Thermal Plastering

Across Scotland many properties are constructed with solid walls, which makes them susceptible to penetrating damp, cold spots, condensation and black mould. Solid walls are often difficult to retrofit insulation using traditional methods or to install external wall insulation. This makes thermal plastering a viable alternative for properties suffering with damp walls caused by condensation.

Thermal plastering can help remove cold spots and therefore improve the internal environment inside a property, while reducing energy bills and the amount of heat required to warm the home.

The thin design of insulating tiles means that walls can be insulated without affecting skirting boards, windows, covings and radiators. Thermal plastering meets Building Regulations for use where it is not functionally or technically possible to install thicker insulation systems.

If you think your property would benefit from thermal improvements to prevent condensation, the first step is for a CSRT or CSTDB qualified surveyor to confirm the problem, and provide you with detailed recommendations for thermal plastering if required.

Wise Property Care are Property Care Association (PCA) members and have a number of branches across Scotland, so our local teams are on hand to assist.

Cold spots are points on walls that allow heat to escape as they have a lower surface temperature than the rest of the surrounding surface. This is caused by thermal bridging between the cold outside and the warm inside of the property, often caused by inadequate insulation or in some cases a damp problem.

The cold spot allows heat to escape from inside the property, and because this point is often below the dew point, it can lead to condensation forming, and therefore mould growth. Cold spots are common in solid wall properties across Scotland, often found around window frames and steel lintels, and where there are gaps in roof insulation.

In cavity wall properties the cavity provides a thermal bridge and condensation on walls is less of an issue.

Cold spots and cold bridging will cause heat inside the property to be lost, meaning higher energy bills. Cold spots in solid walled properties can be removed by increasing the thermal efficiency of the wall, with thermal plastering being an effective solution.

Moisture is produced inside the home by every day activities such as cooking, cleaning, showering or by drying clothes. This creates moisture laden air inside, which will remain in the atmosphere until it reaches a cold surface and condenses into liquid, unless there is adequate ventilation.

Because a cold spot is at a lower temperature than the surrounding walls and surfaces, this makes it the most likely place for condensation to form, the same way a cold glass will have condensation form on the outside of the glass during the summer.

If airflow is restricted around cold spots it can lead to mould growth. This is commonly seen behind furniture when it is pushed up against the cold outside wall, as air cannot circulate freely.

To prevent the problem occurring you must attempt to remove cold spots in a property by increasing the thermal efficiency of walls, ceilings and surfaces, while also dealing with the excess moisture inside the home.

Thermal plastering helps improve the thermal efficiency of solid walls, meaning that cold spots are prevented. Many solid wall properties may not benefit from thermal improvements from more traditional methods, so the thin insulated tiles as part of a thermal plastering system can provide an answer. They will remove cold spots, reduce heat loss, which reduces energy bills and promotes a more pleasant internal environment.

The thermal plastering system is made up of thin tiles that are placed on the wall before being plastered over, and once the plaster has dried this can be redecorated.

This system not only improves the thermal efficiency of the wall, it can also be applied without the need to make alterations to skirting boards or covings.

Thermal plastering can reduce heat loss through 9 inch brick walls by up to 40% and meets Building Regulations for use where it is not functionally or technically possible to install thicker insulation systems.

• Allows walls to be insulated without alterations to skirting boards, windows, covings and radiators.
• 15mm thick and will reduce heat loss by up to 40% through 9 inch brick walls.
• Meets building regulations when it is not possible to install thicker insulation systems.
• Supplied in convenient flexible tiles that allow it to be installed around shapes and curves.
• Once flexible tiles are installed, the wall is then replastered, resulting in a wall surface ready for decoration.
• The product has been tested by the Building Research Establishment to BS 476 Fire propagation and surface spread of flame. It achieved Class O fire rating.

The first step is for a qualified surveyor to fully investigate the property to confirm a condensation problem exists. They will provide recommendations on how to prevent the problem, which may include the application of thermal plastering.

Thermal plastering does not require the installation of a vapour barrier, but if during the survey our surveyor identifies a damp problem caused by penetrating damp, a masonry protection cream may need to be applied to the external surface.

Condensation is often caused by excess moisture in the property, so as part of the surveyors recommendations they may suggest improvements to ventilation and air flow. This will help prevent condensation and mould growth forming in other areas of the property.

Additional ventilation in the form of door undercuts, trickle vents, air bricks, extractor fans or PIV units should be installed where necessary.

If you are suffering with condensation and mould on walls in your property and would like specialist advice and long term solutions, Wise Property Care are here to help.

We have a number of CSRT and CSTDB qualified surveyors who will accurately diagnose your damp problem, and provide you with a range of long term solutions.

If you choose to go ahead with a thermal plastering system, our experienced technicians will be on hand to carry out the installation process.

They will talk you through the process from start to finish, while ensuring that you face minimal disruption. Our technicians are equipped with protective floor coverings, Hilti dust extraction units and vacuums in order to keep your property clean and tidy.

When you’re worried about damp, mould and condensation in your home, you want to use a company with experienced and specialist surveyors - with the right training and knowledge to reach the proper diagnosis.