alternatives to plasterboard

[annikab]

Planning to dry line a number of external walls in late sixties house. The architect has specified a the following for the walls: Kingspan Kooltherm K17, 12.5mm plasterboard t o100 thick rigid insulation, joints taped filled and walls skim finished to received selected wall finish.

Problem is my parthenr has strong aversion to plaster boards and would much prefer to use something like fermacell. I know it would get much more expensive but he thinks it would be much more durable, plus would facilitate putting up shelves, units etc.
has anyone heard of any combined products with insulation plus something like fermacell or would you have to insulate and then add the boards?
Anyone have experience of using fermacell throughout a house?

 

[3CC]

Hi,

I'm just in the middle of installing internal insulation at the moment using 100mm xtratherm + 10mm fermacell.

Personally I prefer to mount the two boards seperately - Fermacell is heavy enough to handle without the insualtion attached. I also think you can seal the joints on the insulation better and when the Fermacell is added seperately.

For you information, mine is a hollow block construction with no existing insulation. I was worried about possible condensation behind the insulation so I mounted the insulation on battens and made this void a ventilated area to help prevent this.

 

[annikab]

Hi 3CC

thanks for replying.
How are you finding working with the fernacell, and was it a lot more expensive?
What was your reasoning for using it instead of plaster board? Same as my parther's?

thanks

annikab

 

[thinkofaname]

Hi Annikab,

there is a product that is attached to fermacell that has a claimed insulation value similar to a 200mm(?) xtratherm board. Board and insulation is only about 20mm thick. Very good for insulating old houses with cornice work because it doesn't cover all of the cornice.
If you are dealing directly with the importer of fermacell, their reps are quite good on product knowledge.
Fermacell is stronger than plasterboard so will take more punishment, especially if you don't skim. Also great for hanging stuff off. We were able to hang kitchen cupboards without problems - so far.
Another advantage of fermacell if you do want to skim is that you can use lime plaster, rather than wooden laths.
It is a lot heavier. Interesting to put in the ceiling! It is also harder to cut and dustier if you use a power tool (would not recommend).