Gillingham Drylining FAQ
Is insulated plasterboard worth using?
Almost always, yes — particularly for uninsulated solid walls typical of Gillingham's pre-1930s housing stock.
Why it is worth using:
- Substantial thermal performance gain (60-80% heat-loss reduction) - Modest cost premium over standard plasterboard (typically £10-£20 per m² extra) - Long-term energy savings (typically £200-£500 per year for a Gillingham three-bed) - Reduces condensation risk and improves indoor comfort - Improves EPC rating (often 10-20 points) - May qualify for ECO4/GBIS retrofit funding for eligible households
Where the extra cost is harder to justify:
- Cavity walls (already insulated) — use standard plasterboard - Internal partitions that don't lose heat - Listed buildings where breathable construction is required
For most Gillingham solid-wall properties, the payback period is 5-8 years from energy savings alone, and the comfort improvement is immediate.