When it comes to improving your home’s energy efficiency, choosing the right type of wall insulation is a crucial decision. Two of the most effective methods are dry lining (also known as internal wall insulation) and external insulation (commonly referred to as wrap insulation). Both have their advantages, limitations, and ideal use cases.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down what dry lining is, compare it to external insulation, and help you decide which option best suits your property, budget, and comfort needs.

What is Dry Lining?

A Simple Definition

Dry lining refers to the installation of insulated plasterboard on the interior side of your home’s external walls. It’s a method of internal wall insulation designed to significantly reduce heat loss, particularly in homes with solid walls that cannot benefit from cavity wall insulation.

How Dry Lining Works

Dry lining involves affixing rigid insulation boards directly to the internal walls. These boards are often made of materials like expanded polystyrene (EPS) or polyisocyanurate (PIR) and are usually bonded to plasterboard. The installation finishes with a plaster skim, creating a smooth, paint-ready surface.

Advantages of Dry Lining

1. Energy Efficiency

Dry lining offers excellent thermal resistance (high R-value). It helps retain indoor heat during the winter and keeps interiors cooler during summer. Homes with solid walls can lose up to 30% of their heat — dry lining effectively combats this.

2. Cost-Effective Installation

Compared to external wall insulation, dry lining is typically more budget-friendly. The median cost for dry lining in Ireland is around €8,753, with SEAI grants covering up to €4,500 depending on property type.

3. Ideal for Renovations

If you’re already planning an interior renovation or redecorating project, adding dry lining is a logical and minimally disruptive choice.

4. Retain Exterior Appearance

Unlike external insulation, dry lining preserves the original brick or stone façade, making it a good option for heritage or character homes.

5. Quick Installation

Most dry lining projects take 5–7 days, depending on house size. The boards are often pre-finished, meaning no plastering is needed beyond a simple skim coat.

Disadvantages of Dry Lining

1. Loss of Internal Space

Because insulation boards can be up to 92mm thick, you’ll lose a small amount of interior floor space — something to consider in smaller rooms.

2. Disruption During Installation

The process requires removal and repositioning of radiators, sockets, skirting boards, and other fixtures. This can be inconvenient for residents.

3. Damp Considerations

Dry lining doesn’t address rising damp. Pre-existing damp issues must be resolved before installation to avoid trapping moisture within walls.

 

 

 What is External Wall Insulation?

External wall insulation involves attaching a layer of insulation to the outside of your home, then covering it with a decorative finish such as render or cladding.

It’s sometimes referred to as a “thermal wrap” and is especially effective for homes with solid walls or poor cavity construction.

Advantages of External Wall Insulation

1. Superior Thermal Performance

External insulation offers continuous thermal coverage, dramatically reducing thermal bridging (heat loss through wall joints and gaps).

2. Enhances Exterior Aesthetics

It’s a great opportunity to give your home a modern facelift. Finishes include acrylic render, brick slips, stone veneers, and coloured textures.

3. No Internal Disruption

As all the work happens outside, there’s minimal interference with your daily life and no loss of interior space.

4. Long-Term Investment

Although it has a higher upfront cost, it delivers greater energy savings over time and increases your home’s BER rating and resale value.

Disadvantages of External Wall Insulation

1. Cost

External wall insulation is significantly more expensive. The median cost in Ireland is €21,788, with SEAI grants offering up to €8,000 for detached houses.

2. Planning Permission

If your property is located in a heritage zone or has a unique external appearance, you may need planning permission.

3. Exterior Alterations

Fixtures such as pipes, vents, satellite dishes, and electric meters may need to be repositioned, which adds to the complexity and cost.

Dry Lining vs External Insulation: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Dry Lining	External Insulation
Cost (Avg.)	€8,753	€21,788
SEAI Grant (Detached Home)	Up to €4,500	Up to €8,000
Energy Efficiency	High	Very High
Installation Time	5–7 days	10–15 days
Interior Space Loss	Yes	No
Disruption	High (internal work)	Low
Damp Resistance	Moderate	High
Planning Permission Needed	No	Sometimes
Appearance Change	No	Yes (can improve aesthetics)

When Should You Choose Dry Lining?

• • You’re renovating interior spaces anyway.

• • You want to keep your home’s exterior unchanged.

• • Your budget is tight, but you still want solid energy savings.

• • You have a solid wall construction and want a DIY-friendly option.

When Should You Choose External Insulation?

• • You want maximum energy savings with high aesthetic returns.

• • Your home has no internal insulation and you have exterior walls in poor condition.

• • You prefer zero disruption inside your home.

• • You’re prepared for a larger initial investment for greater long-term gain.

SEAI Grants and Financial Considerations

Both insulation types qualify for SEAI home upgrade grants, with the amount varying depending on the home type and the type of insulation chosen. Here’s a quick overview:

Internal Wall Insulation (Dry Lining) SEAI Grants:

• • Apartment: €1,500

• • Mid-Terrace: €2,000

• • Semi-Detached/End of Terrace: €3,500

• • Detached: €4,500

External Wall Insulation SEAI Grants:

• • Apartment: €3,000

• • Mid-Terrace: €3,500

• • Semi-Detached/End of Terrace: €6,000

• • Detached: €8,000

These grants can substantially reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, making insulation more accessible than ever.

Environmental and Health Benefits

• • Reduces carbon emissions by lowering heating demand.

• • Improves indoor air quality by preventing damp and condensation.

• • Enables future heat pump installation due to improved thermal envelope.

• • Boosts property value with higher BER ratings and modern finishes.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between dry lining and external insulation depends largely on your home’s construction type, aesthetic goals, budget, and willingness to endure disruption. Both are excellent choices for solid-wall homes, but each comes with unique pros and cons.

Dry lining is the ideal solution for cost-conscious renovators looking to preserve the exterior character of their home. External insulation, on the other hand, is perfect for those seeking top-tier energy performance and a refreshed façade.If you’re considering upgrading your home’s insulation, OSBER offers expert services across Dublin, Kildare, Meath, and Wicklow. With fast, high-quality installations and support for SEAI grants, OSBER makes it easier than ever to enhance comfort and cut energy bills. Contact us today to learn more or to get a free consultation.