Plasterboard Techniques and Partition Systems

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Questions and Answers

What is a recommended method for fixing plasterboard when using thermal laminate boards?

Directly anchoring into the laminate boards.

Ensuring fixings go into the structural wall. (correct)

Welding joints to secure the boards.

Using adhesive only on the board edges.

What issue has been noted with drylined external walls and plasterboard?

Higher costs of materials used.

Excessive thermal insulation achieved.

Damaged structural walls from poor installation.

Inadequate air space seals leading to insulation failure. (correct)

What is the key characteristic of the Dot & Dab method?

Utilizes only screws for attaching boards.

Requires heavy machinery for installation.

Involves pressing boards against blobs of adhesive. (correct)

Requires the application of a full plaster coat.

Which of the following is NOT a step included in the jointing and finishing process?

Applying a skim coat on all surfaces. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of skim coat plastering compared to Dot & Dab?

It requires specialist skills and is messier. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using Thistle Hardwall and Durafinish plaster?

It is 60% more hardwearing than standard plaster. Signup and view all the answers

Which material is primarily used for modern stud partitions?

Timber. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of plasterboard contributes to better sound insulation and fire protection?

The thickness of the plasterboard. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key characteristics of proprietary partition systems manufactured by British Gypsum?

They are non-load bearing and quick to erect. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the noggins in timber partitions?

To stiffen the structure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of moisture-resistant boards?

To resist high levels of moisture Signup and view all the answers

How does the impact resistant board differ from standard wallboard?

It is thicker and reinforced with glass fibres Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Rw' in 5 dB Rw represent regarding sound insulation?

The rating of sound insulation Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard size of most plasterboards mentioned?

2400 x 1200 mm Signup and view all the answers

What modification do acoustic boards have compared to regular wallboards?

They contain modified gypsum cores Signup and view all the answers

Which plasterboard type provides both fire resistance and sound insulation?

Fire resistant boards Signup and view all the answers

What are vapour check plasterboards primarily used for?

Internal ceilings and roofs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a solid wall system?

To combine speed of installation with ease of levelling Signup and view all the answers

Which component is essential for the construction of a panel wall?

Stiff cardboard core Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of using metal framing in wall construction?

It provides a stronger and more durable structure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of plasterboard mentioned?

Composite plasterboard Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of adding a lining to an existing wall or floor in sound insulation?

To reduce unwanted sound intensity Signup and view all the answers

Why should regular plasterboard not be used in consistently damp conditions?

It is prone to mold and damage Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of creating another wall or ceiling separated from the original structure in terms of sound insulation?

It minimizes sound transmission significantly Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following properties can be enhanced in plasterboard by adding certain materials?

Increased fire resistance Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Internal Walls

Internal walls divide building space into rooms
They can be load-bearing or non-load-bearing
Load-bearing walls support structural weight.
Non-load-bearing walls do not support structural weight.
Strength, stability, sound insulation, and fire resistance are important qualities for partitions.

Learning Outcomes

Definition
Early partition system
Modern load bearing partitions
Modern non-load bearing partitions
Dry lining
Building Regulations

Partitions

A partition is an internal wall that divides a room.
Partitions can support loads (load-bearing) or not support loads (non-load-bearing).
Key qualities of a partition are strength, stability, sound insulation, and fire resistance.

Early Partition System

A typical early partition was a half-brick wall.
Load-bearing partitions of this type required their own foundations to distribute the load
Non-load-bearing partitions rested on the raised timber floors or concrete slabs.

Lath & Plaster

Lath and plaster is a traditional method of interior wall finishing.
Supporting information provided are urls

Load Bearing Walls

Load-bearing walls transfer structural loads from the building to the foundation.

Modern Load Bearing Partitions

Modern load-bearing partitions are typically constructed from 100mm wide blocks.
Dense concrete blocks are preferred for sound insulation.
Lightweight blocks offer better thermal insulation.
Foundations or slab thickenings are needed depending on the weight of the loads transferred.
Blocks must be tied or connected to structural components to provide lateral support and a sound barrier.

Modern Non-Load Bearing Partitions

Blockwork partitions can use thinner blocks (50mm or 75mm)
These partitions must be connected to the external walls to ensure stability

Drylining to Masonry - 'Sticking'

Dry lining can be done using plasterboard fixed with adhesives, nails, or screws to wooden battens or metal studs.
Common board thicknesses are 12.5mm and 15mm Standard boards.
Work sequence includes measuring, marking, and cutting to fit the boards.
Fixing can be done with screws or adhesives ( dot & dab method).
Thermal insulation may be compromised if not properly installed.

Dot & Dab

Plasterboard adhesive is applied in areas and the plasterboard is placed and pressed against the adhesive.
Solid adhesive is also used along the bottom for skirting fixings.

Specialist Boards at Reveals

Specialist boards are used at openings such as doors and windows to provide insulation and sealing and to prevent gaps.
Details given using diagrams

Channels

Metal channels are embedded in plasterboard to support the plasterboard with adhesive.
Plasterboard is secured to channels.

Jointing and Finishing

Fill screw holes and joints.
Apply joint filler and scrim.
Apply more filler and sand.
Ready for finishing work.
This method is quick, cheap and less messy than plastering.
Requires less skill than traditional plastering.
Reduces water required in buildings

Skim Coat Plastering

Specialist skills and materials are required.
2-5 mm of plaster is applied in two coats.
Angle and mesh beads are used on corners and edges.
The process is messy and involves a lot of water.

Thistle Hardwall and Durafinish

These are high-performance plaster options.
More resistant to damage than standard plaster.
Suitable for frequently used areas.

Modern Non-Load Bearing Partitions (continued)

Timber stud partitions use lightweight timber for a frame and are covered with plasterboard on both sides.
Thicker plasterboard improves sound insulation and fire protection.
Stud spacing depends on the size and spanning ability of the cladding material.

Modern Load Bearing Partitions (continued)

Primarily used on the ground floor to support first-floor joists.
In some cases, they have a role in stiffening the structure.

Timber Partitions

Formed from 100x50 softwood timber.
Fixed with long steel nails.
Studs are spaced at 400/600 centres.
Sole plate forms basis of wall, nailed to floor.
Head plate forms top of wall, nailed to ceiling.
Studs are nailed into sole and head.
Noggins placed at ends and half-way points (middle) for stiffening
Quick, cheap, and simple to construct; easy to remove.

Proprietary Systems

Manufactured by British Gypsum
Types include solid wall (non-load-bearing), panel wall (non-load-bearing), and metal partitions(load-bearing).
All are quick to erect and are self-finished for painting.

Metal Track Systems

Steel channels act as a replacement to timber.
Sole plate sets out the wall.
Lengths are cut using chop saws or snips.
Studs slot into rails and secured with self-tapping screws.
Holes are created for cables and pipes.

Metal Ceiling Systems

Designed to meet various building types and performance requirements
Controllable characteristics include strength, fire, thermal, sound, and vapour permeability.
Speed of installation and easy levelling and alignment

Solid Wall

Three to four layers of plasterboard are fixed to timber battens on the wall, ceiling, and floor.

Panel Wall

Two plasterboard layers are bonded to a core.
Timber battens support the core, attaching to floor, external, and ceiling.

Metal Framing

Uses galvanized mild steel studs and noggins.
Gypwall board is screwed to both sides of the frame

Dry Lining

Applying plasterboards, insulating fiberboards, hardboards or plywood to the internal surface of the wall or partition.

Sound Insulation Improvements

Includes standard plasterboard thicknesses and materials, like sound resistant plasterboard, fire resistant plasterboard, moisture resistant plasterboard, and insulated plasterboard.
Sound reduction is possible with two plasterboard layers.

Plasterboard - Product Details

Gypsum lies between two paper layers.
Additives can provide additional characteristics (like fire and strength) to plasterboard.
Suitable for damp conditions (moisture resistant).
Tapered/square edges.

Wallboard

Low-cost interior lining board options.
Available in different thicknesses (like 9.5mm, 12.5mm, and 15mm).
Weight-based ratings are common.

Plank

Heavy-duty plastered board that's 19mm thick and 2400x600mm.
Provides significant mass in a single layer
Can be used inside the walls or ceilings of timber- and steel-framed structures.

Sound Insulation Board

Acoustic boards have modified gypsum cores to enhance their acoustic performance.
Achieve higher sound insulation.

Impact Resistant Board

Dense gypsum core is reinforced with glass fibres and high-strength paper.
Increased fire, sound insulation qualities.
Used in common areas such as student accommodation, apartments, and hotels.

Moisture Resistant Boards

Gypsum core is protected by moisture-resistant additives, including water-repellent liners.
Meets BS EN 520:2004 standards for water absorption.

Fire Resistant Boards

Non-combustible core contains fire-resistant glass fibers and various additives.
Fire resistance varies depending on the system.

Vapour Check Plasterboard

Vapour control membrane is laminated to the back of the board.
Protects walls and ceilings internally lining timber or steel-framed exterior walls.

Thermal Laminates

Boosted thermal performance for walls and ceilings, especially for renovations.
Variable thickness provides performance adjustment options.

Plasterboard and Sustainability

Approximately 2 million tonnes of plasterboard is manufactured and sold in the UK annually.
1.1-1.3 million tonnes of waste are generated annually

Plasterboard and Landfill Regulations

Gypsum containing materials aren't permitted in landfills due to high sulphate content.
Suitable disposal methods include mono-cell landfill sites or recycling/reuse programs.

Reducing Plasterboard Waste

Waste targets are set for operatives.
Initiatives focus on reducing waste.
Board types are rationalized
Proper design choices are crucial
Suitable storage is needed.
Minimized site damage is a priority.
Water tight buildings are a must.

Transmission of Sound

Illustrates how sound travels (through, direct, and flanking) within a space.
Shows sound reduction through various elements (like single or double-glazed windows, cavity walls, and roofs)

Sound Resistance

Sound is defined as air vibrations detected by the ear.
Vibrations travel through air until too weak to detect.
Sounds categorized as either impact or airborne based on the sound's source

Sound Transmission

Building Regulations set minimum sound insulation standards for building envelops, internal walls, and floors where people work or live.
Pre-completion testing ensures appropriate sound resistance levels.
Robust Details are an alternative way to avoid pre-completion testing.

Sound Resistance (Approved Document E)

Sets insulation standards between buildings, within dwellings (rooms, bathrooms, etc), and for specific applications (schools, hospitals).

Building Regulations Approved Document E (Table 2)

Provides minimum standards for airborne sound insulation in walls and floors.
This includes dwelling houses, flats, rooms, and considerations for material change of use.

The Passage of Sound (Doc E)

Standards cover protection against sound from other parts of a building and from other buildings.
Includes standards for internal noise and specific applications (classroom, hospital, prison, etc).

Residential Requirements

Covers separating walls and floors in new residential buildings, focusing on materials and construction for achieving requirements.

Terms

Glossary of relevant terms (absorption, absorption coefficient, airborne sound, air path, etc.)

Robust Details

Provides a construction guidance methodology
Robust details are intended constructions and should meet performance criteria when followed.

Separating Walls - Masonry

E-WM-1 and E-WM-9 provide information on relevant aspects for creating cavity and dense block masonry separating walls.

Separating Walls - Timber

E-WT-2 and E-WT-3 provide information on types for creating separating timber-framed walls.

Separating Walls - Steel

Provides details on using steel frames and materials (E-WS-2, E-WS-3). Includes examples of materials that should be used ( like gypsum boards).
This includes how to create and connect the external parts, and how to create and connect the internal parts.

Cavity Barriers

Provides locations for installation (edges of cavities and openings).
Describes materials and thicknesses for barriers.
Notes and details about particular locations for installation.

Junction of a Compartment Wall with Roof

Includes details about how to create a proper connection between compartment wall and the roof cavity.

Openings in Compartmentation

Limitations on openings in compartment walls (doors, pipes, shafts).
Fire safety and how to seal the openings (fire-stopping).

Escape Routes

If corridor is used for escape, but isn't protected, partitions should continue to the soffit or ceiling.
Cavity protection for escape routes.

Internal Load-Bearing Wall

Supports internal spaces and transfers structural load to the foundation.

Non-Load Bearing Walls

Walls do not bear structural loads.
Interior walls, easily removable, without compromising building structural integrity.
Examples include curtain walls.

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Description

Test your knowledge on plasterboard installation and the use of thermal laminate boards. This quiz covers various methods, benefits, and characteristics of partition systems, including Dot & Dab and proprietary systems by British Gypsum. Assess your understanding of sound insulation and fire protection as well.