Non-loadbearing blockwork

Most of the details above also apply to non-loadbearing partitions, although they may be of thinner construction than their loadbearing counterparts. Blocks of 50mm and 75mm are available and must be well tied into the external walls and other partitions to ensure lateral stability. As the walls are carrying no load, they can be built directly off a concrete or timber floor, although in the latter case it is important to ensure that there is a joist (preferably two) under the partition if it is parallel to the run of the joists.

In the above example, the floorboards are supported on either side of the partition. (Note: the flooring is now more likely to be chipboard, as shown in the next diagram.) It is possible to lay the floorboards right across the joists, in which case the partition will sit on the boarding. However, the disadvantage of this will soon become apparent when the boarding needs to be lifted for new or extra wiring.

If thin blocks are used and heavy doors are to be fitted, it is wise to consider the use of storey-height linings. The constant slamming of doors is one of the most common causes of cracking in partitions. The storey height lining gains additional support from the floor joists above and the panel over the door can either be in-filled with blockwork or glazed to form a borrowed light.