Most modern houses have external walls constructed with a cavity in the middle. This type of wall generally gives good sound insulation, but doesn't retain heat very efficiently. Today, solid walls are usually made from concrete blocks. They're usually at least 225mm thick (the length of a standard brick), and are often a brick and a half-thick where the house is exposed to severe weather. In houses built before the 1920s, you'll usually find solid external walls are made of natural stone or brick. Start by watching our video guide below for help to fix small holes.Įxternal walls can be of solid or cavity (hollow) construction. So never assume an internal wall is non-load-bearing, and always get professional advice before you attempt any major alterations. Some can partly support floor and ceiling joists, while others add to the stability of the building. Not all internal walls are non-load-bearing, though. Because many internal walls aren't structural (in other words, they don't support the structure) they're known as non-load-bearing walls. Internal walls divide the floor space into rooms, and are usually made of less heavyweight materials. The external walls of a house are all load-bearing, as they support the weight of the roof, floors and internal walls.
The construction of the walls depends on whether they're external or internal, and whether they're load-bearing or non-load-bearing. Some older houses can also be made of local natural stone.
Most houses are built from a combination of bricks, concrete blocks and timber on a solid base known as the foundations.
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