Thermal wallpaper

WhoisDannie

Is it worthwhile putting thermal wallpaper on the exterior walls of my bedrooms?

At present they are just painted with emulsion paint.

Grenage

Thermal wallpaper is borderline worthless as insulation.

tacpot12

It depends on whether you already have any insulation in/on those walls. If not, then it is better than nothing, but don't expect an big improvement - it won't save a lot of money. You might see a good result if you are having a problem with condensation caused by the temperature of the wall being very close to the dewpoint, if this is the case, then by insulating the wall you might raise the temperature of the wall surface enough to completely avoid condensation forming.

You need at least an inch of insulation on all external walls to make a difference you will see in your fuel bills, and even that will produce relatively small improvements. 

flashg67

My solid-walled house has benefitted from this - it doesn't make the room noticeably warmer but there's no longer any mould and condensation forming

FreeBear

tacpot12 said: You need at least an inch of insulation on all external walls to make a difference you will see in your fuel bills, and even that will produce relatively small improvements. 

Got 65-75mm of Celotex on some of my walls and have also replaced all the windows. Can't say for certain just how much difference the insulation has made to my heating bill. However, it has killed the effects of condensation (no more mould) and the walls do feel warmer.

ThisIsWeird

What do you mean by thermal wallpaper, WiD?
Interesting Q, as it'll definitely make the walls warmer to the touch, so clearly provides a tangible amount of insulation, but whether it'll be noticeable in terms of room temp or ease of heating, I don't know. 
When I were a lad, I recall visiting an eccentric auntie in her old island hoosie, and noticing her inside walls had a white bubbly finish - it was covered in a thin polystyrene sheet. And my astonishment at how warm it felt to the touch.
As Flash says, there is bound to be a useful improvement, certainly if you currently have specific issues such as mould or condensation forming in corners, or behind furniture, for example. But without these visible signs, I think you'll struggle to measure the improvement, for the simple reason that temps and energy costs vary on a daily basis in any case.
I don't suppose you have two identical bedrooms on the same side of the house you could compare?!
I hope you'll go ahead, and report back

FreeBear

ThisIsWeird said:

What do you mean by thermal wallpaper, WiD?

Presumably, something like this -> https://www.erfurtmav.com/images/datasheets/KV600spec.pdf

Although the sales blurb claims it to be insulating, the specifications makes no mention of a u (or R) value. And at 4mm thick, it isn't going to improve matters. However, some have noted that this type of product helps to reduce condensation & mould in some areas.

EssexHebridean

flashg67 said:

My solid-walled house has benefitted from this - it doesn't make the room noticeably warmer but there's no longer any mould and condensation forming

This - although we did find that not being able to feel cold air radiating off the walls made quite a difference to the feel of the room. 

We used this: https://www.decoratingsuppliesdirect.co.uk/wallpaper/insulating-lining-paper/wallrock-thermal-insulation-liner-75cm-x-10m - not cheap, and you need the paste that is designed for it too which adds to the cost. 

Albermarle

I have used some sound proofing/deadening wall covering, that is similar.
As said you can not use normal wallpaper adhesive and I found it quite difficult to butt each piece exactly up against the next one, as you can not stretch it . So a few small but visible gaps.

Danny30

No, don't bother. I did it 2 years ago and has been a waste of time. Removed most some but still have more to remove. 

If anyone knows of an easy way to remove it from the walls, would be appreciated.

Jawa

We have used Wallrock 3mm thermal wallpaper on all the rooms in our 1950s bungalow.  We have also added it to the ceilings in some rooms.  It has been painted over and looks no different to a wall that has been skimmed.   It has made a noticeable difference to the comfort levels in all the rooms.  We have also used it in the bathroom with a decorative wallpaper over the top and it has stopped mould developing on the walls that face the  outside. We have no cavity wall insulation, but lots of insulation in the loft space.  It has been a success for us.