Constructing interior walls and ceilings that are adequately insulated

Installing plasterboard is a relatively simple and affordable way to construct interior walls and ceilings. Also known as drywall or gypsum board, it is manufactured by layering gypsum plaster between two thick sheets of paper. Plasterboard sizes vary in width and thickness. Boards come in lengths of up to 6 metres. Adaptions to the plaster ‘recipe’ can create water resistant or soundproofing attributes. Plasterboard  has been used in Australia since the 1940’s and is a popular choice among builders. Once installed, the interior wall can be finished with wall paper, tiles, paint and panelling. However, standard plaster board offers little thermal resistance and additional insulation is required to keep homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Installing bulk insulation before hanging the plasterboard
Bulk insulation is installed in ceilings and external walls to control the temperature inside the home. Plasterboard effectively seals up the wall cavities, so any bulk insulation for walls needs to be installed before the plaster board is hung. Home owners should also consider installing insulation in the internal walls of the home for sound management. Media/TV rooms, studios, bedrooms, bathrooms and laundries should be first on the priority list. Although ceiling insulation can technically be installed from inside the ceiling space (and many owners of older houses have seen the value of investing in ceiling insulation in recent years), it is usually much more efficient and safe to insert the batts between the ceiling joists from below, before the plasterboard is installed. The working area is bigger and the risk of falls from heights is reduced.
Combining plasterboard and insulation - ‘insulated plasterboard’
One of the main reasons people opt for the insulated plaster board solution is that it takes up less space than the standard glasswool bulk insulation. This gives the potential for higher ceilings and larger rooms, which is often desirable in small houses and units. Insulating and plastering a brick wall can be a complex task if it means constructing studs to hold the bulk insulation in place. Insulated plasterboard would be the easier option in this case as it can be adhered directly onto the surface of the bricks, eliminating the need for any carpentry additions. Insulated plaster board is more expensive than standard plasterboard plus bulk insulation, which could explain why the latter tends to be the more popular choice.
Joint setting – creating a seamless finish

Whether someone decides to install bulk insulation and cover it with plasterboard, or go for the insulated plasterboard option, achieving a seamless finish is desired, especially if it is to be painted. The boards are mounted individually and screwed into place, and without a process known as ‘joint setting’, the joints and screws will show through the paint. This process involves smearing a plaster compound onto the screws and joints in several coats and sanding it back for a smooth finish. Taking the time to complete this step exactly before painting makes all the difference and the result is one continuous and unbroken façade.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Ongoing Demand for Carpenters in Australia

Contrary to popular belief, carpenters in Australia are more than simply glorified labourers. Despite the scope of work being fairly standardised, especially in modern housing estates where houses can be fairly similar in terms of building style and construction materials – carpenters do still need to possess a wide range of skills to cope with the day to day challenges that inevitably arise during the construction phase of a house, apartment block or commercial site. Fundamental Skills Every Carpenter Must Have A carpenter, like many other trades, needs to possess the knowledge to be able to read and interpret drawings and specifications.   This may involve everything from sourcing the correct materials in addition to installing them in accordance with the building plans. Aside from the usual tasks of framing and lock up, a carpenter may also be involved in other elements during the building phase of a house. These may involve the construction of framework prior to concrete...
Read more

Quick and Easy Tips for a Pleasant Home

We experience our world through a combination of all our senses. By tuning in to each of them, small measures can be taken to improve the quality of time we spend in it. People often spend a good amount of time in their homes, so this is a perfect place to start making a few changes. By deliberately addressing each of our senses, this will contribute towards an overall positive experience. One Small Aspect Can Spoil the Mood It’s important that the things we see, hear, smell, feel and taste are all positive, not just some. Imagine walking in to a warm, tidy house with a smell of an apple pie in the oven. But that dog next door just won’t stop barking. It is easy to see how that one aspect can dampen the entire mood. This article provides the regular householder with quick and easy things they can do that will make stepping into their home a pleasant and comfortable experience. Cleaning Your Bedroom in Five Minutes Our visual sense is perhaps the most urgent to ...
Read more

Home insulation solution – keeping you warmer in winter and cooler in summer

Insulation works as a barrier against the transfer of heat. In winter, we generate warmth inside the home and effective insulation keeps the heat there. Our thermostat recognises when the house has reached a set temperature and the heater is automatically switched off. Without insulation , however, warmth escapes and the heater has to continue producing heat to maintain the desired temperature. The result is a higher energy bill. In summer the roles are reversed. The heat is then on the outside and the same insulation stops much of it from penetrating the home. This reduces the need for air-conditioning units to run and you pay less on your energy bill. Many people report that they have earned back the cost of insulating their home already within the first few years. Insulate your ceiling, walls and underfloor and save on your energy bills Thermal insulation is mainly installed in ceilings, walls and underfloors. Most heat enters and escapes through the roof, so the ceiling shou...
Read more