The correct panel thickness depends on various factors, which we would like to explain to you in more detail. To achieve optimum insulation, we look at the lambda value of our calcium silicate boards. This value describes the thermal conductivity and the lower it is, the better the material insulates.
Technical explanation
The insulation thickness influences the U-value, which indicates the overall insulation value. A lower U-value means better insulation.
A 5 cm board therefore has twice the insulation value of a 2.5 cm thick insulation board. However, in order to optimize the efficiency of the insulation, the overall construction must also be taken into account. What does that mean?
Illustration using an example: a 32 cm thick old brick wall (without insulation & without plaster) has a U value of 2.04 W/m²K. Now we build a 2.5 cm thick calcium silicate panel in front of it.
Result: the U value improves to 1.1 W/M²K, i.e. a 46% improvement. Alternatively, we install a 5 cm calcium silicate panel on the inside. The U value improves to 0.77 W/m²K, i.e. a 62% improvement. (Arbitrary example without guarantee; based on COND TU Dresden data material)
In addition to the insulation value, capillarity and diffusion openness are also crucial for interior insulation. Calcium silicate boards have proven themselves here for many years and offer a reliable solution.
Find the right panel thickness quickly & easily
Three factors play a role in choosing the right insulation thickness.
- The desired insulation value
- The available space, because thicker insulation materials require more space
- The budget available for insulation
In principle, it is better to use calcium silicate at least in a thinner version than to choose only restoration plaster or similar if there are problems with interior insulation and/or mold remediation. As a rule, restoration plasters cannot provide the same performance as calcium silicate.
As it is not always possible to calculate all the technical constraints, especially for private customers, the simplest choice of panel thickness is often a question of budget and available space. Here, the maximum possible should be selected in order to achieve an individually good result.
It is important that you choose calcium silicate boards that are approved for interior insulation and have a good lambda value. Make sure that you do not use boards from stove construction, as these are often not suitable/approved for interior insulation.
