Plaster boards with insulation, also known as insulated plasterboards or thermal plasterboards, are a hybrid product that combines a layer of standard plasterboard with a backing layer of insulation material.
Here are the top 10 places to buy plaster boards with insulation in South Dublin:
Mannions Building Supplies
- Address: 427/429 S Circular Rd, Rialto, Dublin 8, D08 R602
- Phone: +353 1 453 9129
- Rating: 4.6
- Website: mannions.ie
CORE Kimmage (Formerly KCR Builders Providers)
- Address: 26 Ravensdale Drive, Kimmage, Dublin 12, D12 FF66
- Phone: +353 1 490 8283
- Rating: 4.4
- Website: corebuild.ie
SIG Interiors
- Address: Turnpike Rd, Ballymount, Dublin 22, D22 P5R7
- Phone: +353 1 424 9898
- Rating: 4.1
- Website: siginteriors.ie
Energy Saver Insulations
- Address: Holly Rd, Fox-And-Geese, Dublin
- Phone: +353 1 460 0250
- Rating: 4.9
- Website: energysaverinsulations.ie
Knocklyon Plastering
- Address: 41 Templeroan Drive, Rathfarnham, Dublin
- Phone: +353 87 992 4414
- Rating: 4.9
Premium Facades
- Address: Unit 78, Cherry Orchard Industrial Estate, Ballyfermot Rd, Dublin 10, D10 RX52
- Phone: +353 1 630 8680
- Rating: 4.9
- Website: premiumfacades.ie
Churchfield Home Services
- Address: Unit B7 Clonlara Avenue, Baldonnell Business Park, Dublin 22
- Phone: +353 1 253 0502
- Rating: 4.9
- Website: churchfieldhomeservices.ie
B&Q Dublin – Liffey Valley
- Address: Retail Park East, Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, Coldcut Rd, Irishtown, Dublin D22 E892
- Phone: +353 1 629 9499
- Rating: 4.2
- Website: diy.ie
Goodwins
- Offers insulated plasterboards known as Warmboards.
- Check their website for availability: goodwins.ie
Baumit Products (via Chadwicks)
- Known for high-quality insulation systems.
- Available through Chadwicks Group locations in South Dublin.
- Website: baumitireland.com
These suppliers provide a variety of plaster boards with insulation options suitable for different construction needs in South Dublin.
What Are Plaster Boards with Insulation?
Plaster boards with insulation, also known as insulated plasterboards or thermal plasterboards, are a hybrid product that combines a layer of standard plasterboard with a backing layer of insulation material. The insulation is typically made from materials such as polyurethane (PUR), polystyrene, or mineral wool. These boards are designed to offer the benefits of both a smooth, paintable surface and effective thermal or acoustic insulation in a single product.
Types of Insulation Used
- Expanded Polystyrene (EPS): A lightweight, cost-effective material that provides good thermal resistance. EPS-insulated plasterboards are ideal for budget-conscious projects where thermal efficiency is still a priority.
- Extruded Polystyrene (XPS): Denser than EPS, XPS offers superior moisture resistance and improved thermal insulation. It’s a preferred choice for areas prone to dampness, such as basements or bathrooms.
- Polyurethane (PUR): One of the most efficient insulating materials, PUR-backed plasterboards offer excellent thermal insulation with a thinner profile, making them ideal for areas where space is at a premium.
- Mineral Wool: Known for its fire resistance and soundproofing capabilities, mineral wool-insulated plasterboards are commonly used in places where both thermal insulation and sound dampening are important, such as in multi-family dwellings or offices.
Advantages of Using Plaster Boards with Insulation
1. Improved Energy Efficiency
Perhaps the most significant advantage of plaster boards with insulation is their ability to enhance a building’s thermal performance. These boards reduce the transfer of heat through walls and ceilings, helping to maintain indoor temperatures more effectively. By limiting heat loss in winter and reducing heat gain in summer, they reduce the need for excessive heating or air conditioning, leading to lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
2. Space-Saving Design
Traditional insulation methods often involve adding a separate insulation layer between wall studs or framing before applying drywall. Insulated plasterboards simplify this process by combining the two into one product, saving time and reducing material waste. Moreover, they are especially useful in retrofitting older buildings, where space may be limited, as they allow for thinner wall constructions without compromising insulation performance.
3. Soundproofing Benefits
Depending on the type of insulation used, plaster boards with insulation can also provide significant acoustic benefits. Mineral wool, in particular, is excellent at absorbing sound, making these boards a popular choice in environments where noise control is important, such as apartments, offices, and schools.
4. Moisture and Fire Resistance
Some insulated plasterboards are specifically engineered to provide enhanced resistance to moisture and fire. For example, XPS-insulated boards are commonly used in basements or bathrooms where dampness can be an issue, while mineral wool boards offer superior fire resistance due to their non-combustible nature.
5. Easy Installation
Plaster boards with insulation are designed for easy installation, just like standard drywall. They can be cut to size with basic tools and attached to walls or ceilings using screws or adhesive. This makes them a practical option for both professional builders and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Applications of Insulated Plaster Boards
Insulated plasterboards are versatile and can be used in a wide range of applications, including:
- Residential buildings: To improve the thermal efficiency of walls, ceilings, and attics in homes.
- Commercial spaces: Where energy efficiency, noise control, and fire resistance are important, such as in offices, hospitals, and schools.
- Retrofitting projects: When upgrading the insulation of older buildings without losing too much internal space.
- Moisture-prone areas: Bathrooms, kitchens, and basements can benefit from moisture-resistant varieties of insulated plasterboards.
Installation Considerations
While plaster boards with insulation offer many benefits, there are a few considerations to keep in mind during installation:
- Wall Anchors and Fixings: Due to the added thickness from the insulation layer, specialized fixings or longer screws may be necessary when attaching these boards to walls.
- Sealing Gaps: To ensure maximum thermal efficiency, it’s important to properly seal any gaps between the boards, around windows, and at the edges of walls. This prevents thermal bridging, where heat can escape through cracks and seams.
- Vapor Barriers: In areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens, it may be necessary to install a vapor barrier behind the plasterboard to prevent moisture from penetrating the insulation and causing damage over time.
- Weight Considerations: Insulated plasterboards are heavier than traditional drywall due to the insulation layer. This means that when installing them on ceilings or high walls, additional support may be required to prevent sagging over time.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The environmental benefits of plaster boards with insulation are clear. By reducing the amount of energy needed to heat and cool buildings, they contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions and a more sustainable built environment. Many of the insulation materials used in these boards, such as polystyrene and polyurethane, can also be recycled, further contributing to a circular economy.
From an economic standpoint, the initial cost of insulated plasterboards may be higher than traditional drywall. However, this upfront investment is quickly offset by the energy savings achieved over time. Homeowners and businesses alike can expect to see a reduction in their energy bills, leading to a return on investment in just a few years.
Plaster boards with insulation represent a smart, energy-efficient solution for modern construction and retrofitting projects. By combining the strength and versatility of traditional plasterboard with the thermal and acoustic benefits of insulation, they offer significant improvements in energy efficiency, soundproofing, and space utilization. Whether you are building a new home, renovating an old one, or designing a commercial space, insulated plasterboards can play a key role in creating comfortable, sustainable, and cost-effective environments.