Insulated Plasterboard

Insulated plasterboard, also referred to as thermal laminate, is a composite board that combines a rigid insulation layer with a tapered-edge plasterboard facing in a single product. It is primarily used for internal dry-lining, allowing walls, ceilings, and loft conversions to be insulated and lined in one operation rather than two. The result is a reduction in installation time and a thinner overall build-up compared to fitting insulation boards and plasterboard separately. Boards can be fixed using mechanical fixings or adhesive. The dot and dab method, where adhesive is applied directly to the wall surface before the board is pressed into place, is the most common approach for solid masonry walls and is suitable across all board types in the range.

Most PIR-backed insulated plasterboard includes an integral vapour check layer, which reduces the risk of interstitial condensation within the wall build-up. EPS-backed boards may require a separate vapour control layer depending on the specification and application, and this should be considered at design stage. In areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms or kitchens, insulated plasterboard is not a substitute for moisture-resistant board. For those applications, a suitable moisture-resistant facing should be specified.

Types of Insulated Plasterboard

PIR Insulated Plasterboard

PIR insulated plasterboard bonds a polyisocyanurate foam layer to a 12.5mm tapered-edge plasterboard. With a thermal conductivity of 0.022 W/mK, it delivers strong thermal performance in a relatively slim profile, making it well suited to solid wall upgrades and internal lining where build-up depth needs to be kept to a minimum. Available from Tekwarm and Celotex across a range of thicknesses.

HP+ Insulated Plasterboard

HP+ insulated plasterboard uses graphite-infused expanded polystyrene bonded to a 12.5mm tapered-edge plasterboard. The graphite content improves thermal performance compared to standard EPS, giving a thermal conductivity of 0.030 W/mK, while remaining more competitively priced than PIR-backed boards. Available exclusively from Tekwarm and a practical choice where a balance of performance and cost is the priority.

EPS Insulated Plasterboard

EPS insulated plasterboard uses standard expanded polystyrene bonded to either a 9.5mm or 12.5mm tapered-edge plasterboard. With thermal conductivity values of 0.033 to 0.038 W/mK depending on the product, it is the most cost-effective option in the range and well suited to large-scale projects or applications where a thicker build-up is acceptable. Available from Tekwarm and British Gypsum, whose Gyproc ThermaLine range sits within this category.

Phenolic Insulated Plasterboard

Phenolic insulated plasterboard offers the highest thermal performance in the range, with a thermal conductivity of 0.019 W/mK. The Kingspan Kooltherm K118 is the market-leading phenolic insulated plasterboard, delivering superior U-values at thinner overall build-ups than PIR or EPS-backed alternatives. It is the preferred choice for projects where space is at a premium and the highest possible thermal performance is required.

Applications for Insulated Plasterboard

Insulated plasterboard is suited to internal walls, ceilings, and loft conversions, and all products in the range carry icons confirming their application suitability.

On solid masonry walls, insulated plasterboard is one of the most practical internal wall upgrade solutions available. It eliminates the need for a separate insulation layer and plasterboard, reducing both material costs and installation time. The dot and dab fixing method makes it accessible for both trade and self-build projects.

For ceilings and loft conversions, insulated plasterboard is used to improve thermal performance in rooms directly below uninsulated roof spaces. Boards are fixed to ceiling joists or rafters, providing insulation and a decorative finish in a single board. Where headroom is limited, the slim profile of PIR or phenolic-backed boards makes them the preferred choice.

Why Choose Insulation UK for Insulated Plasterboard?

A Comprehensive Range of insulated plasterboard in stock across PIR, HP+, EPS, and phenolic types, from 16mm to 112.5mm, covering everything from budget-conscious retrofits to high-performance internal lining.

Leading Manufacturers at Trade Prices including Tekwarm, Celotex, Kingspan, and British Gypsum, with no minimum order value and strong stock availability across the range.

Bulk Deal Options Available with pallet quantities stocked for larger projects, offering competitive pricing on volume orders.

Fast UK-Wide Delivery with free shipping on orders over £500 ex VAT.

Expert Help and Advice from a team with over 50 years in the industry, on hand to help with board selection, thickness specification, and fixing method across any application.