Dry-lining - Other methods

In the past, many builders, when dealing with the repair and improvement of older buildings, have fixed plasterboard to a series of battens attached to the wall. However, there is always the risk of dampness in the cavity (i.e. behind the plasterboard) affecting the battens. To avoid this, builders sometimes fix the battens to the wall but separated from it by a vertical DPC. Solid external walls (which are likely to be cold once the dry-lining is fixed) should always be dry-lined with boards which contain an integral vapour check if interstitial condensation is to be avoided. Fixing plasterboard to timber battens is not recommended where walls are likely to be damp or where condensation may occur.