fla 9 Posted September 27, 2012 Building question: we are having an extension done to the house and the inner wall is thermalite. Is it better to use bonding and a layer of skim or to use plasterboard with a layer of skim? I'm thinking from the perspective of insulation and strength, plus the potential for the bonding to develop minor cracks after some years. Plasterboard & skim would no doubt be warmer to the touch (perhaps cheaper?), but will it be ok to hold cupboards etc? Or is it best to stick with the regular bonding and skim? Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dragon green 5 Posted September 27, 2012 Thermalite/celcon blocks always crack It doesn't matter if you sand/cement,bond or hard wall the first coat,it will crack ! Plasterboard and skim is quicker,insulation values are not much better then traditional,unless you use insulated board. Fixing into p/b isn't as good,but you could always use longer fixings.lightweight blocks are not the best for fixings , You could always batten the wall out,insulate between,making sure you have some horizontal battens where you want to hang shelves etc Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fla 9 Posted September 27, 2012 thanks dragon. I think we will be using standard board so as not to reduce the room size too much. Is it cheaper with the plasterboards - the builder suggests it will cost more??? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dragon green 5 Posted September 27, 2012 It should cost the same ! Less labour involved,and the walls will be a lot flatter, Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
