Toplite Introduction
2 www.topblock.co .uk
Introduction 3
Product selector 4
Toplite GTI 5
Toplite Standard 5
Toplite ‘7’ 5
Toplite Foundation 7
Toplite Coursing bricks 8
Toplite Floor 9
Application 10
Walls below DPC 10
Internal walls 10
Separating walls 10
Toplite in flats 10
External walls 12
Thermal insulation 12
U-values 13
Design 14
Safe handling 14
Movement control 14
Mortar 14
Wall ties 15
The UK’s top block solutionTarmac Topblock offers a complete range ofaircrete, dense and lightweight products. As a UKmarket leader, you can expect our blocks to meetthe most demanding of building requirements.
Using Tarmac Topblock you can take advantage of:
ChoiceOffering you a product for every application fromour 4 key brands – Durox, Toplite, Hemelite andTopcrete.
Quality productsContinued investment in our extensive network ofproduction facilities means that you should onlyget the highest quality products.
Customer serviceWe can be relied upon to deliver service, friendlyadvice and partnership.
Reliability We have set a national target for on-time deliveriesand aim to inform you of any likely delays.
Sales supportHelping you with well located sales offices and anexperienced external sales team, serving local,regional and national customers.
Technical supportDedicated technical services, providing you withvital advice on the suitability of Tarmac Topblockproducts.
InnovationContinuously developing our range of innovativeproducts and services, to respond to your needs.
ResponsibilityTaking our corporate responsibility seriously, bysharing best practice in safety, health andenvironment for all.
Part of the Tarmac GroupTarmac can provide you with a range of productsfor virtually every construction purpose.
Low unit weight Most sizes of Toplite blocks meet thehealth and safety standards for single-person repetitivehandling, helping to protect you from injury.
Fast build blocks Toplite blocks are light and easy tohandle, decreasing your build time.
Thermal insulation Toplite blocks have exceptionalthermal insulation properties which combined with addedinsulation can meet the requirements of Part ‘L’ of theBuilding Regulations.
Sound Toplite blocks have excellent sound insulationproperties that can comply with the Robust DetailsSpecification of the Building Regulations.
Fire resistant The non-combustible properties of Topliteblocks mean that most constructions will surpass therequirements of the Building Regulations.
High loadbearing A wide range of strengths are availablein Toplite blocks to cater for the requirements of generalhousing and other buildings.
Easy to cut Toplite blocks are easy to cut and chase usingbasic hand tools.
Cost-effective Toplite blocks offer cost-effective buildingmethods.
Traditional Toplite blocks offer proven, risk free andfamiliar building methods.
Availability Toplite blocks are widely and readily available.
Recyclable Toplite blocks are recyclable.
Surface finishes Toplite blocks offer an ideal backgroundfor drylining, plaster, render and fixings.
3 National Sales Helpline: 0845 606 2468
Toplite Introduction
TopliteToplite aircrete is a modern
construction material with
excellent thermal and acoustic
properties. It is a versatile
material which is able to provide
solutions below ground in
foundation walls, in suspended
beam and block floors and all
types of internal and external
walling situations.
For many years Toplite products
have been used for the inner leaf
of cavity walls in conjunction
with various insulation materials,
making a valuable contribution
to the overall thermal
performance of the building.
AuthorityToplite products are BSI
Kitemarked to BS EN 771-4 and
are manufactured under a
Quality System complying with
BS EN ISO 9001. They conform to
the ‘Special Category of
Manufacturing Control’
requirements specified in
BS 5628-1.
The British Board of Agrément
has independently assessed
Toplite products. BBA Certificate
02/3896 covers Toplite GTI,
Standard, ‘7’ and Foundation
blocks.
EnvironmentalAll Topblock manufacturing
plants operate an environmental
management system conforming
to ISO:14001. All sites are
independently assessed for
compliance by BSI.
Summary ratings applicable to
Toplite constructions can be
found in The Green Guide to
Housing specifications. These
include constructions that
achieve ‘A’ rating and thereby
qualify for credits when projects
are subject to an environmental
rating such as Ecohomes.
Appearance Toplite blocks are white to grey
with a characteristic keyed
surface pattern. Each product
type is supplied in shrink-
wrapped packs for protection
and easy identification on site.
Working with TopliteToplite products have excellent
working characteristics. They are
light and easy to handle and quick
to install. They can be easily cut,
chased and fixed into. Toplite is
suitable for finishing with render,
cladding, plaster or drylining.
Certificate No. 69579
BS EN 771-4
Technical Services: 0870 242 14894
Toplite Product selector
WallsApplication
Cavity inner leaves and / or solid walls Toplite GTI Toplite Coursing
or Standard bricks
Separating walls Toplite Standard Toplite Coursing
bricks
Higher loadbearing walls Toplite ‘7’ Toplite Coursing
bricks
FoundationsApplication
Solid walls below dpc Toplite Foundation
Cavity walls below dpc Toplite GTI,
Standard or ‘7’
FloorsApplication
Beam and block floors Toplite Floor
65mm
215mm
440mm
Width
535 or360mm
215mm
440mm
215mm
440mm
215mm
440mm
www.topblock.co .uk5
Toplite GTI, Standard and ‘7’
Material propertiesGTI Standard ‘7’
Compressive strength to BS EN 771-4 (N/mm2)2.9 3.6 7.3
Equivalent compressive strength to BS 6073 (N/mm2)2.8 3.5 7.0
Material dry density (kg/m3)460 630 730
Thermal conductivity (W/mK) @ 3% moisture content0.11 0.15 0.19
Moisture movement (mm/m) (shrinkage)<0.70 for all products
Typical airtightness (m3/(h.m2) @ 50 Pa)100mm blocks – all grades, no finish 0.12 for all products
Block width (mm)75 90 100 115 125 130 140 150 190 200 215 260 265 275 300
GTI - - 4.7 5.4 5.8 6.1 6.5 7.0 8.9 9.4 10.1 - 12.4 - -
Standard 4.6 5.5 6.1 - 7.7 - 8.6 9.2 11.7 12.3 13.2 16.0 - 16.9 18.4
‘7’ - 6.4 7.1 - - - 10.0 10.7 13.5 14.2 15.3 - - - -
Notes Unit and laid weights, which are given for design purposes, are approximate only and based on 3% moisture content
Dimensional tolerance to BS EN 771-4: Length +3/-5, width +3/-3, height +3/-5
Block width (mm)75 90 100 115 125 130 140 150 190 200 215 260 265 275 300
GTI - - 58 67 72 76 81 87 110 117 125 - 154 - -
Standard 54 65 72 - 91 - 101 109 138 145 156 188 - 199 217
‘7’ - 74 82 - - - 115 123 156 164 176 - - - -
Sizes and unit weights (kg)
Laid weights (kg/m2)
TopliteToplite combines low unit weight
with high thermal insulation, in
strengths from 2.9 to 7.3 N/mm2.
Toplite GTI offers a high level of
thermal insulation and can be
used to reduce the amount of
additional insulation. It is ideally
suited for the construction of inner
leaves and solid external walls.
Toplite Standard can be used for
all general-purpose walling
applications including inner
leaves, solid walls, internal
partitions and walls below DPC.
Toplite Standard is recommended
for use in separating walls
including those conforming to
Robust Detail E-WM-6, as well as
other key applications such as
the rendered outer leaf of
cavity walls.
Toplite ‘7’ is suitable for more
demanding loadbearing
applications whilst retaining the
characteristic low unit weight of
aircrete. It may also be used in
separating walls including those
conforming to Robust Detail
E-WM-6.
National Sales Helpline: 0845 606 24686
FireToplite blocks are non-
combustible and conform to
Class O rating for the surface
spread of flame. The fire
resistance values shown are in
accordance with BRE Report
‘Guidelines for the Construction
of Fire-resisting Structural
Elements’ (1988).
The application of finishes
will generally improve the
fire resistance. Further details
are available.
Sound insulationToplite blocks may be used to
provide acoustic insulation
between internal rooms. The
Building Regulations Approved
Document E requires certain
internal walls and floors in
dwellings to meet a performance
standard of 40 Rw dB. This can
be met, for example, using
100mm Toplite GTI or Standard
finished with plaster or drylining.
Sound reduction values of other
Toplite products are shown in
the table opposite.
Toplite GTI, Standard and ‘7’
Fire resistance, no finish (hours) 1 2 4
GTI: minimum width (mm)loadbearing 90 130 200
non-loadbearing 75 100 140
Standard or ‘7’: minimum width (mm)loadbearing 90 100 190
non-loadbearing 75 75 100
Fire resistance of walls – single leaf wall
Sound reduction values – single leaf wall
Notes Finishes to both wall faces are assumedValues are based on technical assessment and tests to BS EN 140
Finish No Lightweight Drylining
finish plaster
GTI: weighted sound reduction index, (Rw dB)100mm 38 41 40
140mm 41 43 43
215mm 46 48 48
Standard: weighted sound reduction index, (Rw dB)100mm 40 41 42
140mm 44 46 46
215mm 49 50 50
‘7’: weighted sound reduction index, (Rw dB)100mm 41 44 43
140mm 45 47 47
215mm 50 51 51
Note Check the relevant product pages for available sizes
Technical Services: 0870 242 14897
Toplite Foundation
Foundation
Compressive strength to BS EN 771-4 (N/mm2)3.6 7.3
Equivalent compressive strength to BS 6073 (N/mm2)3.5 7.0
Material dry density (kg/m3)630 730
Thermal conductivity (W/mK) @ 3% moisture content0.15 0.19
Material properties
Coursing height (mm) 215
Block width (mm) 260 275 300 Foundation 3.6 N/mm2
16.0 16.9 18.4
Foundation 7.3 N/mm2
18.5* 19.6* 21.3*
Size and unit weights (kg)
Coursing height (mm) 215
Block width (mm) 260 275 300 Foundation 3.6 N/mm2
188 199 217
Foundation 7.3 N/mm2
213* 226* 246*
Laid weights (kg/m2)
Note Unit and laid weights, which are given for design purposes, are approximate onlyand are taken at 3% moisture content.
*Manufactured to order.
Toplite FoundationFoundation is produced specifically
for use below DPC in solid walls. It
replaces the inner and outer leaf,
wall ties and concrete cavity fill
associated with traditional
construction methods. This means
that construction time may be
halved compared to cavity walling
and that the wall becomes stable
soon after laying, eliminating the
risk of collapsed cavities.
ApplicationsFoundation can be used to support
cavity, solid walls or frame
constructions.
Owing to its excellent insulating
properties, the product provides
perimeter insulation to ground
floors. U-values can be calculated
upon request.
Toplite Foundation is suitable for
use in Class DS-1, DS-2 and DS-3
sulfate soil conditions as confirmed
by British Board of Agrément
Certificate No. 02/3896.
The appropriate width of Toplite
Foundation should be selected to
suit the width of cavity or solid
wall that requires supporting
above DPC.
For advice on the selection of
mortar refer to page 14.
Toplite Foundation blocksbelow DPC
TopliteFoundation
Insulation
DPC
Screed
www.topblock.co .uk8
Toplite Coursing bricks
Toplite Coursing bricksCoursing bricks are designed for
use with the range of Toplite
blocks, to avoid thermal bridging
and minimise wastage.
ApplicationToplite Coursing bricks should be
used for general coursing work,
infilling small areas of wall such
as between timber floor or roof
members as well as closing
cavities at eaves, reveals and sills.
Their use will eliminate cutting
and wastage.
Brick width (mm) 100 115 125
Compressive strength to BS EN 771-4 (N/mm2)2.9 3.6 7.3
Equivalent compressive strength to BS 6073 (N/mm2)2.8 3.5 7.0
Material dry density (kg/m3)460 630 730
Thermal conductivity (W/mK) @ 3% moisture content0.11 0.15 0.19
Material properties
Typical application
Brick width (mm) 100 115 125
GTI: 2.9 N/mm2 - Unit weight (kg)
1.0 1.0 1.0
Standard: 3.6 N/mm2 - Unit weight (kg)
1.0 - -
‘7’: 7.3 N/mm2 - Unit weight (kg)
1.0 - -
Bricks per pack 500 500 500
Size and unit weights (kg)
Note Unit and laid weights, which are given for design purposes, are approximate andbased on 3% moisture content
65mm
215mmWidth
National Sales Helpline: 0845 606 24689
Toplite Floor
Toplite Floor blocksFloor blocks are suitable for use in
suspended floors in conjunction
with precast concrete beams.
They are light and quick to install,
and provide effective sound and
thermal insulation for ground and
internal floors meeting the
requirements of the Building
Regulations.
The use of Toplite Floor blocks can
achieve economy in the overall
design of the floor: firstly by a
reduced dead load; secondly the
size of the block allows much more
flexibility in beam spacing,
allowing fewer beams to be used.
ApplicationsToplite Floor blocks are suitable
for use in beam and block
suspended ground and internal
floors in single occupancy
dwellings under domestic loading.
Where high point loading is
anticipated, such as in garages,
a reinforced structural topping
must be used. Where the floor
loading dictates closer beam
spacing, a 440 x 215 x 100mm
Toplite Standard block may be
used, spanning its 215mm
dimension.
Coursing slips to in-fill between
beam-ends are available in a 37mm
bedding height. For 175mm deep
beams Toplite Coursing bricks
are available.
The requirements of Building
Regulation E2 ‘Protection against
sound within a dwelling house’ can
be easily met using a beam and
block internal floor finished with a
minimum 50mm sand and cement
screed and plasterboard ceiling.
Tests commissioned by the Aircrete
Products Association confirm that
the airborne sound reduction (Rw)
for a floor finished with a 50mm
sand and cement screed and
plasterboard ceiling is 51 Rw dB.
This exceeds the minimum required
value of 40 Rw dB.
Transverse loadThe blocks have been tested at a
440mm and 535mm clear span to
sustain a point load of 3.5KN.
This load was transferred via a
100mm x 100mm steel plate.
Thermal InsulationThe use of Toplite Floor blocks will
reduce the amount of ground floor
insulation needed compared to the
use of denser floor blocks. This will
be further improved when used in
combination with Toplite
Foundation blocks.
Floor
Compressive strength to BS EN 771-4 (N/mm2)3.6
Equivalent compressive strength to BS 6073 (N/mm2)3.5
Material dry density (kg/m3)630
Thermal conductivity (W/mK) @ 3% moisture content0.15
Material properties
Block size on plan (mm) 440 x 215* 440 x 3601 440 x 5352
Block width (mm) 100 100 100 Floor
6.1 10.3 15.0
Size and unit weights (kg)
Notes Unit and laid weights, which are given for design purposes, are approximateand based on 3% moisture content*Available as Toplite Standard spanning the 215mm dimension1. Supplied from Ford Plant 2. Supplied from Alfreton Plant
Screed Concrete floor beam
Toplite flooring block
Typical beam and Toplite block intermediate floor
PlasterboardTimber battens
Technical Services: 0870 242 1489
Toplite Application
10
Walls below DPCToplite products can be used to
construct walls below ground.
They can be used in sulfate soil
conditions as shown in the table
opposite and as confirmed by
British Board of Agrément
Certificate No. 02/3896. In
addition they are resistant to the
freeze / thaw conditions likely to
occur below the DPC, as
confirmed by tests to MOAT 12.
Toplite Foundation blocks should
be specified to construct 260-
300mm solid walls below ground.
They are intended to support
cavity or solid walls of equivalent
width above ground. Toplite
Standard (or any higher strength
Toplite product) can be used to
construct internal and external
walls below ground.
Toplite GTI is recommended for
use in the construction of inner
leaves only below ground and is
suitable for use in Class D-1 sulfate
soil conditions as confirmed by
British Board of Agrément
Certificate Nos. 02/3896.
Internal wallsAny grade of Toplite can be used for
the construction of internal walls. For
partitions in dwellings these products
can be used to provide good levels
of airborne sound insulation as
well as a suitable background for
finishes and for fixings.
For commercial and industrial
applications Toplite may be used
to provide sound insulation, fire
resistance and structural strength.
Certain internal walls are
required to provide a level of
sound insulation as required by
the Building Regulations E2.
Walls between bedrooms, or a
room containing a water closet,
and other rooms, need to
provide the minimum sound
insulation of 40 Rw dB. The
constructions on page 11 have
been assessed and / or laboratory
tested to demonstrate the
performance level required by
Approved Document E.
Separating wallsThe Building Regulations require
separating walls to provide
reasonable resistance to sound
transmission.
Guidance on suitable Toplite
constructions capable of meeting
the specified performance is
shown on page 11. This includes
constructions that can be built to
satisfy Robust Detail E-WM-6.
The use of Robust Details
provides an alternative to
pre-completion testing for
demonstrating compliance with
Part E for new build dwellings.
Robust Details should be used in
accordance with the scheme
requirements including plot
registration.
The performance of separating
walls is highly dependent on the
design, detailing and good
workmanship of the associated
flanking construction. Further
guidance is given in the Topblock
Design Guide.
Toplite in flatsToplite can be used to construct
flanking and separating walls
based on Robust Detail
specifications.
Flanking wallsToplite can be used for the inner
leaf of the external walls in
accordance with the following
Robust Detail separating floors
without the need to undertake
routine pre-completion testing.
Robust Detail E-FC-3 Use Toplite Standard or ‘7’ of
minimum 100mm width.
Robust Detail E-FC-4Use Toplite GTI, Standard or ‘7’
of minimum 100mm width.
Sulfate soil conditionsToplite aircrete blocks
DS-1 DS-2 DS-3
Toplite Foundation ✓ ✓ ✓
Toplite GTI* ✓
Toplite Standard ✓ ✓ ✓
Toplite ‘7’ ✓ ✓ ✓
Note *Suitable for use as the inner leaf of cavity walls and internal walls below dpc
Wall blocks comprising• 100mm Toplite GTI• 100mm Toplite Standard • 100mm Toplite ‘7’
Infill blocks comprising• 100mm Toplite Floor
Plaster or drylining
50mm min sand/cement screed
Any ceiling finish
No site testing
required
13mm drylining or plaster(10kg/m2 min)
Site testing
required
RD - no site
testing
required
Toplite Application
11
New Dwellings - Robust DetailsConstruction elements Methods of compliance RD ref Recommended solution
Separating walls Robust Details E-WM-6
Pre-completion testing
not required
75mm min cavity
2 x Toplite Standard2 x 100mm Toplite ’7’
New Build Dwellings and ExtensionsConstruction elements Methods of compliance Recommended solution
Internal Walls Approved Document ‘E’ prescriptive
solutions or Topblock constructions
which have been shown by testing
to meet the regulations
Internal Floors Approved Document ‘E’ prescriptive
solutions or Topblock constructions
which have been shown by testing
to meet the regulations
New Dwellings - Pre-completion testingConstruction elements Methods of compliance Recommended solution
Separating walls Constructions requiring
pre-completion testing in
accordance with Approved
Document E or other technical
guidance e.g. BBA certification
or field test data
New Build Rooms for Residential Purposes*Any of the recommended solutions shown for the New Build Dwellings (above) can be specified for separating walls foruse in rooms for residential purpose. In addition the solutions shown below may be used:
Construction elements Methods of compliance Recommended solution
Separating Walls Constructions requiring
pre-completion testing in
accordance with Approved
Document E or other technical
guidance e.g. BBA certification
or field test data
• 215mm Toplite Standard • 215mm Toplite ‘7’
Note *Rooms for residential purposes include hotels, hostels, boarding houses, halls of residence and residential houses but exclude hospitals or similarestablishments used for patient accommodation
13mm plaster (10kg/m2 min)
13mm plaster (10kg/m2 min)
215mm
Site testing
required
75mm min cavity
Drylining (8kg/m2 min)
Nominal 8mmparging
2 x Toplite Standard2 x 100mm Toplite ’7’
www.topblock.co .uk12
Toplite Application
External wall construction External finish Comments
Clear cavity
Clear cavity
Partial cavity fill
Full fill
Note Any grade of Toplite includes GTI, Standard or ‘7’
Separating wallsThe Robust Detail testing
programme that led to the
aircrete separating wall
specification (E-WM-6)
demonstrated that these
constructions performed as well
as higher density aggregate
block constructions. As a result of
this, Table 3 of the Robust
Details handbook allows Toplite
cavity separating walls to be
used in combination with the
separating floor constructions
E-FC-1, E-FC-3 & E-FC-4. This
indicates that Toplite blocks can
be used in both the flanking and
separating walls, thereby gaining
the twin benefits of excellent
thermal and sound insulation.
When using these options,
however, the floor will be subject
to pre-completion testing.
Work continues in developing
additional Toplite specifications
through the Robust Details
programme and it is advisable to
refer to Topblock Technical
Services or our website
www.topblock.co.uk for the most
up-to-date specifications.
External walls Toplite blocks may be used to
construct cavity and solid external
walls. For cavity construction the
minimum leaf width will normally
be 90mm. Toplite blocks are
suitable for a range of external
finishes as shown in the table
below.
In a single leaf wall the minimum
width of Toplite, with or without
rendering, may be selected from
BS 5628-3.
Thermal insulationSome typical construction
solutions to comply with Building
Regulation Part L, Conservation
of Heat and Power, are shown on
page 13. As insulation material
sizes and their thermal
conductivity are subject to
change, it is recommended that
the U-value of constructions be
periodically confirmed by
reference to Technical Services or
the Topblock website.
Any external cladding
material such as timber
boarding or hanging tiles on
battens
Two coats of designation (iii)
sand/cement render
Two coats of designation (iii)
sand/cement render
Two coats of designation (iii)
sand/cement render
Both leaves may be any grade of
Toplite block. Additional insulation
may be required
The inner leaf may be any grade of
Toplite block. The outer leaf should
be Toplite Standard or ‘7’
The inner leaf may be any grade of
Toplite block.The outer leaf should
be Toplite Standard or ‘7’
The inner leaf may be any grade of
Toplite block. The outer leaf should
be a Topblock Hemelite or Topcrete
block
Toplite separating & flanking walls in flats
*In accordance with Table 3 of the Robust Details handbook these separating floorsrequire pre-completion testing
RD ref No
E-WM-6(Conventional
mortar)
Toplite Blocks 2 x 100mm with
75mm cavity
Toplite StandardToplite ‘7’
Toplite inner leaf100mm min
Toplite GTI, StandardToplite ‘7’
RD ref No
E-FC- 1, 3 & 4
Flanking wall Robust Detailseparating floor*
Robust DetailSeparating Wall
Thermal insulation(continued)From April 2006 Approved
Document L1A, (new dwellings)
of the Building Regulations, was
introduced so that compliance is
demonstrated by showing that
the Dwelling emission rate (DER)
is no greater than the Target
emission rate (TER) of a notional
building of the same size as the
proposed house. The TER is
calculated using standard
defaults for the fabric insulation
and the heating and hot water
systems that are embedded
within the SAP 2005 software,
resulting in a 20% reduction in
CO2 emissions compared to the
previous requirements.
The actual level of fabric
insulation required will be
dependant upon a number of
factors including the fuel type
used and the efficiency of the
heating system. The diagram
below shows typical U-values for
the exposed elements of the
building, assuming that the fuel
type is mains gas, which could
form the starting point for the
DER calculation.
Approved Document L1B covers
the standard of insulation
required when building work is
carried out on an existing
dwelling. When constructing an
extension to a dwelling
minimum elemental U-values
apply as shown in the table
below.
National Sales Helpline: 0845 606 246813
Toplite Application
Elemental U-values for extensions to existing dwellings
Element Dwellings U-value (W/m2K)
Walls 0.30
Floor 0.22
Roof insulation at ceiling level 0.16
Roof insulation at rafter level 0.20
Roofs (flat) 0.25
Windows, roof windows & rooflights 1.80
Doors with more than 50% of internal face glazed 2.20
Other doors 3.00
Internal finish U-value of 100mm inner leaf (W/m2K)
Thermal laminate Toplite GTI Toplite Std Toplite 7
50mm ThermaLcheck K (2.27 m2K/W) 0.28 0.29 0.30
60mm ThermaLine Super (2.32 m2K/W) 0.27 0.29 0.30
65mm ThermaLine Super (2.55 m2K/W) 0.26 0.27 0.28
U-values using clear cavity with thermal laminates
Typical U-values
Roof with ceilingU-value = 0.14 W/m2K
Roof window or rooflightsU-value = 1.8 W/m2K
Exposed wallsU-value = 0.30 W/m2K
Sloping or flat roofU-value = 0.14 W/m2K
Windows and doorsU-value = 1.8 W/m2K
Gas boiler with aminimum SedbukOf 86%
Ground floorU-value = 0.20 W/m2K
14 Technical Services: 0870 242 148914
Toplite Application
Safe handlingAircrete is an inherently
lightweight material, which
ensures that the majority of
Toplite aircrete blocks fall within
the guidance (see Health and
Safety Executive Construction
Sheet 37) for single-person
repetitive handling. Some
Foundation blocks in widths of
260mm to 300mm may exceed
the nominal 20kg guidance at
the conventional 215mm
coursing height.
For guidance on the approximate
weights of Toplite blocks refer to
the relevant product pages.
Movement controlMovement joints should be
provided in accordance with
BS 5628-3 generally at intervals
of 6m. Movement joints are not
usually necessary for internal
walls in dwellings.
In areas of concentrated stress,
such as above and below
openings, consideration should
be given to the introduction of
bed joint reinforcement.
MortarThe mortar type should be
selected taking into account
durability, structural strength
and provision for movement.
Detailed guidance on the
selection of mortars is
given in BS 5628-3 and
BS 8000-3.
For work above ground level
(DPC), mortar designation (iii)
will normally be satisfactory.
U-values using full fill insulation
Internal finish U-value of 100mm inner leaf (W/m2K)
Thermal laminate Toplite GTI Toplite Std Toplite 7
13mm Dense plaster 0.29 0.31 0.32
13mm Lightweight plaster 0.29 0.30 0.31
9.5mm Plasterboard on dabs 0.28 0.30 0.31
12.5mm Plasterboard on dabs 0.28 0.30 0.31
Insulation
75mm Dritherm 32k = 0.032 W/mK
U-values using partial fill insulation
Note Resistance of low –e cavity 0.644 m2K/W
Internal finish U-value of 100mm inner leaf (W/m2K)
Thermal laminate Toplite GTI Toplite Std Toplite 7
13mm Dense plaster 0.29 0.31 0.32
13mm Lightweight plaster 0.29 0.30 0.31
9.5mm Plasterboard on dabs 0.28 0.29 0.30
12.5mm Plasterboard on dabs 0.28 0.29 0.30
Insulation
40mm Kingspan TW50k = 0.023 W/mKwith low-e cavity*
Note Resistance of low –e cavity 0.64 m2K/W
Internal finish U-value of 100mm inner leaf (W/m2K)
Thermal laminate Toplite GTI Toplite Std Toplite 7
13mm Dense plaster 0.27 0.29 0.30
13mm Lightweight plaster 0.27 0.28 0.29
9.5mm Plasterboard on dabs 0.26 0.28 0.28
12.5mm Plasterboard on dabs 0.26 0.28 0.28
Insulation
45mm Kingspan TW50k = 0.023 W/mKwith low-e cavity*
Toplite Design
Flat metal tiewith one end de-bondedin alternate courses
Jointfiller
Sealant whererequired
Typical movement joint
www.topblock.co .uk15
Toplite Design
Wall tiesUse wire butterfly or double
triangle ties complying with
BS 1243, or other ties complying
with DD 140-2, at the density
and positioning required by the
Building Regulations and
BS 5628-1 & 3. The use of vertical
twist ties should generally be
avoided when using aircrete
blocks unless the cavity width
exceeds 75mm.
For separating walls, butterfly
ties or ties conforming with
Type A as specified in Approved
Document E should be used.
Design GuideMore detailed design
information including advice on
structural design, durability and
movement control can be found
in the Topblock Design Guide.
Sitework GuideMore detailed site guidance
including advice on site storage,
internal and external finishes can
be found in the Topblock
Sitework Guide.
Specification
Blockwork to: (state location)
Blocks to BS EN 771-4: Toplite aircrete concrete blocks Compressive Strength (N/mm2)
Manufacturer: Tarmac Topblock Limited BS EN 771-4
Grade and compressive strength: *GTI 2.9
*Standard 3.6
*’7’ 7.3
*Foundation 3.6
*Foundation 7.3
*Floor 3.6
Shape and dimensions:
Wall block: 440mm long x ……mm width x 215mm high(GTI, Standard and ‘7’)
Foundation block: 440mm long x ……mm width x 215mm high
Floor block: 440mm long x ……mm width x 360/535mm wide
Coursing brick: 215mm long x ……mm width x 65mm high
Note * Delete as applicable
Suggested mortar mixes
Work above DPC - mortar designation (iii)a) 1 portland cement,
1 hydrated lime,6 sand
b) 1 portland cement,6 sand + plasticiser
c) 1 masonry cement 5 sand
Work below DPC - mortar designation (ii)a) 1 portland cement
4 sand + plasticiser
Notes The sand should conform to BS 1200 Factory produced mortars or carefully gauged site mixed mortars should be used
Mortar (continued)Below ground level, mortar
designation (iii) or (ii) may be
used in accordance with
BS 5628-3.
Stronger mixes, which may be
required for structural reasons,
are not recommended for use
with our aircrete products.
All mix proportions are given
by volume.
CI/SfBFf4
September 2006
Tarmac Topblock LimitedMillfields RoadEttingshallWolverhamptonWest Midlands WV4 6JP
Website: www.topblock.co.uk
Although Tarmac Limited does its best to ensure that any advice, recommendations or information it may give is accurate, no liability or responsibility of any kind (including liability for negligence) is
accepted in this respect by Tarmac Limited, its staff or agents. Claims and statements made by Tarmac Limited regarding its products refer to those which have been properly handled on site. Tarmac
Limited cannot accept any liability or responsibility of any kind (including liability for negligence) for problems caused by the acts or omissions of third parties or by poor practices.
Tarmac and the ‘T’ mark are registered trademarks of the Tarmac Group.
Where do I find more? Tarmac Topblock offer a complete range of aircrete, lightweight and dense products. As a UK market leader you can
expect our blocks to meet the most demanding of building regulations and requirements. To make contact could
not be easier!
National Sales HelplineCall us on: 0845 606 2468
Technical Helpline Call us on: 0870 242 1489
Email: [email protected]
Literature requests: Call us on: 08456 044 114
Email: [email protected]
Quote reference L110
The product brochures available include:
Durox - large format aircrete blocks
Hemelite & Topcrete - lightweight & dense aggregate blocks
Durox System - thin joint blocks