Internal wall insulation

Why the external wall in an apartment is cold

nopo.lv lists heat loss through the facade among the typical problems of 467 series buildings, and heat loss through the floor slabs for the 103 series. About pre-war masonry buildings, apollo.lv writes that thick walls and high ceilings increase heating costs.

Not every cold or damp wall is a thermal insulation issue. Descriptions of 602 series buildings mention cracking of panel joints, waterproofing of joints, possible moisture penetration and roof leaks, and recommend checking corners for mould. If there are damp stains or mould in a corner, first find out the cause together with the building manager, because the joints and the roof are common property.

Facade or interior: who decides

The Law on Residential Properties counts external walls as common property, and wall finishes inside an apartment as part of the apartment. Insulating the facade is therefore a decision for the whole building, taken by the apartment owners' association. In their own apartment, the owner may work without anyone else's consent as long as the work does not affect common property.

Support is available for the whole building: Altum loans for the renovation of apartment buildings, which since 08.08.2026 the association can take out in its own name, and the Riga municipality initiative “Rīga renovē” with consultations and co-financing for an energy audit, a technical survey and a technical design. These programmes are intended for the whole building. If renovation is already being discussed in your building, ask the building manager before insulating from the inside.

What is usually done in an apartment

One solution is a lining on a frame: metal profiles are built against the external wall, thermal insulation material is laid between them and the frame is covered with plasterboard. Which material and thickness to choose depends on the wall material and on whether there is moisture in the wall, and this can be assessed at a survey.

The lining affects everything on this wall. Window openings become deeper, so the reveal finish and window sills have to be redone; see window reveals and sills. Sockets and switches have to be moved to the new surface.

The radiator under the window is usually common property, because it works from the building's heating system. If it has to be removed or moved, this must be agreed with the building manager; see radiator replacement in an apartment. The owner may replace windows in an external wall at their own expense, in agreement with the building manager.

The order of work, as it is usually done

1. Survey The condition of the wall, signs of moisture and the corners are checked. If there is moisture, the cause is dealt with first.
2. Agreement If a radiator has to be removed or a window replaced, this is agreed with the building manager.
3. Electrics Sockets and switches are moved to the position on the new lining.
4. Frame and insulation Profiles are built against the wall and thermal insulation is laid between them.
5. Plasterboard and openings The frame is covered, the new reveal finish is made and the window sills are installed.
6. Finishing The surface is skimmed and painted, and then the radiator is installed back.

What to write in the request

• Which wall and the room area, the length and height of the wall.
• The building series or year of construction, if you know it, and the wall material.
• Whether there is a window, a radiator or sockets on the wall.
• Whether there is moisture or mould in the corners.
• Whether renovation is planned for the building.

How much internal wall insulation costs

For internal wall insulation the price is by estimate. The nearest public prices are for plasterboard and finishing work: a plasterboard partition wall from €12/m² of wall (insulation, skimming and painting separately), skimming from €10/m², painting from €4/m², a socket or switch from €12 per point, radiator replacement from €115 per radiator. Prices are for labour. Materials are calculated separately in the estimate.

The price depends on the wall area in m², the insulation thickness, the number of window openings, radiators and sockets, the condition of the wall and the chosen finish. An exact estimate can be made after seeing the apartment. All prices: renovation prices.