Decorative panels for interior insulation

alisonmb7

We haven't lived in our house for long but in the last week have become aware that some of the solid walls are astonishingly cold. Ideally we'd have them insulated internally. But we have now pretty much used up our budget and my patience with finding reliable people to do work. So I'd like to put it off for a while.

I was wondering, though, if it would be a little effective to buy some panels from a diy shop and cover them in fabric or wallpaper. And hang them from the walls? I know there would be gaps around the edges, but most of the exterior walls covered might be better than none. We have a dehumidifier removing the water from the house, so hopefully that would be enough to stop mould growth behind the panels.

Any other issues I should be thinking of? What are these panels made of? If there is a fire do they give off fumes and are supposed to be sealed behind plaster?

Thanks!

littlerock

Have you thought about thermal wall lining? Comes in various grades and prices. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/greenproperty/10139241/Eco-living-does-insulated-wallpaper-work.html or you can try wool based wall paper on wooden panels suspended on wooden battens (see same article)

jhs14

The issue would be condensation behind the panels, so if you're happy that your dehumidifier will prevent that, then I don't see why not. I doubt a few panels would make a big difference though, you'd have to basically line the entire room(s) with them.

As far as I'm aware insulation boards are fireproof and safe to have around.

alisonmb7

Thanks, we currently have a lot of textured wallpaper which is providing some insulation, at least the walls don't so feel cold to touch, but it all needs to go and at this stage I don't really want to paper again. We are hoping the house is dry, but don't want to spend too much trying to get this to work in case we do find the air circulation is a problem.

I was thinking about using polystyrene sheets for about £10 a go and covering in cheap quilting fabric to make the panels. I know people frown on polystyrene ceiling tiles in case of fire... So should I worry about these panels? I can't find mention of fire retardants in the 'product information'.

Thanks again.