulation
Foam insulation is another method of interior insulation of cold walls. It may be sprayed or applied in panels. It depends on the kind you choose. Foam insulation ensures high performance.
And it is effective at caulking gaps and preventing air leaks. It may be applied between studs of a stud wall system or directly to the wall.
Even though foam insulation is more expensive than other solutions. It provides better outcomes and long-lasting insulation properties.
How to Insulate a Cold Wall from the Inside
Insulating a cold wall from the inside is a smooth and easy process. The Following are the steps for this:
Prepare Wall Surface
Internal insulation cannot be installed on the wall surface before preparing the surface. This involves cleaning the wall, checking the wall moisture, and repairing cracks.
To ensure that the insulation material bonds properly and effectively. Then it must have a smooth, dry surface.
Before adding insulation, treat the wall in case of any sign of dampness. Preparation of the surface of the wall is the initial step to a good start.
Right Insulation Material
An important element in the process is the choice of the right insulation. This will depend on the type of wall that you possess. Also, the available space and the finances that you have. Since rigid insulation boards are not very thick, they are very efficient.
So, they are great to use in small spaces. When the room needs additional soundproofing, and space is not such a problem. Then a stud wall filled with insulation is a better solution.
The easiest options are insulating the wallpaper in low-budget situations. It is important that the insulation material used has good thermal insulation quality.
Install the Insulation
The second thing after choosing the insulation is its installation. When using boards, they are attached to the wall. They attached either mechanically or using glue. Since the structure is built and afterwards insulated.
The stud walls require additional effort to build. Foam insulation is either sprayed or inserted, depending on its nature. Install the insulation properly and evenly across the surface of the wall.
With the method of your choice. This ensures that the insulation is efficient and has no holes.
Vapour Barrier
A vapour barrier is a thin layer that keeps moisture behind the wall from escaping. This is especially useful on solid walls.
They can become damp when moisture levels are not controlled. In some insulation materials, vapour barriers are incorporated. And in some, they must be added. A vapour barrier extends the life of the wall and insulation. I
It also prevents dampness. A vapour barrier should be added, especially in high-humidity regions.
Finishing
When the insulation and vapour barrier are applied, the wall should be completed. Plasterboard is the most common insulation placed on interior walls.
It gives the wall a smooth, clean surface on which you can paint. The insulation is sealed off and covered with plasterboard to make it clean.
This step gives your wall a new polished finish. And it completes the procedure of insulation.
Insulate a cold wall from the inside
Read More: Cheapest ways to insulate a wall
Final Words: How to insulate a cold wall from the inside
Insulating a cold wall internally is a way to make your house warmer. It also makes your house comfortable and energy efficient. Proper insulation and completion will help to reduce heating bills. It also prevents heat loss. Your cold walls can be warmed. Insulate using the right method. So, you would have a warm house all year round.
FAQs
Are there grants available for external wall insulation?
Yes, Grants are provided under national schemes in the UK to facilitate the cost.
Can you use loft insulation in walls?
No, Loft insulation may not work in walls since it is used in the roofs.
How can I tell if I have cavity wall insulation?
Test the outer wall to see if there are any small blocked holes or examine it.
How to insulate a single skin wall?
Either fit insulation boards or build an insulated stud wall to insulate the skin wall.
How to insulate external walls?
Fix insulation boards to the outside and then give a coat of cladding.
How to insulate garage walls?
Use stud walls or insulation boards filled with insulation and covered with plasterboard.
How to insulate solid walls?
Use interior or exterior boards with a protective material to insulate solid walls.
