Achieve Enhanced Thermal Performance With Insulated Plasterboard

When exploring ways to improve thermal efficiency in buildings, insulated plasterboard products offer compelling energy-saving benefits in comparison to traditional alternatives. However, confusion can arise around real-world performance and how to navigate the specs appropriately.

At Building Materials Nationwide, we aim to make understanding insulated-backed plasterboard easy. With decades of experience supplying leading insulation brands, our team can clarify how these products achieve improved R-values and thermal resistance.

Partner with us for access to a wide range of insulated plasterboard options and leverage our expertise to understand the full capabilities of these innovative materials. Together we can determine the ideal solutions to meet your insulation needs.

Understanding Insulated Plasterboard

Insulated plasterboard, also known as thermal plasterboard or insulated drywall, is a specialised construction material that, when incorporated into projects, creates buildings with better energy performance, occupant comfort, and compliance with regulations.

Unlike traditional construction methods that use separate insulation layers, insulated plasterboard has insulation built right into the plasterboard core. This core often contains expanded polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, or mineral wool – materials that boast higher R-values compared to traditional plasterboard and fibreglass batts.

Common types of insulated plasterboard include:

• EPS Board - Expanded polystyrene core, cost-effective option

• Polyisocyanurate Board - Rigid foam core, highest R-value

• Mineral Wool Board - Stone wool core, fire and mould resistance

• Hybrid Boards - Multiple core materials for specialised performance

Overall, these boards not only add value to your projects but they also help align you with the growing demand for sustainable and efficient construction practices.

Navigating R-Values

When selecting an insulated plasterboard, the R-value is the key metric for assessing thermal performance. R-value measures a material's ability to resist heat flow the higher the R-value, the better the insulation capability.

Typical R-values for insulated plasterboard range from R-3.5 to R-6.5 per inch of thickness. To determine appropriate R-values, consider your climate zone and seasonal temperature variations. Also factor in project goals like improved efficiency, noise reduction, or moisture control.

At Building Materials Nationwide, we offer insulated plasterboard across a spectrum of R-values suited for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Our team of experts can guide you in selecting the right R-values in our products that balance performance, budget, and sustainability targets.