Insulated and acoustic drylining

Insulated plasterboard for cold solid walls and acoustic drylining to cut noise from neighbours and between rooms. What's involved and typical UK costs.

In short: Insulated drylining lines cold external walls with insulated plasterboard or a stud frame filled with insulation, while acoustic drylining uses dense acoustic boards, mineral wool and separated frames to reduce noise. It suits older solid-wall homes, flats, HMOs and party walls. In the UK, insulated drylining typically costs £45 to £85 per square metre and acoustic wall upgrades around £60 to £110 per square metre.

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Many UK homes built before the 1930s have solid brick or stone walls with no cavity. These lose heat quickly and can feel cold to the touch. Insulated drylining adds a layer of insulation on the inside face, either as a laminated insulated plasterboard bonded or mechanically fixed to the wall, or as a stud frame with insulation between the studs and a board over it. It costs less and is less disruptive than external wall insulation, though it does reduce room size.

Acoustic drylining works differently. Sound is reduced by adding mass, separating the new lining from the existing wall so vibration cannot pass straight through, absorbing sound in the cavity, and sealing every gap. A noisy party wall is often improved with an independent stud frame set slightly off the wall, filled with mineral wool and lined with two layers of acoustic board. Flanking routes through floors and ceilings also need considering.

What is included

Assessing the wall for damp, condensation risk and existing finishes
Choosing insulation type and thickness, or an acoustic build-up, to suit the wall
Vapour control layer on insulated linings, with joints taped
Insulated returns at window reveals to reduce cold bridging where space allows
Independent or resilient-bar frames for acoustic work
Mineral wool in cavities and acoustic sealant at all perimeters
Moving or extending sockets and switches with your electrician
Tape and joint or skim finish ready to decorate

Who it is for

Cold solid-wall Victorian and Edwardian houses
Terraced and semi-detached homes with noisy party walls
Flats and HMOs where landlords want warmer, quieter rooms
Bedrooms next to stairs, bathrooms or living rooms
Home offices, music rooms and home cinemas
Properties where external insulation is not allowed or practical

How much does it cost?

As a guide, insulated plasterboard on external walls usually costs £45 to £85 per square metre, and acoustic wall upgrades with an independent frame and double boarding usually cost £60 to £110 per square metre. Removing radiators, kitchens and skirting adds cost. See our full cost guide.

How it works

Assess the wall

We check for damp, how the wall is built and, for noise problems, where the sound is actually coming through, including floors and ceilings.

Specify the build-up

We recommend insulation thickness and vapour control, or an acoustic system, balancing performance against the room space you will lose.

Install the lining

Boards or frames are fixed, insulation fitted, and every edge, socket and junction is sealed to stop air and sound leaks.

Finish and reinstate

The wall is taped or skimmed, and skirting, sockets and radiators are refitted by the relevant trades.

Insulated and acoustic drylining: FAQs

Will insulated drylining cause condensation?

It can if it is not detailed properly. Insulating the inside makes the original wall colder, so warm moist air must be kept from reaching it. That is why insulated boards include a vapour control layer and joints are sealed. Damp walls must be fixed first, and on older breathable walls a vapour-open system may be safer. A condensation risk check is worthwhile for larger areas.

How thick does insulated plasterboard need to be?

In England, where you are renovating a solid external wall from the inside, the target is usually a U-value of 0.30 W/m²K. With a high-performance foam-backed board this often means a total thickness of around 60 to 80 mm, depending on the wall. Thinner boards still help but may not meet the target, so check with building control if the area is large.

Can drylining stop all noise from neighbours?

No system stops all sound, but a well-built independent lining can reduce airborne noise such as voices and TV a great deal. Impact noise like footsteps through a floor is harder to tackle from below. Results depend heavily on flanking paths: sound often travels around a new lining through floors, ceilings and chimney breasts, so those need looking at too.

How much room will I lose?

Insulated plasterboard bonded to the wall usually takes 50 to 90 mm. Framed insulated linings often take 75 to 120 mm. A resilient-bar acoustic upgrade can be as little as 30 to 40 mm, while an independent acoustic stud wall usually takes 75 to 100 mm or more. We show you the options so you can weigh space against performance.