In the journey towards energy-efficient and comfortable living spaces, the evolution of construction materials has spotlighted innovative solutions like insulated plasterboard, or thermal laminate.

This innovative product, is a game-changer in the building industry. It combines the simplicity of plasterboard with the thermal efficiency of insulation, offering a 2-in-1 solution that enhances the energy efficiency of buildings without requiring extensive modifications. Whether you're a professional builder, a DIY enthusiast, or someone looking to upgrade your home, understanding what insulated plasterboard is and its benefits is the first step towards making informed decisions for your construction or renovation project.

Insulating Plasterboard: A Modern Construction Staple

Insulated plasterboards are not just a product; they represent a shift towards sustainable and efficient building practices. Among the leading options in this category is the Tekwarm range, which includes variants like Tekwarm PIR, Tekwarm HP+, and Tekwarm EPS insulated plasterboard. Each of these products is designed to meet specific needs, from maximising thermal efficiency in tight spaces to providing cost-effective solutions for larger projects.

This guide delves into what makes insulated plasterboard a preferred choice for modern construction and highlights the distinct features and applications of the Tekwarm range, helping you select the right product for your project needs.

Key Takeaways

• Insulated plasterboard is a versatile building material that combines plasterboard with an insulating layer to enhance the thermal performance of walls, ceilings and roofs.

• Ease of installation and space-saving benefits make insulated plasterboard a popular choice for renovations and new builds.

• The Tekwarm range offers specialised options including PIR, HP+, and EPS insulated plasterboards, each tailored for different requirements and budgets.

• Tekwarm PIR insulated plasterboard is ideal for projects requiring high thermal efficiency with minimal thickness, offering a thermal conductivity of 0.022 W/mK.

• Tekwarm EPS offers a budget-friendly option with good thermal performance, suitable for large areas or projects with tight budgets, with a thermal conductivity of 0.038 W/mK.

• Tekwarm HP+ is the optimal choice when your project prioritises high levels of energy efficiency, faces budget limitations, and does not encounter spatial constraints. It has a thermal conductivity of 0.030 W/mK.

• Additional innovative thermal laminate solutions like Tekwarm Gypsum Fibreboard Laminate, Insulated Loft Deck, and Roofdek Thermal Ply extend the range of options for specific construction needs.

What is insulated plasterboard? 

Insulated plasterboard, a key player in modern construction materials, merges the benefits of traditional plasterboard with added thermal insulation. This combination not only streamlines the construction process by eliminating the need for separate insulation but also enhances the building's thermal performance significantly. The versatility of insulated plasterboard, available in various thicknesses and finishes, ensures a perfect fit for a wide range of applications, from residential renovations to commercial constructions.

The Significance of Thermal Efficiency

Thermal efficiency plays a pivotal role in the choice of building materials today. With the increasing awareness of energy consumption and its impact on both the environment and utility bills, materials like insulated plasterboard have become invaluable. They provide an effective way to improve a building's insulation, leading to more stable indoor temperatures and reduced energy costs. Furthermore, the use of such materials can help buildings meet or exceed energy efficiency regulations, contributing to the broader goal of sustainable construction.

Applications and Benefits

The applications of insulated plasterboard are vast, covering everything from internal walls to roofing solutions. Its ease of installation makes it an attractive option for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts, simplifying the construction process significantly. The benefits extend beyond ease of use; insulated plasterboard improves thermal efficiency and supports sustainable building practices. Its cost-effectiveness, coupled with long-term savings on energy bills, makes insulated plasterboard a smart investment for any construction or renovation project.

Exploring the Tekwarm Range

When it comes to selecting the right insulated plasterboard for your project, the Tekwarm range offers a variety of options to meet diverse needs and preferences. Each type of Tekwarm insulated plasterboard—PIR, HP+, and EPS—brings unique benefits to the table, making it crucial to understand their differences to make an informed choice.

Tekwarm PIR Insulated Plasterboard: The Slim Profile Champion

Tekwarm PIR Insulated Plasterboard positions itself as a leading choice for those seeking a high-performance, space-efficient insulation solution. This premium product seamlessly combines high grade plasterboard with advanced PIR insulation, offering a unified solution that caters effectively to a wide range of thermal insulation needs. Additionally this premium plasterboard boasts a built-in vapor control layer, enhancing its functionality by acting as a barrier against moisture. This added feature ensures that your insulation does more than just regulate temperature; it also protects against the potential damage caused by moisture infiltration.

• Thermal Performance: What sets the Tekwarm PIR insulated plasterboard apart is its exceptional thermal efficiency, provided in a remarkably thin format. Thanks to its high R-value, it delivers outstanding insulation performance while maintaining minimal thickness. This feature is particularly beneficial in projects where space is at a premium, yet high thermal efficiency is non-negotiable.

• Cost: Initially, the cost of PIR insulated plasterboard might appear higher compared to EPS options. However, its superior thermal efficiency translates into significant long-term savings on heating and cooling costs, making it an economically sound choice in the longer run.

• Applications: Tekwarm PIR insulated plasterboard is the ideal solution for any area where space conservation is crucial, yet high thermal efficiency cannot be compromised. Its versatility extends across various applications, including walls, roofs, and internal ceilings, making it suitable for both new constructions and renovation projects.

• When to Use: The ideal scenario for choosing Tekwarm PIR insulated plasterboard is when your project requires exceptional insulation capabilities without the bulk. It's the perfect match for settings where maintaining a slim profile is as important as achieving high levels of thermal efficiency, particularly in spaces where every inch counts.

Tekwarm EPS Insulated Plasterboard: The Budget-Friendly Option

Tekwarm EPS Insulated Plasterboard emerges as a popular choice in the insulated plasterboard market, ingeniously combining plasterboard with efficient insulation. Designed to cater to a broad spectrum of thermal requirements, this product is an excellent choice for enhancing the thermal efficiency of both timber stud and solid walls. Its versatility extends to roofing, internal walls, and ceiling linings, making it a flexible option for diverse construction and renovation projects.

• Thermal Performance: Although EPS insulated plasterboard has a lower R-value compared to its PIR counterpart, it nonetheless offers high levels of thermal efficiency. To achieve insulation levels closer to higher-rated materials, a much thicker layer of EPS would be necessary. This characteristic makes it a practical choice for projects where achieving thermal improvement without breaking the bank is essential.

• Cost: The affordability of Tekwarm EPS stands out, especially for projects covering extensive areas or operating under strict budgetary constraints. It strikes an appealing balance between cost and performance, making it a go-to option for cost-effective thermal insulation.

• Applications: The application of EPS insulated plasterboard is widespread, encompassing walls, roofs, and even ceiling linings. Its cost-effectiveness becomes particularly advantageous in large-scale projects where budget efficiency without sacrificing quality is crucial.

• When to Use: EPS is the ideal choice for projects where budget is a key consideration, and the slightly lower thermal performance of EPS can be compensated for with a thicker installation. For scenarios where space is, Tekwarm offers the Tekwarm Thermal Basic, which features a thinner 9.5mm plasterboard coupled with slimmer insulation thicknesses. This variant ensures that even in projects where space is a premium, there's no need to compromise on insulation quality.

Tekwarm HP+ Insulated Plasterboard: Energy Efficiency for Half the Cost

Tekwarm HP+ Insulated Plasterboard sets a new standard in the realm of energy-efficient construction materials. This premium, dual-purpose product beautifully combines high-quality plasterboard with superior insulation technology, offering a solution that addresses the thermal requirements of both timber stud and solid wall constructions. As a versatile addition to any construction or renovation project, HP+ is designed to provide high levels of thermal performance, making no compromises in quality or efficiency.

• Thermal Performance: Engineered with advanced materials and composites, HP+ offers exceptional thermal performance. This board is tailored for projects where achieving high thermal efficiency is paramount, yet where the use of a thicker insulation layer is not a deterrent.

• Cost: Positioned between EPS and PIR in terms of price, HP+ presents a cost-effective solution for those projects where space is not a limiting factor. Its competitive pricing makes it an attractive option for achieving premium insulation without the premium price tag of PIR.

• Applications: HP+ shines as a robust alternative to PIR in scenarios where spatial constraints aren’t a concern, but the demand for high thermal efficiency remains. Whether for walls, roofs, or floors, its versatility makes it suitable for a wide array of new builds and renovation projects, requiring a thicker profile to reach the performance levels of thinner PIR solutions, at a lower cost.

• When to Use: HP+ is the optimal choice when your project prioritises high levels of energy efficiency, faces budget limitations, and does not encounter spatial constraints. It stands as the go-to insulated plasterboard for ensuring superior thermal insulation while adhering to financial flexibility.

Conclusion

Selecting the right insulated plasterboard is pivotal to the success of any construction or renovation project, with each type within the Tekwarm range serving distinct needs:

• Space-Limited Projects: For scenarios where achieving high thermal efficiency is critical without sacrificing space, Tekwarm PIR insulated plasterboard remains the unrivaled option.

• Budget-Conscious Projects: In cases where financial constraints are predominant, yet a thicker insulation layer is viable, Tekwarm EPS provides a cost-effective solution without significantly compromising on thermal performance.

• Energy Efficiency for Half the Cost: When the project demands exceptional energy efficiency and thermal performance, yet operates under budgetary constraints and space is not an issue, Tekwarm HP+ insulated plasterboard emerges as the ideal choice. It offers a balanced solution, delivering high energy efficiency at a fraction of the cost, making it perfect for projects where the balance between performance and budget is key.

Explore the full Tekwarm Thermal Laminate range

Beyond the standard offerings, the Tekwarm range extends into specialised products tailored for specific applications.

This section unfolds the full array of Tekwarm's thermal laminate innovations, including the Gypsum Fibreboard Laminate, Insulated Loft Deck, Roofdek Thermal Ply, PIR Rafterboard, and Reveal Board. Each product embodies Tekwarm's commitment to quality, durability, and performance, addressing the needs of both commercial and residential projects.

Tekwarm Gypsum Fibreboard Laminate

Tekwarm Gypsum Fibreboard Laminate is an advanced construction material that integrates the high-performance thermal insulation of PIR with a vapor barrier, all laminated to a 12.5mm SE Gypsum fibreboard. This product represents a significant advancement over traditional plasterboard options, offering enhanced durability, superior fire resistance, and excellent sound insulation properties. The fibre gypsum board component not only contributes to the structural integrity of the laminate but also provides a smoother finish, making it ideal for high-quality interior surfaces.

This laminate is particularly suitable for projects requiring robust, long-lasting materials that offer added benefits in terms of thermal insulation and moisture control.

Tekwarm Insulated Loft Deck

The Tekwarm Insulated Loft Deck combines the thermal insulation prowess of high-performance PIR with the structural strength of tough OSB board, creating a composite decking solution that facilitates safe access to insulated roof spaces. This innovative product is designed to withstand light foot traffic while providing an additional layer of insulation, making it an ideal choice for attic conversions or storage areas. The Insulated Loft Deck ensures that your loft space remains energy efficient, without compromising on safety or functionality.

It's an essential component for homeowners looking to enhance their roof's insulation while maintaining easy and safe access to loft areas.

Tekwarm Roofdek Thermal Ply Flat Roof Insulation Board

The Tekwarm Roofdek Thermal Ply Flat Roof Insulation Board is a premium roofing material that combines a high-quality plywood layer with high quality PIR insulation. This combination delivers exceptional thermal performance for flat roofs, significantly reducing heat loss and contributing to the overall energy efficiency of buildings. The Roofdek acts as a formidable barrier against temperature fluctuations, keeping interiors warm during winter and cool in summer.

Its robust construction ensures durability and longevity, making it a wise investment for any flat roofing project aiming for superior insulation, enhanced energy savings, and improved indoor comfort year-round.

Tekwarm PIR Rafterboard

Tekwarm PIR Rafterboard brings the exceptional insulation qualities of PIR plasterboard into a conveniently sized format, specifically designed to fit through standard roof hatches. Measuring 600 x 1200mm, these boards are tailored for easy installation in roof spaces, providing a practical solution for enhancing thermal insulation from within the attic.

The PIR Rafterboard is ideal for retrofitting insulation in existing buildings or installing in new constructions, offering a straightforward way to improve energy efficiency and comfort without the need for extensive modifications to the roof structure.

Tekwarm Reveal Board

The Tekwarm Reveal Board offers a high-performance, laminated plasterboard solution specifically designed for insulating window and door reveals. Its thinner profile ensures that the insulation does not excessively cover or encroach upon the window or door frame, maintaining the aesthetic appeal and functionality of openings. Available in lengths of 1200 and 2400mm and pre-cut to a width of 298mm, these boards are perfectly sized for standard reveals, making installation quick and easy.

The Reveal Board is an excellent choice for projects requiring efficient thermal insulation around windows and doors, enhancing energy efficiency without compromising the visual or practical aspects of the space.

 

By navigating the unique benefits and applications of the Tekwarm range, you can strategically select the insulated plasterboard that best aligns with your project's requirements, ensuring an optimal blend of thermal efficiency, cost, and space utilisation.