ᐅ Styrofoam Insulation and Then Wallpaper?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to renovate a room in our older building.
I would like to add insulation to this room, so after removing the wallpaper, I’m thinking of attaching polystyrene boards to the walls, priming them, and then wallpapering over them.

Since I have heard many different opinions on this, I would like to know what you think.
Is this a good idea or a bad idea?
Is there anything I should consider if I go ahead with this approach?

I would really appreciate your input….

Hello,

to be honest, I wouldn’t do it that way.

Just the risk of accidentally making holes in the polystyrene and wallpaper if something bumps against the wall clumsily is too high for me.

Putting aside the moisture and mold issues with interior insulation – there’s already plenty of discussion about that here on the forum.

Best regards,

Dirk

I think you need thorough professional advice, which you probably won’t get here. If you approach this the wrong way, you could end up creating a mold problem at worst, or at best saving just a few euros.

I don’t consider polystyrene (EPS) under wallpaper practical for two reasons. First, it’s prone to damage at the joints... and more importantly: if a fire ever breaks out, God help you. This material is already a nightmare when used on external insulation, but inside living spaces... I’m not even sure if it’s actually allowed.

I assume it’s an older apartment. It would make sense to replace the windows and insulate the facade, possibly even lower the ceiling (reducing the space to heat...). But I’m not an expert, and you’ll need one if you don’t want to waste money senselessly or make serious mistakes.

Aren’t there free energy consultations available through some local utilities?

Honestly,
stay away from Styrofoam... in our old apartment, we had mold under the wallpaper, and it was quite severe!
There must be other options available.

Best regards,
xdiver