väliseinämästä

Väliseinämä refers to an internal wall within a building. These walls serve various purposes, primarily dividing interior spaces into separate rooms or functional areas. Unlike exterior walls, väliseinämät do not typically bear structural loads from the building itself, though some may support elements like cabinets or plumbing.

The construction of väliseinämät can vary significantly. Common materials include wood framing clad with gypsum board (kipsilevy), brick, concrete blocks, or even glass. The choice of material often depends on factors such as desired sound insulation, fire resistance, cost, and aesthetic considerations. Some väliseinämät are load-bearing, meaning they contribute to the overall structural integrity of the building, often supporting floors or roofs above. These are typically constructed from more robust materials like concrete or reinforced masonry.

The design and placement of väliseinämät are crucial in defining a building's layout and functionality. They create private spaces like bedrooms and bathrooms, separate public areas like living rooms and kitchens, and can also be used to create smaller utility spaces. Acoustic properties are a significant consideration, especially in residential and office buildings, where insulation is often incorporated into the wall cavity to reduce sound transmission between rooms. Fire resistance is another important factor, with regulations often dictating the type of materials and construction methods used for certain types of väliseinämät to prevent the spread of fire.