Often a large interior space needs to be divided into smaller parts to create individual rooms at home or in an office. Dividers or partitions made of various kinds of materials can be used for this purpose, which are vertically placed on the required spots. These additional walls do not need to carry a load of a ceiling, unlike the usual four walls of a room. People may choose folding or collapsible dividers that can be stored away when not in use, though stationary partition walls are also available in the market.
Several Varieties Of Partitions Available In The Market
- Concrete partition – Many people prefer this kind of onsite partition due to its high durability and resistance to fire and humidity. Concrete slabs of 80 – 100 mm thickness are vertically placed or maybe cast within a few concrete blocks or pillars. These partitions are very sturdy and stable structures, which can be made even stronger by inserting steel bars and sealing the joints with mortar.
- Brick partition – As bricks are generally used for making building walls, it is considered to be an ideal material for making partition walls as well. There are different types of brick dividers, namely plain brick partition, reinforced brick partition, and brick nogging partition. The plain brick wall is traditionally built with bricks and mortar, while the reinforced brick wall is made by inserting steel bars or iron wire mesh for rendering more strength to the structure. The brick nogging wall is built within a wooden frame, which consists of vertical posts and bricks that are laid horizontally, finally coated with coal tar.
- Timber divider – The partitions made of high-quality timber are built within a definite wooden framework, which needs to be supported by the walls or the floor. This wooden partition may be further coated with plaster or additional board may be attached to it, for protection against fire and white ants. However, this kind of partition is not so popular now, as it is not so much environment-friendly.
- Glass wall – This variety of partition is preferred for its lightweight, affordable cost, and easy installation process. Moreover, the glass partitions are heatproof, soundproof, and resistant to humidity and pest attacks. These structures are also highly stable, as several solid or hollow glass sheets are joined together to form these structures. Usually, the glass sheets are fixed within a wooden or metal framework, with the help of timber beads or putty. Multiple panels are made within a single frame by positioning vertical or horizontal timber posts. These glass dividers can be cleaned easily, due to which they are more preferred in commercial places.
- Plaster slab – Solid boards or slabs made of Plaster of Paris or gypsum are used for making these stationary partitions in residential or commercial buildings. Usually, sawdust is blended with the plaster paste to make its weight lighter. An iron or wooden mould of the required size is needed for constructing these partition walls. The thickness of these dividers may vary from 5 to 10 cm and the joints are made more stable by inserting iron nails or screws into the grooves left in molded plaster structures.
- Metal partition – Generally, thin metal sheets are used to make movable and folding dividers, which are lightweight, fireproof and also very sturdy. Sometimes, these sheets are coated on both sides with plaster to make it more stable and soundproof. Thin metal lathes render further support to these sheets, which can also make hollow dividers stuffed with insulating materials.
There are also partitions made of clay brick, strawboard, wood wool, and asbestos cement, which can be used in various residential and commercial buildings. People find it cheaper to install such dividers than constructing additional rooms to meet their needs.
