Fast track

In the quest to add value to their basic wall lining boards, the big three plasterboard manufacturers have all developed lightweight metal partitioning systems. Housebuilders have been testing them for some time and, during the last three years, some have switched over to them entirely. Hoping to capitalise on this trend British Gypsum has revamped its Gypwall range. For the first time the company is marketing a system aimed solely at the homebuilding market.

Gypwall Rapid will replace the existing Gypwall partitioning range in July. Initial reaction from installers is positive - they say that British Gypsum has done its homework and has made several significant improvements. Key change is the switch over from an I beam configuration to a C channel shape which makes it much simpler to slide the component parts together. There are a number of other refinements and simplifications aimed squarely at the new homebuilding market.

The overall wall thickness is just 75 mm - although a 100 mm version is available - but by using 15 mm Gypwall Board, the wall achieves 38 dB sound insulation, enough to meet the NHBC bathroom requirements without the addition of any insulation. Add an acoustic quilt, and sound performance approaches that achieved by a blockwall.

If there are weaknesses with Gypwall Rapid, they are shared with all other wall framing systems, including timber stud. First, the formation of corners is not as straightforward as you might hope for - one wall either has to be boarded out before the return wall is started or a 15 mm gap has to be left between them. Second, the placing of sanitaryware requires extra framing - the narrow stud section is a hindrance here. Neither drawback is insurmountable and experienced fixers appear unconcerned.

In fact, Bill Cummings, regional manager of BDL which specialises in drylining for major homebuilders, clearly rates the developments introduced by Gypwall Rapid. Interviewed at a Bellway site trial in Cardiff where BDL had been working with Gypwall Rapid for two weeks, Cummings said: “It’s a big improvement on the old Gypwall. It’s quicker and easier to work with and the fact that it’s been designed specifically for the homebuilding market shows through.

“We’ll work with whatever systems the homebuilders want us to use but I’ve noticed metal partitioning systems have begun to take off in the past three years, largely because builders want to avoid call backs associated with timber studwork such as surface cracking and nail popping."