Foil Backed Plasterboard

The ultimate guide to foil backed plasterboard

Foil backed plasterboard can be a tricky product to buy.

There are so many different types of foil backed plasterboard and it's hard to know which one is best for your project.

We've put together this guide that will walk you through some of the factors to consider while purchasing silver backed plasterboard, including the advantages and disadvantages of each type, what they're used for, how much they cost, whether or not it will work with your current setup, and so on.

This guide will save you time and money by helping you make an informed decision about which type of board is best for your project!

What is silver backed plasterboard and why should I use it?

Foil backed sheets are the same as normal plasterboard, except for a thin layer of foil that is applied to the back of the board.

It's used for walls and ceiling linings where an effective vapour barrier, as well as a plasterboard lining, are required.

This foil sheet acts as a vapour barrier, it is intended to stop moisture from penetrating through the boards. Its goal is to offer a layer of protection from water that may penetrate to the internal surfaces in your home.

What are the different types of boards available 

Although there are a few different types of board available, they all have a fair amount of similarities.

The 3 main manufacturers are British Gypsum, Knauf & Siniat. The boards are known as British Gypsum Duplex, Knauf Vapour Panel, or Siniat GTEC Vapour Board depending on the manufacturer.

Cost comparisons between the different types of foil backed boards 

The cost will vary depending on the manufacturer and supplier.

At the time of writing this article, Knauf vapour panel is the cheapest. British Gypsum is slightly cheaper than Siniat.

However, there is no reason for this price discrepancy it's simply because of supply and availability. 

One brand is not necessarily any less effective than the other brands.

When should foil backed plasterboards be used?

Here's a list of instances when using foil-backed plasterboard is a good idea:

Damp walls that have recently been repaired

If a wall has previously been damp, it may still retain moisture and salts. In this case, applying a foil-backed board will prevent the trapped moisture from seeping through to your internal surfaces.

Please note: This is only suitable for walls that have been effectively repaired. It should never be used to repair (or conceal) more serious damp problems.

If you have walls with a potential for penetrating damp

A vapour barrier can benefit surfaces that are vulnerable to future penetrating damp. Vapour control in these locations will protect your wall against future penetration caused by the movement of moisture through your building materials. This is because the vapour barrier stops moisture diffusion into the internal surface of your home or business.

Solid Wall

Penetrating damp and condensation can develop in solid walls that don't have a cavity especially if it's exposed to driving rain on the external walls. A vapour barrier may be created with either a stud wall or battens and foil-backed boards with a cavity between the wall and the boards. This can serve as an extra layer of security.

Pitched Roofs

If you are boarding a loft, foil-backed boards offer some protection against minor amounts of moisture entering the roof space.

Tips on installation 

Foil backed plasterboard is only suitable for mechanical fixing. Using screws and attaching to timber or metal studwork, or fixing to timber battens on the wall.

Foil backed plasterboard is NOT suitable for dot and dab. This is because the bond between the foil and the board is not strong enough to support the weight and could peel off over time.

The simplest approach is to attach treated timbers to the wall at 400mm intervals. This will allow you to mount your boards without having to cut their width.

If you opt for metal studwork we can supply everything you need in our metal studwork category.

FAQs about foil-backed plasterboard

• Is it available in both Square and Tapered Edge?

Yes, both square edge and tapered edge are available.

• Is it easy to cut?

Yes, you can cut it by scoring with a knife and then snapping. Exactly the same as standard plasterboard

• Should I use foil backed plasterboard?

Foil-backed plasterboard should only be used as a preventative measure, or in combination with other damp proofing techniques. It should really be regarded as an additional layer of protection rather than the primary barrier against water ingress.

• How does it fit together?

The boards simply butt up against one another for a snug fit just like standard plasterboard

• What is the benefit of foil backed plasterboard?

Foil Backed Plasterboard, unlike conventional plasterboard, has a thin metallised polyester foil backing that delivers excellent vapour resistance to limit moisture diffusion. The foil serves as a strong barrier to moisture ingress and creeping damp by limiting water movement.

• Can I use foil backed plasterboard as a VCL (Vapour control layer)

Although foil backed plasterboard has a foil backing that acts as a vapour barrier, none of the joints or penetrations are sealed, so it should not be used in place of VCL.

In Conclusion

Foil backed plasterboard is a type of board that has been manufactured with foil on the back. This type of board can be used for walls and ceiling linings where a vapour barrier, as well as a plasterboard lining are required.

There are different brands available from British Gypsum, Knauf & Siniat but they are very similar. The cost will vary depending on which manufacturer you purchase your product from along with availability or supply in the market at any given time.

If you're looking for more information on which application would work best for your needs, don't hesitate to contact us! We have experts standing by who would love to answer any questions you may have about these products.

Thanks for Reading! We hope you enjoyed our ultimate guide to foil backed plasterboards, please contact us if you have any questions, feedback or suggestions.