TL;DR: Insulated plasterboard for thermal upgrades on external walls. Cuts heat loss in uninsulated solid-wall properties — typical of Gillingham's Victorian and pre-1920s housing stock in Luton and Grange, and Hempstead village. Part L compliant.
Insulated Plasterboard Systems We Install
At Drylining Gillingham we install insulated plasterboard systems — typically PIR, phenolic foam, or graphite-enhanced EPS bonded to a plasterboard face — that add thermal insulation and a smooth internal finish in a single installation. This is the standard solution for upgrading uninsulated 9-inch solid brick walls that are common across Gillingham's Victorian and pre-1920s terraced housing stock.
- PIR (polyisocyanurate) insulated plasterboard — thinnest profile, highest R-value per mm
- Phenolic foam insulated plasterboard (Kingspan K17 or equivalent)
- Graphite EPS insulated plasterboard — better U-value than standard EPS
- Standard EPS insulated plasterboard for budget upgrades
- Hybrid systems combining insulated plasterboard with additional stud + mineral wool
- Mechanical fixing using adhesive dabs (dot-and-dab) or direct mechanical fix to masonry
- Services pattressing (chasing for sockets, switches, and downlights)
- Skim finish or direct decoration-ready surface
Where Insulated Drylining Helps in Gillingham
Many of Gillingham's properties have uninsulated solid 9-inch brick walls that lose significant heat in winter and create cold interior surfaces prone to condensation. Insulated drylining solves both, often improving EPC ratings by 10-20 points and qualifying properties for ECO4 and GBIS retrofit funding where eligibility criteria are met.
- Victorian terraced houses in Luton, Grange, Lower Grange, and Grange (ME7, ME8)
- Pre-1920s semis in Hempstead village, Woodlands, and Hempstead
- Solid-wall Gillingham apartments (early phases, pre-2010)
- Older detached and semi-detached homes in lower-rainham, Wigmore, and Wigmore
- HMO and rental property upgrades (minimum EPC E required for new tenancies)
- Pre-sale upgrades to improve EPC rating ahead of mortgage valuation
- ECO4 / GBIS funded retrofit schemes (subject to eligibility)
- Listed buildings where external insulation is not permissible (consult building control)
Materials and Specifications
- Kingspan K17 (phenolic) — 50-80mm typical, R-value 2.2-3.6 m²K/W
- Celotex PIR insulated plasterboard — 50-100mm typical, R-value 2.25-4.5 m²K/W
- British Gypsum Gyproc ThermaLine — 50-90mm PIR or EPS bonded to 9.5mm board
- Knauf Thermal Laminate — graphite EPS bonded to 12.5mm board
- Adhesive dabs (British Gypsum Gyproc DriWall Adhesive or equivalent)
- Mechanical fixings (hammer-in fixings for heavier boards)
- Perimeter and service penetrations sealed with low-expansion foam
Building Regulations and Insulation in Gillingham
Insulated drylining on external walls triggers Part L (conservation of fuel and power) and Part B (fire safety) compliance. We design the system to meet the relevant U-value target (typically 0.30 W/m²K for retrofit work) while considering fire safety (insulation must be Class O surface spread of flame, with a fire-resistant layer at ceiling line for multi-storey buildings). For Gillingham City Council building control sign-off, we submit a Building Notice or Full Plans application depending on scope, and provide all U-value calculations on request.
Need a Insulated Drylining Quote?
Free site survey and itemised written quote. We cover all of the Medway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is insulated drylining?
Insulated drylining uses insulated plasterboard — typically PIR, phenolic, or graphite EPS bonded to a plasterboard face — to add thermal insulation and a smooth internal finish in one installation. It is the standard solution for upgrading uninsulated solid walls.
How much heat loss does it reduce?
Insulated drylining can reduce heat loss through an uninsulated solid wall by 60-80%, depending on the insulation thickness and the wall construction. This typically makes rooms feel noticeably warmer and reduces heating bills.
How thick is insulated drylining?
Insulated plasterboard is typically 30-90 mm thick total, depending on the required thermal performance. We will specify the correct thickness to meet Part L targets while keeping the room loss to a minimum.
Can it be installed in listed buildings?
Yes. Insulated drylining is often the preferred thermal upgrade for listed buildings because it does not alter the external appearance. However, it may require listed building consent if it affects significant internal features. We liaise with Gillingham City Council conservation officers as needed.