Selecting the Right Building Materials - An Advertisement Feature by Fermacell

Selecting the right building materials for the job is a crucial element of any self-build or renovation project. David Prout, Marketing Manager with dry lining manufacturer Fermacell takes a look at some of the key areas that need to be considered.

From our time exhibiting at this year’s Homebuilding & Renovating Show it was apparent that increasing numbers of young couples are rolling up their sleeves and tackling renovation projects in order to live in a property that would otherwise be out of their reach financially.

For experienced self-builders selecting the right materials for a particular job will undoubtedly be down to learning from experience, and with a number of builds under their belt will be far better equipped to move future projects along and hopefully within budget and timescales.

A major benefit of gypsum fibre boards is that they are strong enough to support radiators, cupboards and shelves without ply re-enforcement. This enables up to 30kg to be hung from a single screw, or up to 50kg through a toggle type fixing.

With any development acoustics plays an important role in keeping sound down to acceptable levels and preventing too much noise impacting on adjoining rooms.

Good acoustics is typically down to the mass of the wall and good detailing. On a typical new house construction, internal walls will need to adhere to building regs and achieve 40dB. With standard board materials, mineral insulation would be required in the partition, but with dense gypsum fibre boards this would not be necessary.

Fermacell is particularly suitable for acoustic solutions as it’s a ‘one-board type’ solution for partitions, wall linings, ceilings and even as an acoustic dried screed system for party floors between properties.

The greater density and homogenous composition means that Fermacell systems provide enhanced impact resistance reducing the damage caused by everyday traffic and knocks that are common in the modern family home.

The environmental performance of Gypsum Fibre boards like Fermacell can help self-builders and developers achieve their environmental goals for the property without comprising on their values.

For newcomers to the homebuilding and renovating market it always pays to do your research.

There are so many new materials available now compared with even five years ago – that can make many of the building tasks so much quicker and easier.

Looking at the finish of bathroom and kitchens we know these have to be of a high quality as these two rooms are often deal breakers on a house sale.  Clearly, the systems and materials that are not on view are just as vital to the long term appearance of these rooms as the finishing touches.

Historically, the wrong materials used in wet room applications can result in mould growth and tile loss. Therefore, it pays to use specialist materials on some projects within a development. To help prevent this problem Fermacell introduced Powerpanel H20 boards into the UK, which exceed the varying international standards for waterproofing.

For more information on Fermacell products please visit: www.fermacelldrylining.co.uk