Fermacell Flooring - Ideal for New Build and Refurbishment Projects

When it comes to specifying commercial flooring systems three key elements need to be factored in – installation time, quality of materials and cost; according to David Prout, Fermacell’s Marketing Manager.

He commented: “Installation time can become even more of an issue when a particular project falls behind schedule and it is the flooring contractor that is left with no alternative but to get on with the job and complete it quicker than the time that has been allocated.

“The speed of installation with Fermacell dry flooring systems is a major benefit, allowing a granular dry screed to be laid on uneven floors prior to the Fermacell overlay systems. Underfloor heating systems can also benefit from our dry overlay systems, reducing both the traditional drying and installation times.

Today, many new buildings are equipped with underfloor heating and the dry screed option 2E22 that Fermacell offers is the ideal solution. It can be laid directly over the underfloor heating system and commissioned within 24 hours, thereby dramatically reducing the drying time often associated with wet screed systems. An added benefit is the superior heat transference that 2E22 provides compared to traditional screeds. Its low thermal mass is effectively transparent to heat, making the system very quick to respond and more efficient.


“Fermacell flooring systems are ideal for both new build and refurbishment projects providing high specification benefits such as outstanding acoustic performance, impact, moisture and fire resistance.

“Compared to often difficult to install acoustic dry lining flooring systems, Fermacell Acoustic flooring provides an easier to install and effective barrier to both airborne and impact sound. This makes it ideal for multi-occupancy new build and refurbishment developments.”

Fermacell 2E31 and 2E32 flooring overlays - used either on their own or in conjunction with the acoustic honeycomb system - can be used to upgrade substandard floor systems to comply with the latest Building Regulations. They can also be used as a dedicated part of a floor construction to provide Part E RD compliant constructions.

David Prout added: “The density of Fermacell floor systems can help reduce the passage of sound in buildings, and provides fire resistance up to F90 for downward spread of flame, offers high point and traffic load capacity and supports partition walls (with no special reinforcement required).”

The Fermacell Floor board can take point loads up to 1kN per 10cm2 and, because of its low thermal mass, is effectively transparent to heat, making the system very quick to respond.

“On the environmental front, Fermacell boards are manufactured from 99% recycled content and are recyclable increasing the BREEAM rating of a building,” said David Prout.

To find out more please go to our website: www.fermacell.co.uk

Lead inquiries to fermacell@yourresponse.co.uk

For further media information please contact David Prout at Fermacell on 0870 6090306 or 07875 243440; and Paul Shrimpton at PSPR Limited on 0121 354 7311 or 07979 505322.

Fermacell's Green Credentials and Versatility Help Drive Sales Forward

Sustainability has become a ‘by-word’ in the construction industry with architects looking to specify building products which will contribute to the overall BREEAM rating of a building.

According to David Prout, Marketing Managing of dry linings manufacturer Fermacell, the drive towards using materials with ECO friendly credentials has been a major factor in the continued growth in sales of Fermacell.

He says: “In the space of less than a decade the shape of the building sector has changed forever as the drive for sustainability has become the ‘watchword’ for specifiers and is increasingly impacting on materials being independently selected by installers and contractors.”

Fermacell gypsum fibre boards are made from 99% recycled products – 80% gypsum, the remainder cellulose fibres from recyled papers at four state-of-the-art production plants in Germany and Holland.

David Prout commented: “The sustainability qualities of Fermacell have led to increasing numbers of contractors and installers using our dry lining boards in preference to plasterboard.

“Fermacell is simple to install – although the technique is slightly different to plasterboard – and does not need a wet plaster skim to produce a suitable surface for painting. Clearly, the reduction in the need for wet trades – not having to skim and wait a couple of days for the plaster to dry out – can reduce the overall project cost as less skilled labour will be required on site, or at least for as much time.

“Whilst plasterboard can be installed quickly and the initial cost of Fermacell is undeniably more expensive, the benefits that Fermacell offers means that it is ultimately very competitive and a far better option. It is inherently stronger that conventional plasterboard and, as well as its strength and acoustic properties, it also provides fire, high spec impact, racking strength and moisture resistance.”

Improving the living environment was one of the main drivers in Fermacell developing ’Greenline’ - a board designed to tackle the health issue of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s).


VOC’s are potentially harmful gases that can be found in many of today’s materials and products including: building materials and furnishings, paints, lacquers, cleaning compounds, glues and adhesives,” he said.

Launched at this year’s Ecobuild, ‘Greenline’ underlined Fermacell’s commitment to meeting modern construction challenges. The main difference between standard Fermacell and ‘Greenline’ is the addition of a natural additive that absorbs VOCs leaching out of compounds as gases. Not only does ‘Greenline’ reduce hazardous materials like formaldehyde, but also helps remove unpleasant smells such as cigarette smoke.

David Prout concluded: “Greenline is an exciting development which re-enforces Fermcell’s position as an innovative company prepared to tackle and solve challenging issues facing the construction industry.”


Lead inquiries to fermacell@yourresponse.co.uk

For further media information please contact David Prout at Fermacell on 0870 6090306 or 07875 243440; and Paul Shrimpton at PSPR Limited on 0121 354 7311 or 07979 505322.

Fermacell - The Real Alternative to Plasterboard

Selecting the right materials is a crucial element of any self-build or renovation project according to David Prout, Marketing Manager with dry lining board manufacturer Fermacell.

In this article he highlights the benefits of Fermacell over plasterboard and provides simples guidelines on how to install their boards

Fermacell is the multi-purpose dry lining board for walls, ceilings and floors; offering speed and flexibility with high spec impact, acoustic, fire, moisture and strength properties.

Made from 99% recycled products, it helps you achieve your environmental aspirations for your home. Fermacell gypsum board offers installers speed and flexibility, combined with high spec impact, acoustic, fire, moisture and racking strength properties.

We are finding that increasing numbers of couples are rolling up their sleeves and tackling self build and refurbishment projects in order to take charge of the specification and performance of their home.

Fermacell board provides a number of major benefits over plasterboard, whilst being inherently stronger. It is simple to install – although the technique is slightly different to plasterboard – and does not need a wet plaster skim to produce a smooth skim type finish suitable surface for painting.

Clearly, the reduction in the need for wet trades – not having to skim and wait a couple of days for the plaster to dry out – can reduce the overall project cost as less skilled labour will be required on site, or at least for as much time.

A major benefit of Fermacell boards is that they are strong enough to support radiators, cupboards and shelves without ply re-enforcement. This enables up to 30kg to be hung from a single screw, or up to 50kg through a toggle type fixing.

With any development acoustics plays an important role in keeping sound down to acceptable levels and preventing too much noise impacting on adjoining rooms.

Good acoustics is typically down to the mass of the wall and good detailing. On a typical new house construction, internal walls will need to adhere to building regs and achieve 40dB. With standard board materials, insulation would be required in the partition, but with Fermacell boards this would not be necessary, 43 dB can be achieved without insulation, or 48 dB with insulation, for an even greater level of comfort.

Fermacell is particularly suitable for acoustic solutions as it’s a ‘one-board type’ solution for partitions, wall linings, ceilings and even as an acoustic dried screed system for party floors between properties.

The greater density and homogenous composition means that Fermacell systems provide enhanced impact resistance reducing the damage caused by everyday traffic and knocks that are common in the modern family home.

Listed below is a quick guide to install Fermacell.

1. Cutting

Either score using a Fermacell board knife (Fig 1), then snap off (Fig 2) - scored and snapped or cut using a hand or electric circular saw.

2. Fixing
Fix boards to timber or DIN standard metal studs at 600mm centres. The Fermacell are screw fixed with Fermacell screws that are placed 250mm apart. They may also be fixed to timber studs using Fermacell screws, pneumatically fired staples.

3. Jointing

Square edge boards can be jointed in two ways:

i) Joint Filler. If you score and snap the boards leave a 5-7mm gap between them. Fill the gap with Fermacell joint filler (Fig 3).

ii) Jointstik. If you cut the boards with an electric saw the edges can be bonded with Fermacell Jointstik. Position the next board into place leaving a gap of no less than 1mm – allow the Jointstik to squeeze out and leave it to cure, then remove the excess.

Tapered edged boards are dry butt-jointed and filled using Fermacell Joint Filler and Joint Tape.

4. Finishing

Surfaces should be dry and free of stains and dirt. Fill any damage with Fermacell Joint Filler or Fine Surface Treatment (FST) and allow to dry. Fill the screw heads with Fermacell Joint Filler.
Apply Fermacell FST to the board surface direct from the tub using a trowel or a 250mm FST spatula (Fig 4).

Work on an area approximately 1-1.5 m2 at a time. Apply FST liberally then remove excess and return to the bucket. The finished thickness should be between 0.5 and 1mm thick.

FST will dry within 45 minutes and will then be ready for painting. After filling the screwheads wallpaper can be applied without the need for FST.

Corners: Fermacell does not require corner beads. Simply align the board flush with the factory machined edges together, bond with Joinstik and finish with FST.

For further information please go to: www.fermacelldrylining.co.uk or email petya.spencer@xella.com – marking your e mail with “Your Build” to request further information

Lead inquiries to fermacell@yourresponse.co.uk

For further media information please contact David Prout at Fermacell on 0870 609 0306 or 07875 243440 ; or Paul Shrimpton at PSPR Limited on 0121 354 7311 or 07979 505322.

Great Masters to be Hung on Fermacell Walls

The weight bearing capability of Fermacell gypsum fibre boards was a key factor in it being specified for the new Hepworth Wakefield art gallery in Yorkshire.

Fermacell has been used on all internal walls and, given the gallery’s clean aesthetic lines, it was the ideal choice as visual joints can be minimized, whilst meeting the weight hanging criteria for hanging artwork.

Regularly specified for galleries and museums, Fermacell offers exceptional weight bearing properties, and because it is so strong, artworks can be fixed directly to the walls with no need for noggins or other support.



Enquires to: fermacell@yourresponse.co.uk

For further information please contact Sean Doyle at Fermacell on 07785906489 or Paul Shrimpton at PSPR Ltd on 0121 354 7311 or 07979 505322.

Fermacell Board Versatility Instrumental in Product Being Specified on Manorfield Project

Around 3,000 sq metres of Fermacell dry lining boards has been used on a new build and refurbishment project at Manorfield Primary School in East London.

According to John Burke, Architect and Consultant to Tower Hamlets Council, the versatility of Fermacell board is why the product is regularly specified by their department, and includes another recent educational-based project: the Mowlem Children’s Centre in Bethnal Green.

“Fermacell was specified for Manorfield Primary School by our Brazilian Designer Diogo Cunha. It was selected for a variety of reasons including its acoustic properties, the robustness of the product which enables it to withstand knocks and bumps; and the excellent hanging loads that allow staff to easily fix artwork to the walls,” he says.

Another key consideration in the specification of Fermacell was the sustainability aspects of the board – it’s made from 100 per cent recycled materials and is recyclable – meaning that it helps contribute to the BREEAM rating of the building.


The Fermacell board was installed by Essex-based Visual Interiors, specialists in suspended ceilings, partitioning, plastering, steel framing and drylining. Director Matthew Barker commented: “We installed the external and internal walls on the project and internally combined Lindab steel frame partitions with Fermacell board.

The school was originally build in the late 1950’s and was typical of the prefabricated constructions of that time. Now, with a vibrant multi-colour scheme comprising yellow, blue and red render alongside natural timber, pupils now have a much more uplifting environment in which to work.

Main contractor for the year-long project was Higgins Construction and the existing school continued to operate throughout this period. The two storey new build element comprises an open front entry into the main reception area with a secure lobby where visitors can only pass when directed by a member of staff.

The first floor is flooded in natural light from roof glazing. The classrooms have been designed to accommodate the early age year groups with open flexible spaces.


Ross Jenyon of Higgins Construction commented: “A good surface finish to the internal walls was obtained using Fermacell which is ideal for use in schools and large common areas. Its robustness means that you don’t get the same level of damage on site as you would with plasterboard and its strength provides excellent load hanging capability - ideal for fixing pictures and other fittings to the walls.”

“The Manorfield Primary School development is quite a departure on the design side – it’s very open with no ceilings and so all the services including the suspended lighting track and sprinkler pipes are visible all the way round.”


Lead inquiries to fermacell@yourresponse.co.uk

For further media information please contact David Prout at Fermacell on 0870 609 0306 or 07875 243440 ; or Paul Shrimpton at PSPR Limited on 0121 354 7311 or 07979 505322.

Fermacell - The Versatile Flooring System

David Prout, Marketing Manager for Fermacell, looks at the performance benefits of using Fermacell flooring systems which provide a dry, fast and easy to install alternative to wet screed in new build and refurbishment projects.

Designed for use as a floating floor, Fermacell flooring is ready to use within 24 hours and accepts a wide variety of floor finishes including vinyls, laminate, tile and parquet.

Speed of installation is a major benefit with our dry flooring systems allowing a granular dry screed to be laid on uneven floors prior to the Fermacell overlay systems. Underfloor heating systems can also benefit from Fermacell’s dry overlay systems reducing the traditional drying times and reducing installation time. Fermacell flooring systems provide high specification benefits such as outstanding acoustic performance and fire resistance.

On the environmental front Fermacell boards are manufactured from 99% recycled content and are recyclable increasing the BREEAM rating of a building.

Compared to often difficult to install acoustic dry lining flooring systems, Fermacell Acoustic flooring provides an easier to install and effective barrier to both airborne and impact sound. This makes it ideal for multi-occupancy new build and refurbishment developments.

Fermacell acoustic 2E31 and 2E32 flooring overlays - used either on their own or in conjunction with the acoustic honeycomb system - can be used to upgrade substandard floor systems to comply with the latest Building Regulations. They can also be used as a dedicated part of a floor construction to provide Part E and RD compliant constructions.

The density of Fermacell floor systems can help reduce the passage of sound in buildings, provides fire resistance up to 90 minutes and offers high point and traffic load capacity and supports partition walls (with no special fixings required). In addition, Fermacell reduces the requirement for traditional wet screeds thus reducing the installation and drying times.

However, it is the acoustic performance - added to the other benefits - which make this system such a complete all-rounder.

When it comes to flooring, Fermacell board and the 2E21 system is ideal as the dry screed overlay on hot water underfloor heating systems. It’s easy to lay in a similar manner to laminate flooring.

Today, many new buildings are equipped with underfloor heating and the dry screed option 2E21 that Fermacell offers is the ideal solution. It can be laid directly over the underfloor heating system and commissioned within 24 hours, thereby dramatically reducing the drying time often associated with wet screed systems. An added benefit is the superior heat transference that 2E21 provides compared to traditional screeds. Its low thermal mass is effectively transparent to heat, making the system very quick to respond and more efficient.

For further information on Fermacell products please visit our website at: www.fermacelldrylining.co.uk Lead inquiries to fermacell@yourresponse.co.uk For further media information please contact David Prout at Fermacell on 0870 609 0306 or 07875 243440; or Paul Shrimpton at PSPR Limited on 0121 354 7311 or 07979 505322.

Fermacell Team Swing into Action

Former soccer star Neil Pointon helped a team from Sutton Coldfield-based dry lining specialists Fermacell finish third in a charity golf tournament organised by Manchester City Football Club at Mere Green Golf & Country Club in Cheshire.

Neil, who played for City in the early 90’s, was among numerous famous faces from past teams including late 60’s and early 70’s legendary winger Mike Summerbee. The club’s Chief Executive Garry Cook also took part.

A total of £7,600 was raised for the following charities: The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity, St Ann’s Hospice, Guide Dogs for the Blind and City in the Community.

The Fermacell team comprised Tim Deathridge (General Manager), Phil Mattatia (Northern Specification Manager), Jonathan Reece (Midlands Specification Manager) and Neil. Commented Tim Deathridge: “It was great to be joined by Neil and the event proved to be a memorable and enjoyable day. More importantly, it helped raised money for some very worthwhile causes.

“Jonathan is a keen golfer and played really well, but we were unable to recapture our form of two years ago when we won!”

For further information please contact Tim Deathridge at Fermacell on either 0870 609 0306 or 07831 131015 or Paul Shrimpton at PSPR Ltd on 0121 354 7311 or 07979 505322.