Spacetherm WL - Arbroath

The fantastic thermal transforming properties of Spacetherm WL (Wall Liner) have been demonstrated in a DIY project for a residential property, solving the condensation issues associated with solid walls, improving warmth and protecting the health of the occupants.

The building, a traditional brick built property in Arbroath, Angus, was originally used as a doctor’s surgery with accommodation above, and later converted for domestic use. The current owners were faced with the typical challenge of a small box room, which could accommodate a single bed, and little else. Built-in cupboards were present along an external brick wall, which was very cold to touch. As the warm internal air reached the cold exterior walls of the cupboards, a constant stream of condensation was running down the inside of the wall.

Spacetherm WL (Wall Liner), a high-performance laminate specifically designed to be fixed to the internal surfaces of existing solid walls without the need for mechanical fixings, was selected to line the walls. In preparation, the cupboards were removed, the walls stripped and prepared. Handling the boards was very easy, cutting to size, and then applying with a foam adhesive. Once adhered the joints were filled, the boards were sanded, primed and were then ready to be wallpapered.

At just 13mm thick, the use of Spacetherm WL meant there was little negative impact, given the already existing limited floor space, and making it ideal for refurbishment projects.

Spacetherm WL consists of Spacetherm aerogel insulation blanket bonded to 3mm Magnesium Board (MgO), for use in applications where improved thermal performance is required with limited space. Spacetherm WL can be used with a variety of decorative finishes such as paint, wallpaper and tiles.

Typically, a solid wall will have a U value of around 2.1 W/m2K. Following the application of Spacetherm WL, this can be reduced to around 0.8 W/m2K, dependent on the wall structure.