Partition Walls in Construction: Everything You Need to Know
In every building project, partitions play a pivotal role as they close spaces or provide division within the structure. Thus, strict adherence to the specifications of partition walls is crucial to ensure the installation of aesthetically appealing, secure, and long-lasting structures.
(Photo : Pexels/Max Vakhtbovycn)
What is a Partition Wall?
Typically, a partition wall is built as a wall that does not hold any weight, contributes to the division of space, and provides privacy, enhanced acoustics, and separation from fire. The addition of partition walls can also make the building arrangement more flexible. As mentioned, you can build partition walls that are up to the whole floor height or up to a height of 2.5 meters.
Moreover, a solid construction, commonly made of brick, blockwork, or framed construction, can be used for partition walls. Stud walls are another name for framed partition walls, made from a frame made of wood, steel, or aluminum and coated with a board made of plasterboard, wood, metal, or fiberboard. Nevertheless, glazing is another option for partition walls. Openings, windows, doors, ducting, pipes, sockets, wiring, skirting, architraves, and other components can be incorporated into these systems, which may be purpose-designed and manufactured or modular.
Specifications in Partition Wall Construction
Whether it is in an office or any other area, there are specific requirements that must be adhered to when it comes to a partition wall. Accordingly, the approval of a council of residents overseeing the complex may be necessary for alterations to the layout of a flat. Also, a frame typically measures between 75 and 100 millimeters in thickness, a relatively adaptable characteristic of partition walls. Nevertheless, you must compute the total number of wall spaces in the division. Ensure sufficient space for all of the new plasterboards, plumbing, insulation, and wiring will be installed.
The safety characteristics of a partition wall are subject to the strictest requirements currently in place. The outer walls of a single dwelling are typically subject to the most stringent regulations and standards, the most important of which is fire safety. Apartments typically have regulations for sound insulation as well. On the other hand, when dividing a space into rooms, such as bedrooms or bathrooms, within an existing apartment, partition walls are not subject to stringent requirements.
The price of constructing a partition wall can range from $3 to $18 per square foot, depending on the dimensions, the materials, and the labor expenses. The purpose of interior partition walls is to divide rooms and are frequently used for decorative purposes. It might cost anywhere from $2 to $9 per square foot for the materials alone to construct a permanent partition wall, depending on the kind and size of the wall.
Due to their greater diversity of sizes, shapes, materials, and designs, portable and modular walls are more expensive than permanent walls. Thus, regular drywall and wood studs are the most cost-effective method for constructing a permanent partition wall. However, despite their low cost, portable partitions are less soundproof or fire-resistant than permanent walls.
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