Solid Walls and Extensions
Turbo - Shield - Hi-Strength 7 - Hi-Strength 10
The Thermalite aircrete range offers a fast and efficient solid wall and extension solutions that can help meet the requirements of Building Regulation Part L. Solid walls are an increasingly popular walling method that can offer high U-Values.
The Thermalite range from Hanson features sustainable and environment-friendly aircrete products ideal for both new buildings and extensions.
One of the primary functions of any external wall is to provide an efficient weathershield, by preventing the penetration of moisture, which can have a detrimental effect on the internal structure. The high moisture resistant properties of Thermalite blocks makes them ideal for this purpose. A solid external wall may consistof solid Thermalite alone, or a combination of Thermalite and internal or external insulation systems.
The Thermalite range offers a number of products available in thicknesses suitable for solid external extensions.
Turbo- Shield- Hi-Strength 7- Hi-Strength 10
For two storey dwellings Thermalite Turbo and Shield are normally more than adequate to satisfy the structural requirements of the building regulations. The introduction of Thermalite Hi-Strength 7 and Hi-Strength 10, however, extends the range of Thermalite applications to include 3 and 4-storey residential buildings, as well as offices and other commercial and industrial buildings.
Installation
Thermalite blocks are suitable for the construction of external cavity and solid walls, when installed in accordance with relevant Detail Sheet of Agrement Certificate 00/3720. The wall should be designed and constructed in accordance with the relevant recommendations of BS 5628: Part 1, BS 5628: Part 3 and BS 5250.
The table below gives minimum thicknesses of blocks in solid rendered walls and extensions, related to exposure conditions (as defined in BS 5628: Part 3 and DD ENV 1996-1-1 Eurocode 6).
Thickness of rendered Thermalite solid walls for various exposure conditions
| Exposure level | Minimum block thickness (mm) |
| Severe | 215 |
| Moderate / severe | 190 |
| Sheltered / moderate | 140 |
| Sheltered | 90 |
| Very sheltered | 90 |
Thermalite is an ideal material for the construction of extensions to existing properties, with a range of block sizes and strengths that offer a choice of structural performance, external appearance and internal finish.
Solid wall construction is also suitable for the desing of complete houses and other buildings, fully in compliance with Building Regulations and Standards, espcially when associated with thin layer mortar. High levels of insulation can be achieved and full advantage taken of the inherent thermal mass of Thermalite blocks, to assist with heat retention in winter and cooling in summer.
Render is a traditional external finish in many parts of the UK and is easily applied to Thermalite solid walls and extensionsto offer excellent resistance to water penetration by wind driven rain. (See table below)
BS 5628-3 describes exposure categories for wind driven rain
| Exposure category | Wall construction |
| 3 - Severe | 215mm Thermalite blocks rendered to BS 5262 |
| 4 - Very severe | Solid wall with impervious cladding |
In addition to traditional and technical renders, Thermalite will readily accept a range of impervious claddings fixed with either mechanical fasteners or adhesives such as:
-
timber weatherboard
-
tile hanging
-
manufactured board cladding
-
insulated render systems
-
ceramic tiles
-
brick slip systems
External solid wall in Thin Joint Masonry with external insulation and brick slips - typical detail
