Is insulated plasterboard worth using?

Almost always, yes — particularly for uninsulated solid walls typical of Maidstone's pre-1930s housing stock.

Why it is worth using:

• Substantial thermal performance gain (60-80% heat-loss reduction)
• Modest cost premium over standard plasterboard (typically £10-£20 per m² extra)
• Long-term energy savings (typically £200-£500 per year for a Maidstone three-bed)
• Reduces condensation risk and improves indoor comfort
• Improves EPC rating (often 10-20 points)
• May qualify for ECO4/GBIS retrofit funding for eligible households

Where the extra cost is harder to justify:

• Cavity walls (already insulated) — use standard plasterboard
• Internal partitions that don't lose heat
• Listed buildings where breathable construction is required

For most Maidstone solid-wall properties, the payback period is 5-8 years from energy savings alone, and the comfort improvement is immediate.