31% of UK homes are solid-wall properties and need insulation from the outside. But brick wall insulation can be tricky if you’ve never done it before, as you need to be careful not to damage the structure of your home.
For example, knowing how to insulate single skin brick wall requires knowledge and the right tools to be able to reap the benefits of brick wall insulation.
First, you must consider the pros and cons of external and internal insulation.
As every home is built differently, so you must examine your properties structure and remove all the surrounding items before beginning the single brick wall insulation process.
So, follow this brick wall insulation guide to discover all the brick wall insulation tips you need.
Internal vs External Single Skin Wall Insulation
Many people are searching for alternative ways to heat their homes as energy prices continue rising and temperatures drop. Therefore, you can insulate your home instead of paying expensive heating bills.
But what is the difference between internal and external single skin wall insulation?
Internal wall insulation is adding material to retain heat inside your home. Where the insulation material is placed on the inner wall of your property.
Depending on the style of your home, the insulation will vary. For instance, detached homes usually require more insulation because they are separate from other houses.
Internal Insulation
Insulating a single skin wall from the inside is easy to do. This means you don’t need to disrupt your everyday life to add an extra layer to your walls. If you have a busy lifestyle, this can be an excellent option for you.
You’ll need to remove the plasterboard to complete the internal wall insulation, which can cause problems for some homeowners. Some people complain that this reduces the living space of a home.
This can be frustrating if you live in a small apartment or home and don’t want to lose living space. Even though it can feel like you’re missing a large amount of space, it can save you money on bills.
So, it’s worth considering when looking for heating alternatives.
External Insulation
Another option to think about when you insulate single skin brick wall homes is to add external insulation. This is when you attach insulation boards to the outside of your home.
In this case, you can add PIR (polyisocyanurate) boards which are commonly used when insulating single brick walls. This is a great option if you’re concerned about reducing energy prices.
One downside of this insulation method is that it does cover up your outside walls, which can ruin your home’s aesthetics and appearance.
This will be problematic for some homeowners, but it will depend on your taste. If you decide to insulate your single brick wall home, you’ll need to complete all the walls to make the most of the heating benefits.
At first, you might not see the difference, but you’ll notice a considerable temperature change inside when the weather changes. In addition external insulation is better at protecting your home from the elements and varying weather conditions.
So, you can place a direct barrier between your home and the cold, wet weather conditions.
How to Insulate Single Skin Brick Wall
Once you’ve decided what insulation method to use in your home, it’s time to examine the property’s condition and start attaching the material.
The first step is to check the plasterboard. You need to check for any apparent damage and remove the old plasterboard before starting the insulation phase.
Otherwise, you could add insulation that won’t last, and you’ll need to complete the process again.
You have to remove any curtains, plug outlets, cabinets, or fitted wardrobes. If you have walls that are located in a living room or bedroom, it’s important to clear the area.
This is essential as you don’t want to break or damage your personal items during insulation.
Add Insulation Method
You should add insulation to the wall directly. Finding the right insulation for a plasterboard or a vapour barrier to fit securely onto the surface.
Adding insulation is quick as long as the wall is in good condition. All you have to do is add the insulation with an adhesive. You can include a few screws if you need extra security.
You must cover any gaps with mastic and then tape them over so the heat doesn’t escape.
Wall Battening Option
Another option for insulating a single brick wall is wall battening. This is when you attach battens to the wall or add battens over the existing insulation.
Most of the time, people attach battens directly to the wall, giving you better coverage and allowing you to insulate your home evenly. But, adding battens to existing insulation is good for preventing rot.
The choice will depend on the state of your wall and whether you already have insulation material. Whether you want to add insulation or replace an old material, these methods are great for single-brick homes.
All of the options will have advantages and disadvantages, but the process is straightforward if you start by examining your walls and clearing the area. Even though this can be time-consuming, it can save a lot of money.
Now that you’ve had brick wall insulation explained in this article, it’s crucial to understand the benefits of this heating method. Not only will you save money, but you’ll leave less effect on the environment.
Discover More Home Improvement Techniques
Insulating homes can feel overwhelming at first as you don’t want to make a mistake or damage your walls, so it’s important to consider the options and pick the best method.
When you insulate single skin brick wall homes, you’ll be able to reduce your heating costs, and you’ll have a cosy, warm space to relax and rest in over the year.
Once the insulation is in place, you’ll not have to replace it for years if you take care of the property with regular inspections and repairs when necessary.