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The materials used to build walls in Australia vary depending on the age of the building, the climate, and the budget of the builder. The most common wall system used in Australia is a structural timber frame with cladding, with brick, stone, and concrete also being popular materials. In recent years, steel has become a more popular material for wall frames, as it is stronger and more durable than timber. Plastering is a common technique used to finish interior walls in Australia, providing a smooth and attractive finish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common construction methods | Light frame construction, brick/blocks, cast/poured materials, pre-fabricated panels |
| Common exterior wall finishes | Weatherboards, brick, stone, masonry, vinyl cladding, straw bale, cob, mud brick, adobe |
| Common frame types | Timber, steel, wrought iron, aluminium |
| Wall cladding | Weatherboard, fibre-cement, brick, plywood panels, wall wrap |
| Insulation | Glasswool, rockwool batts, cellulose fill, structural insulated panels, bulk insulation, foil insulation |
| Interior wall finishes | Plasterboard, gypsum plaster, lath and plaster, skirting boards, architraves |
| Interior wall functions | Disguising plumbing pipes and electrical wiring, load-bearing, fire-stopping, soundproofing |
| Environmental considerations | Concrete, eco-concrete, papercrete, log walls, cross-laminated timber, steel |
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What You'll Learn
Timber frames
To protect timber frames from UV radiation, moisture, and fungal growth, coatings are applied. These coatings also enhance the final aesthetic of the timber. Timber frames are also prone to discolouration from 'Blue Stain', a harmless microscopic organism that can stain the sapwood of a tree in a variety of colours. Additionally, timber is subject to mould and rot when exposed to water or condensation, so rainproof cladding is often used as a protective measure.
To address the issue of condensation, which is a significant threat to timber-framed structures, insulation is typically installed. This helps to regulate temperatures and improve soundproofing. Holes are strategically cut in the timber frames to allow for the installation of electrical cabling and plumbing pipes. Prefabricated timber wall frames are commonly used in construction due to their cost-effectiveness, speed of assembly, and durability. They are also lighter than steel frames, making them easier to install.
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Steel frames
Steel framing is a popular choice for wall construction in Australia, offering several benefits over traditional timber framing. Steel frames are commonly used in both residential and commercial buildings, and they are especially suitable for humid and coastal locations where wood is prone to rotting.
Steel-framed walls are constructed using light gauge steel, which is lighter and more durable than timber. They are also cost-effective, as they are quicker to install and require less labour. Steel is a non-combustible material, making it ideal for bushfire-prone areas of Australia. Additionally, steel frames are more resistant to pests and termites, which can be a common issue with timber frames.
The use of steel frames also allows for greater design flexibility. They can be customised to meet specific requirements, such as thicker walls or load-bearing needs. Steel frames can also accommodate various wall finishes, including plasterboard, which is commonly used for interior walls in newly built homes.
Overall, steel frames offer a strong, reliable, and durable option for wall construction in Australia. They provide a modern alternative to traditional timber framing, with added benefits of fire resistance, pest resistance, and design flexibility.
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Brick and stone
In Australia, brick and stone walls are often used as the external cladding of a timber frame. This is a single or double timber stud system, where the internal cladding (such as plasterboard) is attached to the inside of the frame, and the external cladding (such as brick, in this case) is attached to the outside. Brick veneer is an example of this. Bulk insulation is often fitted into the spaces between the studs of the frame, and foil insulation can be added as an extra layer around the outside of the frame.
Brick walls were also fashionable as feature walls in the past, though many people have since plastered over them. Plastering provides a smoother and more attractive finish, and the use of plasterboard has become increasingly common due to its ease and speed of installation.
In terms of sustainability, brick and stone walls are more environmentally friendly than timber, though timber can be a good choice if it is locally sourced and treated correctly. Steel frames are also a more sustainable option than timber, though they are more expensive.
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Insulation
In Australia, the R-value of insulation will depend on the climate of the region. For example, in warmer regions like Brisbane and Perth, a minimum R-value of R2.0 is recommended. In cooler climates, such as Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, a higher R-value of R2.5 is advised for effective insulation.
The most common materials for wall insulation in Australia include glass wool (or fibreglass), rock wool and polyester. Glass wool is a popular choice due to its affordability, effectiveness and ease of installation and transport. Polyester is also a good option, as it is made from recycled plastic materials, is non-allergenic and non-toxic. Rock wool is another effective insulating material.
Other types of insulation used in Australia include reflective foil insulation, which is effective in hot climates as it reflects radiant heat away from the building. Foam board insulation is also used, especially for exterior walls, as it is moisture-resistant, lightweight and easy to install.
For those seeking a more environmentally friendly option, rammed earth and mudbrick are popular choices among environmentally conscious builders. These materials are long-lasting, fire-proof and excellent sound insulators.
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Plastering
Wet Plastering
Wet plastering involves adding several layers of wet plaster over a surface. This technique has been in use for hundreds of years. The plaster mixture typically contains lime putty, cement, and gypsum. There are two common types of wet plastering: Lath and plaster walls, and Plaster on Masonry. Lath and plaster walls involve nailing thin strips of wood (laths) horizontally to the vertical upright timbers that act as the wall framework. The laths are placed with small gaps, and the entire surface is covered in plaster. The base coat is then scored with a comb or brush to create a rough texture, allowing the next coat to adhere better. The final coat is called the brown coat and provides a sturdy base for painting.
Plasterboard
With the development of plasterboards, also known as gyprock, the use of wet plastering has decreased. Plasterboard installation is much easier and less time-consuming. Most modern Australian homes now have plasterboard internal walls. A timber frame is built upright for the wall, and sheets of plasterboard are cut to size and attached to the framework. The joints between the sheets are covered with plasterboard joining tape, and then thin layers of plaster are applied to conceal the joints, giving the wall a smooth finish. This technique is suitable for walls made of bricks, stones, blocks, or other uneven surfaces.
Repairing Plaster Walls
When repairing internal plaster walls, it is crucial to use the same techniques and materials as the original construction. Using the wrong materials can lead to failing repairs. For example, traditional soft lime putty plaster should not be mixed with modern gypsum plasters. Plastering professionals in Sydney, such as Paul's Plastering, offer repair services for cracks, holes, and water damage in plaster walls and ceilings.
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Frequently asked questions
Walls in Australia are made of a variety of materials, depending on the age of the building, the climate, and the budget. The most common type of construction is light frame construction, which uses a skeleton-like timber frame for each wall of the house. The frame is then clad inside and out with a combination of protective and decorative materials.
Other common types of wall construction include:
- Bricks/blocks
- Cast/poured materials
- Pre-fabricated panels
Common finishes for exterior walls include weatherboards, brick, stone, masonry, and vinyl cladding. Alternative materials for exterior walls include straw bale, cob, mud brick, and adobe.
Interior walls in Australia are often made of plasterboard, which is attached to the inside of the timber frame. Older homes often have their walls clad in a lath and plaster combination.
