A Quarterly Publication by Boral Plasterboard Autumn Edition 99 A Quarterly Publication by Boral Plasterboard Olympic Edition 2000 Boral for Builders Why do the job twice when you only get paid once? Official Supplier to the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
A Quarterly Publication by Boral Plasterboard Autumn Edition 99 A Quarterly Publication by Boral Plasterboard Olympic Edition 2000
Boral forBuilders
Why do the job twicewhen you only get paid once?
Official Supplierto the Sydney 2000
Olympic Games.
About This EditionWelcome to Boral for Builders.This is the third edition of thispopular industry magazinewith even more interestingarticles. Boral for Builderscomes to you courtesy of BoralPlasterboard and is now anational publication havingfirst been published inQueensland only for severalyears. This edition comes toyou jam packed full of articles on achieving an excellent finish on interior linings with advice that couldsave you time and money.Happy reading.
The editor
Boral for Builders MagazineBoral PlasterboardMarketing ServicesDepartment676 Lorimer Street Port Melbourne Vic 3207
ContentsDo it once Do it right 2
Plasterboard jointing: 3, 4, 5Achieving the expected finish
Maintenance Control 6 & 7
Plasterboard & 8, 9Exterior Ceilings
Paint Discolouration 10, 11The debate continues
Building activity statistics 12 & 13
PartiWALL™ 14
Sydney ClassiCove™ 15
TecASSIST 162
Do it onceDo it right
Ceiling Batten nailed to joints
Plasterboard screw-fixed to ceiling batten
Note:Boral Plasterboard fixing specifications refer toRondo ceiling batten Part No. 303 as illustrated
Note what may happen (above) if the ceiling fixing method (below) is NOT followed correctly.
I
ACHIEVING THE EXPECTED FINISH
One of the more‘geometric’ interior
designs.
In the quest to produce the elusive perfect finish for interior linings, many varying techniques and systems are applied, unfortunately to no avail. All that can reasonably be achieved and/or expected is a general appearance of flatness witha strong reliance on the use of a favourable paint system and application, combined with a complementary lighting system.
or many years now we have
witnessed a growing trend towards
larger residences all competing for
individuality with their adventurous designs.
These subtle experiments in geometry,
although aesthetically pleasing in there
contribution to the overall appearance and
presentation, are responsible for the
creation of many problems for the plasterer.
They are given the task of providing the
expected finish along with a level and
plumb substrate to an industry faced with
the need to continuously monitor and
control construction costs combined with
a reduction in the availability of quality
timber.
Plasterboard Jointing
3
F
4
lasterboard is amaterial with varyingtextures and porositythat is presented to a
series of conditions that willultimately exaggerate thosevariables. The jointed systemis in most cases handapplied and therefore somevariation in the finished surface is inevitable, therebyproducing the same type of
irregularities that one wouldexpect in any hand madeproducts.
Although a flat unblemishedfinish is the common requirement, this is notalways possible, particularlywith current building designand technology.
No matter how flat a surfacemay appear, there willalways be some slight
undulations and deviationsfrom true flatness.Acceptance of this surfacecan and will vary dependinglargely on an owners perception and/or lightingconditions which may varyfrom night to day.
PlasterboardJointing
Some difficulties arise when
trying to describe what the
appearance of a completed
ceiling should be like. Spare a
thought for the conscientious
contractor who strives to
achieve what he believes to be
the industry standard, only to
find after the completion of
painting he is confronted by an
irate owner commenting:-
P
“ No nail pops or joints were
showing in my last house”
“ The ceiling in the display
home did not look like this.”
AAlthough allowable tolerances and compliance standards have been set down in order to assist withthe dispute resolution process, unfortunately written guidelines receive little or no credence whendealing with the unhappy owners.
Despite everyone’s best intentions even the most authoritative rules or guidelines do little to alter a dissatisfied customers perceptions, beliefs or expectations of the appearance of the final finish, particularly if they are withholding final payments.
There is little doubt that when inspecting plaster finishes for imperfections, it is usually the owner(due to a lack of understanding) who is most vocal.
5
Should you require any information pertaining to
recommended levels of finish or the effects of lighting
on plasterboard, just give us a call:
Jim Browning (Brisbane) 07 3215 2237
owever with some
monumental dwellings
standing as a sole
tribute to a lifetime of
someone’s hard work, one
begins to understand the
reason behind some overly
intense inspections. The role
lighting plays in some
of these inspections can not
be overstated. When
inspecting finished plaster it is
unfair to expect that the
plasterer should be held
responsible for any blemishes
that may show up under any
light other than the light in
which his work was carried
out in, and in particular
circumstances where the
inspection lighting conditions
do not replicate the
environment that existed
during the material installation.
It is not considered possible
to achieve a blemish free
surface under critical or
extreme glancing light
conditions. It is strongly
recommended that when the
expectations are beyond
reasonable industry or
acceptable standards a level
five finish should be chosen
to form part of the specification.
PlasterboardJointing
H
Plastered joints with extreme lightingconditions - showing only at a specifictime of day. At other times it displayson acceptable appearance.
6
Metal stirrups from girder trussprotruding through plasterboarddue to settlement.
Maintenance ControlIDENTIFYING THE PROBLEMS
s most major rework as a result of rectification is carried out under extremely difficult conditions, costs are high and in today’s competitive market, it is highly unlikely thatthey will be factored into the original quote. Therefore establishing ownership of a particular problem can become a delicate and sometimes political issue.
The cost of call backs as a result of maintenance issues continue to be a cause of frustration in today’s building industry, particularly for those whose standards are high andconsciously strive for the elusive maintenance-free finish by strict adherence to specification, systems and guidelines.
When it comes to maintenance investigation, there are many variables and contributing factors,all of which combine to create a degree of difficulty when attempting to identify the cause, thecure or the culprit.
There is no doubt that maintenance
is neither deliberate nor planned
so one can easily understand the
looks of innocence or the
subsequent excuses and denials
when unwanted maintenance
issues arise.
Depending on the magnitude of
the problem, identification may
mean the involvement of all
parties (i.e. suppliers, manufacturers,
tradespeople, building authorities
etc.). Major cost issues are
normally met with a degree of
silence until the usual pressure
called political persuasion is put
into play. Unfortunately, the
generosity linked with any
exercise of goodwill must
proceed with caution in today’s
legal environment due to
interpretations of liabilities.
Assumptions are quickly made
against anyone who offers a
sympathetic approach as a solution.
Such actions may quickly decide
unwarranted ownership of a
particular problem.
A
7
Please Note:Temperature control inside the roof space should not be confused with ducted air conditioningwhich unfortunately depending on how it is installed and at what stage of the job, can also contribute to unwanted maintenance issues.
N
MaintenanceControl
Now we all know that despite everyone’s best
intentions, maintenance issues like nail popping,
joint distortions, cracking etc. still persist even
after the introduction and initiation of many
recommendations over the years designed
specifically to reduce call backs in keeping with
the many building design and system changes.
Typical as with many of today's industry problems
they occur beyond the control of the builder and
tradeperson. This can be due to environmental
influences, prolonged wet weather, timber
shrinkage, soil movement and extreme temperature
change. Unfortunately when it's nobody’s fault -
nobody wants to pay.
Although no one person could ever resolve all of
the issues we face, some persistent problems can
be greatly reduced, particularly as the industry
gains a better appreciation of the need to control
sudden temperature variances and implement the
recommended measures that will not only reduce
maintenance but provide improved living conditions
inside the residence.
The importance of temperature control should not be underestimated or overlooked. The benefits provided in
relation to maintenance issues will certainly outweigh any cost associated with the implementation of some or all of
the following:-
Soffit vents, gable vents, whirlybirds, sisalation, expansion joints etc. Even simple things like choice of
roof colour can make an appreciable difference to inside temperatures.
Finally, adherence to manufacturers specification should provide a proper background and ensure full guarantees
and warranties are supplied by your manufacturer.
8
Plasterboard &Exterior Ceilings
here is an ever increasing demand for the extended use of plasterboard in external ceiling situations i.e. patio ceilings, carports, soffits walkways (enclosedand semi enclosed), heated pools etc. These designs have become popular asmore and more architects, designers and builders integrate outdoor and indoor
living areas, combined with a general desire to eliminate plastic cover moulding, v-jointsand anything else that may detract from the unbroken, flat appearance of a finished ceiling.
As systems change and we move towards an increasing use of plasterboard jointing inthese areas, it is important to note that:
A few simple guidelines can assist with the elimination of unwanted maintenance issues and maintain best presentation of your project.
The reliance of a plasterboard ceiling on a proper background to ensure its long term performance is both
well documented and well known.
Where as exterior ceilings with plastered joints may perform well initially, they can be affected long term by
cracking, joint distortion, board sag, nail or screw pops.
The implementation of some or all of the following guidelines will assist with maintenance reduction and the
overall appearance of most ceilings either interior or exterior.
Ventilation in ResidentialConstructionRoofs with no cross ventilation are more
prone to the accumulation of heat build up
and humidity that can result in ceilings defects
either through the promotion of mould or
mildew growth from condensation or through
physical changes in associated materials.
Be aware that dwellings constructed with no
ventilation or sisalation are most likely to
produce joint distortion, sagging ceilings, nail
popping and paint problems.
T
Joint distortion has many contributing factors.Please note: the implementation of back-blockingwill prevent joint lines showing as a result of theageing process.
Maintenance
Maintenance
SisalationSisalation can effectively assist with the
elimination of premature ageing of
plasterboard, joint distortion and popped
nails/screws due to the effects of moisture
from 'blowback' through tiled roofs,
condensation and water entry etc.
particularly in low pitched roofs.
Expansion JointsDue to many variations in building design
it is difficult to nominate specific
expansion joint locations, however, for
exterior soffit ceilings we advise more
rather than less.
PaintingAdherence to specification particularly in
relation to sealer and paint quality will
guarantee the long term appearance.
The rules are simple - exterior paint for
exterior situations.
Please note: all plaster joint compounds
are porous. Paint systems that do not
provide a non porous sealer may
experience long term problems.
Back-BlockingThe benefits of back-blocking are well
known. For best results, exterior ceilings
should not be installed without back
blocking.
Plasterboard &Exterior Ceilings
‘Blowback’ of moisture through a tiled roof
9
iscolouration of paint over jointed plasterboardsurfaces has been the subject of many extensiveand costly investigations in recent years.Although occurring mainly in Queensland, given
the right conditions it can appear anywhere at anytime. Is itthe paint or is it the plaster? Despite a degree of name-callingand finger pointing a resolution is yet to be found.
After reading yet another scientific report (17.01.2000) itwould appear that the focus of the investigation centredaround the plaster jointing compounds, one part of the system only hence the term ‘plasterboard joint staining’.
Our findings confirm the staining appears on the painted surface only, and irrespective of its origin does not appear onany unpainted joints in affected dwellings despite these jointsbeing exposed to identical conditions.
We note once again with interest that there was no positive identification of any underlying causes in the plaster to associate it with the staining. With this being the case onecan assume that it is now imperative that a similar scaleinvestigation is undertaken into the paint used! Including:• Quality • System• Method of application • Price
Also was any quality sacrifice caused by the environment oroutside influence? As the investigation would indicate, littlework was done in this area, and one can only wonder why not?
THE DEBATE CONTINUESPaint Discolouration
Is it moisture related?Some confusion exists when we hear statements referring to entrapment of moisture behind the paint, quickly
followed by similar reports that the paint system is porous - particularly when our observations confirm the
discolouration appears on dwellings constructed with no reported periods of weather and no deviation from
manufacturers specification relating to the plastering technique.
When joint sanding takes place prior to painting, plaster joints are completely dry, and any moisture
absorbed from the atmosphere following completion would be minor when compared with the amount of water
introduced to the joint as a result of the paint system.
If as the report suggests, salts are transported to the internal surface due to moisture passing through the joint,
with this being the case one could prudently expect that unpainted joints would be affected in the same
manner, quite clearly they are not, irrespective of age.
The majority of homes involved in the investigation are particularly large and would in no way be affected by
moisture at the paint stage as a result of any plastering technique.
10
D
11
PaintDiscolouration
Now, if as indicated, moisture trapped in the joints is consistently replenished by moisture entering the joints
by way of humid air accumulating in the roof space, would it not be more beneficial to suggest mandatory
ventilation rather than the sterilisation of plasterers tools and equipment? (See report attached below).
Plasterboard manufacturers stipulate in their painting specifications
certain procedures in accordance with the Australian standards.
All too often in a competitive environment these systems are substituted
with alternatives such as reduced application, quality, number of
coats etc. When it comes to paint finishes there can be no trade
offs. “Cheaper is not better”.
Quite simply we retain samples and information on some of the
ceilings in question and cannot understand the lack of
investigation in the report towards proper paint systems,
quality application and the growing trend towards
supposed cost savings in this area.
Quality homes deserve quality paint; quality should not be compromised forthe sake of a few dollars.
Someone must take responsibility forthese decisions; cheap paint is notquality paint in a different container -you get what you pay for.
Unpainted ceiling joints Painted ceiling joints
Watchthis space for
further developments in the battle to eliminate
paint discolouration.
“Plaster staining issue
being investigated.”
Joint staining of plasterboard has
been a major industry concern.
Preliminary analyses of stained
plasterboard ceilings have revealed
the stains appear to be fungal mould.
The most probable cause of the
fungal mound is the use of dirty tools
and equipment contaminating new
plaster.Further analysis is being undertaken
to determine the cause of the mound.
However, it would be prudent to
ensure all tools, buckets and equipment
are properly cleaned and sterilised in
chlorine bleach before use.
12
Building approvals: Number of houses & other residentialbuildings approved by Statistical Division (SD)
Quarters ending March 1999 & March 2000Prepared for Boral Plasterboard, 16 May 2000
March Quarter 1999 March Quarter 2000Total Total other Total Total Total other Total Total Total other Totalhouses residential residential houses residential residential houses residential residential
March Quarter 1999 March Quarter 2000Total Total other Total Total Total other Total Total Total other Totalhouses residential residential houses residential residential houses residential residential
March Quarter 1999 March Quarter 2000Total Total other Total Total Total other Total Total Total other Totalhouses residential residential houses residential residential houses residential residential
March Quarter 1999 March Quarter 2000Total Total other Total Total Total other Total Total Total other Totalhouses residential residential houses residential residential houses residential residential
March Quarter 1999 March Quarter 2000Total Total other Total Total Total other Total Total Total other Totalhouses residential residential houses residential residential houses residential residential
TAS Dwelling Approvals Dwelling Approvals Variance
March Quarter 1999 March Quarter 2000Total Total other Total Total Total other Total Total Total other Totalhouses residential residential houses residential residential houses residential residential
March Quarter 1999 March Quarter 2000Total Total other Total Total Total other Total Total Total other Totalhouses residential residential houses residential residential houses residential residential
March Quarter 1999 March Quarter 2000Total Total other Total Total Total other Total Total Total other Totalhouses residential residential houses residential residential houses residential residential
Innovative Here’s an innovative system from Boral Plasterboard thatprovides solutions for party walls in attached dwellings.PartiWALL™ by Boral is essentially a timber frame twinwall system, that includes 25mm fire-resistant plasterboard panels within the wall cavity. This wall system has been designed to provide maximum flexibilityfor the designer and builder, both in construction andperformance.
PartiWALL™ is a smart design that permits the inclusionof service penetrations, such as switches, power points,light fittings and pipes within the partition. The penetrations will not breach the fire resistant elements orcompromise the fire rating.
The inclusion of Boral’s 10mm or 13mm SoundSTOP™plasterboard adds another dimension with acoustic ratings of up to and exceeding the STC 50 specified bythe BCA.
Furthermore...PartiWALL™ was developed to suit the normal pattern of construction and following trades. The internal fire-resistant plasterboard panels are placed in position between lightweight steel channels in an assembly- like fashion - no plasterboard jointing or finishing is required. This job sequence is carriedout during the normal wall framing stage. The internal faces of the wall frame are then lined and finished later with thepreferred wall and ceiling linings.
Check the many benefits Boral PartiWALL™ provides:• Super high acoustic performance with up to Rw=56dB (STC 54);• System provides fire rating of FRL60/60/60;• Permits the inclusion of services and penetrations;• Plenty of room to accommodate plumbing pipes, waste pipes, power points, light switches and cables - no special
fire protection of penetrations required;• Assembly type construction permits installation by carpenters at frame stage - no plastering trades required;• Internal faces lined and finished as per normal finishing sequence; and • Cost effective and fast to construct. Outperforms masonry and concrete party walls for speed of construction,
❒ Am planning a project(approx. value$...................................)
Location .............................14
Par
tiW
ALL
Par
tiW
ALL
™
NewProduct
Sydney ClassiCove™Features & Benefits
For a look that is ‘Sydney’Boral Plasterboard’s Sydney ClassiCove™ is the essential decorative cornice for your home.
� Classic profile complements a variety of décors
� 90mm wide profile in 4.2m lengths
� A decorative effect at less than decorative cornice price
� Flawless finish when decorated
� An affordable contemporary design feature for your home
� Sydney Cove Cornice is suitable for retro-fit applications
as the profile will sit quite comfortably over existing 55mm
Cove Cornice
To find out how Sydney ClassiCove™ can make a difference to your new home or building project:� Fill in the coupon below and fax it to: 03 9645 1707 � Or Mail to: Marketing Services Department, Boral Plasterboard Locked Bag 3, Port Melbourne, Vic 3207 Australia� Or Call your local Direct Boral Plasterboard Distributor Or Order your product requirement
Name ......................................................................................................................................................................................................
❒ Am planning a project (approx. value$...................................)
Location .............................
15
NewProduct
Australia’s most beautiful harbour-side city is now
reflected in the stylish profile of Sydney ClassiCove™.
Inspired by the Opera House sails and Harbour Bridge curves,
Sydney ClassiCove™ is the latest cove cornice from Boral
Plasterboard. With a decorative profile worthy of its name, the
smooth curves and fluid contours of Sydney ClassiCove™
give a smart and modern finish
to walls/ceilings when installed in new apartments,
townhouses, new or renovated homes.
A renovator’s delight, Sydney ClassiCove™ can be installed
over existing cornice to recreate the elegant
interiors of times past. No need to remove the old 55mm cor-
nice, Sydney ClassiCove™ will sit neatly over the top. And
easy to decorate, Sydney ClassiCove™ has a smooth paper
coating that ensures a flawless finish when painted.
Whether you’re decorating to complement dazzling
harbour views, renovating or simply creating a stylish
interior, Sydney ClassiCove™ will make a lasting
impression for a fraction of the cost of traditional
decorative cornice.
Based at the Boral Plasterboard Port Melbourne site, the service provides advice and technical assistance tobuilders, architects, contractors, distributors, engineers, regulators and home owners throughout Australia.
To date TecASSIST has handled some 16,000 technical enquiries, helping to build major and minor projects acrossAustralia and Asia.
And we’ve had em all! Everywhere, everyone, everything.
From Hobart to Cape York, Darwin to Wollongong, Broome to Newcastle, England to Fiji, Colombia to Sweden,New Zealand to the United States…
Fire Inspectors to Architects, DIY’ers to Contractors, Builders to Sculptors…
Offices to Schools, Bungalows to Brothels, Cinemas to Navy ships, Airports to TV shows.
The teamThe TecASSIST Team represents over 100 years of practicaland professional experience and a coverage of professionsranging from architecture to engineering, building to design,drafting to IT and trades to business management.
Trends – multi-residentialThat grey area between commercial and residential – multi-res – is seeing a lot of small builders, contractors and designers in trouble trying to decipher fireand acoustic requirements.
Often, perhaps because no one is quite sure, the correct fireand acoustic rated details are not spelt out clearly duringdesign or construction leading to the framing and servicesbeing carried out in a standard domestic manner.
The plastering contractor is then left with, a sometimes impossible task of providing what is essentially a commer-cial solution (fire or acoustic rated system) over a residential framework.
These problems can often be solved (before the plastering stage) with a phone call to TecASSIST.
The Service
Left to right: Phil Brown, Danny Docherty and BernieShalekoff
16
Set up in December 1995, TecASSIST advisesand helps customers through the 1800 811 222help line in the use and specifying of BoralPlasterboard.
When in doubt, ask!Telephone: 1800 811 222 Facsimile: 03 9645 1812