Aircrete walls can be rendered, tiled, plastered or dry lined, whilst smooth-faced blocks can simply be painted for an economical finish.

Smooth face blocks, left unplastered, can be painted internally with any alkali-resisting paint (e.g. plastic emulsion). Any small holes should be filled before painting.

In recent years plasterboard dry-lining has become one of the most popular ways of finishing the walls internally. It can be fixed to the blockwork using plaster dabs, timber battens or metal fixing systems.

Gypsum plasters should be applied, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Mortar joints should be recessed to provide a key for plaster or render.

Cement/sand render is the most suitable background for ceramic tiling on Aircrete walls and is recommended by the APA.

The wall should be left to dry out for as long as possible and must be true, clean and dust-free before bedding tiles using a proprietary tile adhesive.

A suitable adhesive must be used and correct procedures followed. Gypsum plasters should be avoided where repeated or persistent wetting occurs.

Go back