Gypsum wall blocks

endplate · 05-09-2007 05:15PM #1

I was watching a Grand Design's Abroad where I think they were in France and Kevin McCloud pointed out these gypsum blocks for internal walls. He was surprised that they were not available in the UK at the time of filming, as he reckoned they were fantastic for making lightweight solid internal non loadbearing walls. Now I'm starting a self build soon and I would love to use these blocks upstairs as they look the business but they don't seem to be available here. Has anybody come accross them before and what do they think of them.

They are so easy to build with too and you cut them with a large toothed saw

Here's a link to a UK based company who are now supplying them and there are instructions on how to erect the blocks

http://www.nbsgroup.com/products/promonta.html

ircoha · 05-09-2007 05:59PM

Quinn does a lightweight block: have used it: very easy to work with but dont take rough handling: corners get chipped easy enough if looking fora fair faced finish.
Make sure ur floor can take the load

http://www.quinn-group.com/productsandservices/quinnmanufacturing.htm

Mellor · 05-09-2007 07:05PM

Quinns lightweight blocks are aerated concrete.
Density of 480 kg/m2.
The density also increased to a max of 760 fior loadbearing walls.

The blocks above aren't concrete based. That are different size and shape altogether. Density of 800 kg/m2. Not all that light.

In my opinion, the gypsum blocks would be fine for a ground floor non-load bearing partition, but on first floor the load would be quite high for timber joists and might need a load wall below, but would suit a precast floor. As they are still less than half the weight of a standard block.

sas · 06-09-2007 09:07AM

I think you might be talking about these fellows:

http://www.nsai.ie/modules/certificates/uploads/pdf/IAB%2007.0282%20VG-ORTH.pdf

endplate · 06-09-2007 11:11AM

Yup that's them thanks Sas so they are available here so. Yeah they do have to be built on a concrete floor. I wonder if they are expensive ie wonder do they work out cheaper then building with concrete blocks or just the same. I imagine the insulating properties would be a lot better than concrete blocks

Mellor · 06-09-2007 11:28AM

endplate wrote:

Yup that's them thanks Sas so they are available here so. Yeah they do have to be built on a concrete floor. I wonder if they are expensive ie wonder do they work out cheaper then building with concrete blocks or just the same. I imagine the insulating properties would be a lot better than concrete blocks

Insulation properties would be pretty much irrelevant at they are most likely unsuitable for external walls.
I couldn't find the conductivity for the blocks in the tech spec, So i can't compare to standard or aerated blocks

Gypsum wall blocks

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