Välisseinade

Välisseinade, known in English as partition walls, are interior walls that subdivide spaces within a building. They define room layouts, improve privacy, and can carry services such as electrical conduits. Välisseinad can be load-bearing in some constructions, but most interior partitions are non-load-bearing, with the main structure bearing the building loads.

There are several construction methods. Dry partition walls use lightweight frames of metal studs or timber, finished with gypsum or plasterboard. They are quick to erect and easy to modify. Masonry interior walls, built from concrete blocks, bricks, or aerated concrete, offer greater mass, stiffness, and often better sound or fire performance, but are slower to build and harder to modify.

Materials and finishes vary. Common core structures include plasterboard or gypsum boards, with plaster, wallpaper, tiles, or panels as finishes. Wall thickness usually ranges from about 70 to 100 millimeters for dry partitions and can be substantially thicker for masonry partitions. Cavities within partitions allow electrical, plumbing and insulation materials to be installed, contributing to thermal and acoustic performance.

Acoustic and fire considerations are important. Partitions are designed to achieve target sound insulation, measured as weighted sound reduction index (Rw), and to meet fire-rating requirements for the building’s fire compartments. Moisture-prone areas require moisture-resistant boards and proper detailing to prevent dampness and mold.

Maintenance and modification are straightforward with dry partitions, enabling reconfiguration of spaces. In renovation projects, walls may be removed or relocated to create open plans, subject to structural assessment. Environmental aspects favor use of low-emission materials and efficient insulation.