Building a house cannot be done carelessly, especially when determining the thickness of the walls. Walls are a crucial component that supports the strength and comfort of your home.
Incorrectly determining wall thickness can have fatal consequences, ranging from a weak building structure and susceptibility to damage to uncomfortable room temperatures.
Therefore, knowing the thickness of your house walls is an important first step in planning your home's construction.
Each wall material, such as red brick, concrete blocks, or concrete, has different characteristics and thickness requirements. If the walls are too thin, your house may be unstable.
However, walls that are too thick are not necessarily better. Furthermore, other aspects, such as plastering, also affect the overall strength and durability of the walls.
So, how thick should residential walls generally be to ensure they remain strong, comfortable, and efficient? Read on for a complete explanation in this article!
Standard House Wall Thickness
Determining the ideal house wall thickness requires consideration of structural strength, energy efficiency, safety, and comfort. For exterior walls, the ideal thickness ranges from 20–30 cm to support structural loads and provide space for thermal insulation.
Meanwhile, interior walls that do not support structural loads are generally sufficient with a thickness of 10–15 cm. This thickness can vary depending on building requirements, soil conditions, local regulations, as well as budget and design considerations.
Therefore, consulting with an architect or engineer is highly recommended to ensure wall thickness meets technical standards and building requirements.
Factors Determining House Wall Thickness
Several factors determine the thickness of house walls that you must be aware of to ensure a sturdy, safe, and comfortable building. What are these factors? Here's an explanation.
1. Building Structure
The building structure influences the required wall thickness. High-rise buildings or those bearing large structural loads require thicker walls to provide adequate and sturdy support.
2. Building Materials
Building materials are one factor that influences wall thickness. Walls made of brick or concrete generally require thicker walls for structural strength, while lightweight materials, such as gypsum, can be thinner.
3. Room Function
The function of a room also determines wall thickness. Certain room dividers or exterior walls may require different thicknesses to accommodate insulation and privacy needs.
4. Geographic Location
Geographic location and climate also determine wall thickness. For example, houses in earthquake-prone areas require thicker walls to better withstand shaking.
5. Building Regulations
Building regulations in each region can affect wall thickness. These regulations often specify a minimum thickness that must be met for safety and comfort standards.
Read also: Understanding Wall Plaster Mix, Check the Right Ratio!
House Wall Thickness Based on Material
Each wall material has different characteristics, so its thickness cannot be standardized. The choice of material will affect the strength and efficiency of the building. Here are the commonly used house wall thicknesses based on the type of material.
1. Precast Concrete
House walls made from precast concrete are generally around 15 cm thick. This material is widely used in buildings such as shophouses, residences, factories, offices, and even hospitals.
2. PC Cement Bricks
PC cement bricks, or pressed bricks, are available in various sizes and models and are made using two methods: machine pressing and hand pressing. The wall thickness of houses using this material is generally between 8–10 cm.
Read also: Shear Wall: Functions, Types, and Its Importance in Construction
3. White Brick
White brick or tras brick is a material made from a mixture of tras, limestone, and water. This material is easy to install and relatively affordable. If you want to use it for house walls, the recommended thickness is between 8–10 cm.
4. Lightweight Brick
Lightweight brick is currently popular due to its smooth texture and good adhesion, eliminating the need for plaster. For house walls, the ideal thickness for using lightweight brick is generally around 8–10 cm.
5. Red Brick
Red brick is a popular wall material due to its waterproof, strong, and durable properties. The thickness of house walls using red brick generally ranges from 7–11 cm.
Benefits of Thick House Walls
In addition to increasing structural strength, thicker walls also provide extra protection and comfort for home occupants. Here are some of the main benefits of thick house walls.
1. Maintaining Building Stability
Thick walls are crucial for maintaining the structural stability of a building. This helps reduce the risk of cracks or deformation in the walls over time, thereby maintaining the building's long-term integrity.
2. Resistant to Extreme Weather
Thicker walls can also provide extra protection against extreme weather, such as heavy rain, excessive heat, or snow, helping to maintain the structural integrity of the building.
Furthermore, although not completely fireproof, thicker walls can increase evacuation and firefighting times, thus improving occupant safety during emergencies.
Read also: Characteristics and Ideal Thickness of Second-Floor Slabs
3. Soundproofing
Thick walls effectively dampen outside noise, creating a quieter atmosphere inside the house. This benefit can reduce disturbances from traffic, neighboring activities, or other environmental noises.
4. Shock Resistance
Thick walls provide additional structural strength, making the building more resistant to shocks, such as earthquakes and wind pressure. Therefore, wall thickness is crucial for increasing the security and durability of a home against extreme conditions.
Effects of Thin House Walls
Building a house with the right wall thickness is crucial. If the walls are thin, several problems can arise.
For example, privacy in the house can be reduced because the house is not soundproof, allowing sounds from outside or inside to be easily heard. Furthermore, thin walls also reduce the strength of the house, making it susceptible to cracking or damage when impacted.
Thus, determining the right wall thickness for a house is crucial to creating a sturdy, comfortable, and functionally efficient home. Ideal wall thickness, combined with the selection of quality materials and plastering, is crucial for maintaining the strength and durability of the house's structure in the long term.
For optimal plastering results, you can rely on Portland Composite Cement (PCC) from Semen Merah Putih. This product is manufactured using environmentally friendly technology and a strict quality control system, resulting in high adhesion, a smooth surface, and optimal durability for a variety of building applications.
Contact us for more information about our products or a consultation on your construction needs, and find the best solution with Semen Merah Putih!
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