00174 Boral4Builders no5

8/10/2019 00174 Boral4Builders no5

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BuildersA Quarterly Publication from Boral Plasterboard Summer Edition 2001Boralfor

AvoidingMaintenance

Streets ahead on


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about this edition

2

Maintenance

With a growing competitiveness in the buildingindustry and an increase in consumer

expectations and awareness on what is

acceptable and what is not, the need to

present a high quality finish with both paint

and plaster has never been greater.

Many difficulties are experienced in trying to satisfy

customer demands with their sometimes unrealistic

perceptions of what can economically be provided

with plasterboard jointed surfaces. Combine this with

the belief that an automotive finish can be achieved

on a shoestring budget and a somewhat suspect

reluctance to concede that restrictions are

encountered by the role glancing light plays in the

highlighting of surface variations. Only then can you

begin to understand how disputes arise.

Plasterboard in its present form is the most popularinterior lining material used in todays domestic

construction and provides the finish over many and

varied substrates, relying heavily on most other

trades conforming to correct building practice in

order to achieve the expected flat surface.

Unfortunately all too often quality suffers as a result

of price. It goes without saying there is no such

thing as a good cheap job. In the majority of cases,

you get only what you pay for, nothing more.

One again in this issue

we have taken the

opportunity to highlight

industry issues. Our

primary intent is to

prevent future problems

by highlighting existing

practices some of which

have unseen drawbacks;

and then provide

preferred alternative

procedures. We illustrate

what has happened in the

past and will happenagain if the approved

guidelines are not

followed. It is not our

intention to allocate blame

or responsibilities, our

goal is maintenance

prevention and if we all

work together everybody

wins. We thank you foryour interest.

Maintenance free finish 2 - 6

Moisture related problems 7

Lets get cracking onfibre glass adhesive tape 8-9

Stud Adhesive 9

Building Approvals Statistics 10-11

TecASSIST 12

contents

Quality has no substitute.


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plasterboard maintenance

3

free finish?at what cost

Builders, carpenters, roofing contractors,electricians, painters etc all play a part

and contribute in some way to the final

presentation of plasterboard. The

contribution these trades can make

towards the finish is often beyond the

control of the plasterer who frequently

bears the brunt of any maintenance

related issues.

In the quest to remain competitive,

margins for maintenance can no longer

be built in to the price so any rectification

inevitably requires considerable discussion

on the subject of who pays.

Generally all eyes are on the plastering

contractor as it is his work that is on

permanent display for the sole purpose

of hiding the substrate.

Despite the many changes in construction

practice and building designs over the

last 30 years, the specification for the

installation of plasterboard remains

virtually unchanged.

Recessed light fittingssupported by plasterboard only?

Downlight complete with transformer

supported by plasterboard only?

The same ceiling from below.Who takes responsibility for the

inevitable maintenance?


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plasterboard maintenance

4

Maintenance

As builders compete forindividuality and an edge in the

market, the trend towards larger

homes with open plan living

areas is increasing.

The reliance on roof truss

engineering for the support of

these areas, significantly reduces

the possibility of producing

a maintenance free plasterboard

finish.

Metal ceiling battens installed in ceiling.

Roof truss of large open area. Consideration mustbe given to expansion joints for large ceilings.

Noggings required at change of direction.

Industry

Maintenance reduction can be achieved

in large ceiling areas simply with the

installation of metal ceiling battens

backblocking and proper placement of

expansion joints.

We should never lose sight

of the fact that plasterboard

is produced as a decorative

product only and as such

provides little in the way of

structural qualities except in

the special case of bracing

walls where the specification

changes dramatically.


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consumer awareness

5

free finish

Whether we like it or not, the days whenthe builder worked on site as part of the

team along with the same subcontractors

that worked on his last job are fast

disappearing. These were days when any

problems that arose on site were dealt with

immediately and amicably. Nowadays, the

typical answer is its not my job or I

dont get paid for that, with the end result

being it probably doesnt get done.

In coming to terms with these industry

changes we must not lose sight of the

reasons behind some of them i.e. (providing

cost efficient homes in a price driven

market and thereby keeping

us all in a job).

However price

will never be

accepted as anexcuse when

disputes arise over

some owners

unrealistic

expectations.

Unfortunately

consumer awareness

has also changed along

with changes to the industry.Media exposure of shonky

practices has automatically placed a stigma

on all builders and has eroded the position

of trust that once existed between builder

and client.

We now deal with a more educated owner,

one not prepared to overlook anything as

minute as a scratch, a pinhole or a popped

nail...and it gets worse. Quite often they

are receiving advice in the backgroundfrom a relative who, wouldnt you know

it, just happened to be a builder or a

plasterer in a past life!

Literature for the education of prospective

home owners is currently available by way

of publications on lighting and decoration,

levels of finish etc. They should be directed

to the customer prior to the commencement

of building, not at the time of disputeresolution. Once it reaches this stage it is

always too late.

The majority of issues in relation to

callbacks are normally related to ceilings

and their appearance at night.

This in itself is sufficient to warrant attention

be paid to the lighting aspect i.e. (no bare

bulbs) not only to create a better firstimpression. The facts are, that as more

and more home owners stretch their

budget simply to own a more up-market

piece of real estate, decorative lights are

low on the list of priorities when it comes

to buying accessories for the new home.

There have been many times when

carrying out inspections, that I have

witnessed bare bulbs still there two years

later well and truly after settlement has

taken place. Not a good look.

Lighting & Decoration The Facts

changes & expectations

Harsh ceiling light shows up imperfections.


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onsumer awareness

6

Cheap plastic shades will save you moneyand reputation. Any minor imperfections

identified when inspections are undertaken

with bare bulbs as the source of lighting,

should not receive recognition as part

of the maintenance program, as chances

are, given the identical lighting conditions,

the repairs will also fail to meet the

standard expected.

As we strive to find solutions to a

maintenance free finish the answers

are not always obvious.

Although well known but not widely

recognised, moisture is a common enemy

of both timber and plasterboard,

particularly in the early stages of building.

Following prolonged periods of wet

weather (well known in Queensland for

bringing the building industry almost to a

stand still) due to delayed delivery and

roof installation, the timber framing

becomes exposed to more than its fair

share of moisture.

The inability of the subcontractor to gain

site access during this time ensures that

when the rain finally ceases its full speed

ahead to make up for lost time.

Wet framing is a common cause of

popping in plasterboard. Rooves with

no ridge capping or gable ends exposed

during wet weather are well known for

their contribution to both popping and

board sag problems. However, it is not

until some time later when the house is

occupied and the moisture is long gone

that these problems become an issue

with the home owner. Once again it is

usually the plasterers work that is on

display and unfairly questioned.

Moisture related problems

The effects of lightingMaintenance

Shade directs light downwards illuminates the room, not the ceiling surface.


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moisture

7

free finishStud Adhesive

Note that the gable ends are notenclosed prior to the installationof plasterboard.

The effects of moisture are wellknown for their contribution tomaintenance.

Tight scheduling of the building processcan push the systembeyond its limits

simply by reducing the actual nominated

drying times.

It should be noted that stud adhesive

should not be adhered over wet framing,

failure to comply may void warranties.

J ointing of plasterboard should not

commence until stud adhesive has had

time to cure. 24 hours under normal

conditions and 48 hours during wet periods.

Screws or nails should not be driven

through stud adhesive.

The need to complete the jointing process

immediately after fixing does not always

allow for the proper curing times. J ointingof plasterboard should not commence until

the stud adhesive has had time to cure.

The benefits, if any, that may be gained

from a quick job are soon forgotten when

the responsibilities for maintenance related

issues are decided.


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fibre glass

8

Three types of Joint ReinforcementTapes are currently available: Paper,

Cotton and Fibre Glass Self-Adhesive.

The benefits and contributions of these

tapes to the overall finish and strength of

the finished plaster joint vary considerably

and are the subjects of much debate and

differing opinions.

It is only when carrying out maintenance

inspections, following settlement of a new

dwelling, that the limitations of fibre glass

tape are exposed. These limitations have

been recognised for some time now and,

as a result, specifications have been

tailored to suit and information sheets

issued accordingly.

We at Boral Plasterboard are concerned

with the increasing number of complaints

on joint cracking nationally, many of which

are due to the use of fibre glass tape.

Fibre glass tape is the weakest form of

joint reinforcing and its

use in the trade should

be limited to specified

areas. Expansion and

contraction of buildingmaterials and sudden

temperature change

contribute to the

problem and though

more prevalent in

Queensland is now

surfacing in other states.

The following is a list of areas wherethe use of fibre glass tape is not

recommended.

1. Metal frame construction

2. All butt joints

3. Hardwood frames

4. Any ceiling applications such as Truss

Roof Construction where wind loador settlement cause movement

AS/NZS 2589.7.2.4.1997 (unless

back-blocked).

5. Internal angles

6. Masonry application

7. Must not be used in location with

adverse weather conditions or in

climates where a wide range oftemperature and humidity levels are

encountered in a given day.

Lets get cracking

Fibre glass tape incorrectly bedded.No pressure on application and base-coat too thick.


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fibre glass

9

The success of any joint reinforcing tapedepends largely on the applicator,

especially in the case of fibreglass tape

and in particular the temptation to

substitute a two-coat system for the

preferred three-coat application.

The two-coat system, when used in

conjunction with fibreglass tape, provides

an opportunity to use a base coat or first

coat of somewhat thicker consistency thanthat which can be used comfortably with

paper tape, thereby not allowing for

proper penetration of the joint compound

into the weave of the tape.

This practice, although not always

detrimental to the appearance of the finished

joint, significantly reduces the strength of

the overall system and guarantees cracking

will occur at some stage in the future.

Note

Paper Tape will provide the

strongest possible joint under

all conditions when used in

conjunction with plaster base

compounds.

Boral Plasterboard Warranty

applies to Boral Supa Weave

Fibre Glass Tape and only when

joints are back-blocked in

accordance with AS/NZS

2589.7.2.4. 1997.

Other brands of Fibre Glass

Reinforcing Tape are not

recommended by Boral

Plasterboard in residential

or commercial construction.

on Fibre Glass

Fibre glass tape correctly bedded.Will be difficult to remove.

Self-Adhesive Tape


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innovation

OutRWALL

The leader in light-weight building

systems, Boral Plasterboard has long been

providing low-cost alternatives to masonry

fire-resistant exterior walls.

With the Boral Plasterboard OutRWALL

Exterior Wall Systems, new buildings can

be constructed on or near the boundary

and still satisfy the fire resistance

requirements of the BCA.

Providing fire ratings of 1 or 11/2 hours

(from the outside), Boral Plasterboard

OutRWALL Exterior Wall Systems

provide effective resistance to the spread

of fire from neighbouring buildings.

Perfect for extensions to existing buildings,

OutRWALL Exterior Wall Systems are a

cost-effective, labour-saving way to upgradethe fire resistance rating of a boundary

wall to comply with the Building Vode.

OutRWALL Exterior Wall Systems comprise:

one (OutRWALL 60 - FRL 60/60/60) or two

layers (OutRWALL 90 - FRL 90/90/90) of

16mm Boral Wet Area Firestop

plasterboard fixed to the timber frame

Tyvek housewrap

stapled to outer face

of plasterboard

an additional layer of

16mm Boral Wet Area

Firestop fixed to floor

joists and plinth and

butted to underside of

bottom plate

an additional layer of

16mm Boral Wet Area

Firestop fixed to roof

framing and butted to

topside of top plate,

and

one layer of 10mm

Boral Standard Coreplasterboard fixed as

interior lining.

Vertical or horizontal

timber battens (on

outer face of plasterboard) fixed to studs,

with lightweight external cladding fixed

to timber battens.

Tyvek and Homewrap are registered to Dupont

Fire rated exterior wall systems

for residential construction

For more information or a technical manual on OutRWALL Exterior Wall Systems:

Fill in the coupon below and fax it to:(03) 9645 1707; Or visit our website: www.plasterboard.boral.com.au

Or mail to: Marketing Services Department, Boral Plasterboard, Locked Bag 3, Port Melbourne, Vic 3207 Australia;

Or Call your local Direct Boral Plasterboard Distributor.

Name: ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Address .................................................................................................................................................................. Postcode ..................................

Telephone ...................................................................................................... Facsimile ............................................................................................

Email address ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................

Indicate if you would like follow up:

Sales Representative to call Pricing Information

Technical Installation Assistance Store Locations

50mm

150mmmin.

Additional battenrequired whereplasterboardspan exceeds600mm

Concreteplinth

2 layers 16mmWetArea Firestopplasterboard

Tyvek housewrap

Lightweightexterior cladding

1 layer 10mmStandard Coreplasterboard

Project Type (Domestic, Commercial) ----------------------------Location --------------------------------------------------------------

Your Project (approx. value) $ --------------------------------------

Enquirer:

Architect Draftsperson Builder Plastering Contractor Student Other


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Designers & BuildersTo obtain your sample of Manly Cove Cornice

fill in this coupon and fax it to 03 9645 1707

or Mail to: Marketing Services Department,Boral Plasterboard Locked Bag 3,

Port Melbourne,Vic 3207 Australia

or visit to our website: http://www.plasterboard.boral.com.au

Name: ..................................................................................................................................................................................

Address .......................................................................................................................... Postcode ..................................

Telephone ................................................................................ Facsimile ..........................................................................

Email address ......................................................................................................................................................................

Architect/Interior

Designer

Builder

Plaster Contractor

Indicate if you would like follow up:

Sales Representative to call

Pricing Information

Technical Assistance

Your Project (approx. value $.............................)

Location............................................................

Distributor Address

new arrival

ClassiCove

Boral Plasterboard proudly announces

the arrival of a new design in the

ClassiCove range of cornices.

Called Manly Cove, this fashionable close

relation of ClassiCove Sydney is a smart

new look that is derived from seductive

Sydneys famous smooth curved profile.

With one less ridge, slimline Manly Cove

is a stylish and affordable 75mm cornice

that suggests a modern elegance fitting

comfortably with todays homes and

lifestyles.

Flaunting subtle pared down curves

Manly Cove will make a lasting

impression creating stylish interiors onall walls and ceilings in apartments,

townhouses and new or renovated homes.

Celebrate Boral Plasterboards new arrival

and install the sleek and affordable Manly

Cove in your latest projects.

There are three profiles in the ClassiCove

range, New York, Sydney and Manly Cove.

Features and Benefits:

Classic profile complements a variety of

decors

75mm profile in 4.2 metre lengths

A decorative effect at less than decorative

cornice price

Flawless finish when decorated

Easy to handle paper coated extruded

cornice with a decorative look

An affordable contemporary design.

Manly Cove CorniceSydneys New Arrival


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Number of houses & other residentialbuildings approved by Statistical Division (SD)

Building Approvals

September Quarter 2000Prepared for Boral Plasterboard November 2000

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics

Sydney 4285 5175 9460 2349 2397 4746 -45.18 -53.68 -49.83Hunter 1011 417 1428 528 401 929 -47.77 -3.84 -34.94Illawarra 711 181 892 340 55 395 -52.18 -69.61 -55.72

Richmond-Tweed 345 133 478 187 30 217 -45.80 -77.44 -54.60Mid-North Coast 507 134 641 276 75 351 -45.56 -44.03 -45.24Northern 123 17 140 89 14 103 -27.64 -17.65 -26.43North Western 132 50 182 66 6 72 -50.00 -88.00 -60.44Central West 239 57 296 127 17 144 -46.86 -70.18 -51.35South Eastern 436 24 460 283 51 334 -35.09 112.50 -27.39Murrumbidgee 205 40 245 106 10 116 -48.29 -75.00 -52.65Murray 162 10 172 95 0 95 -41.36 -100.00 -44.77Far West 5 0 5 2 0 2 -60.00 0.00 -60.00New South Wales 8161 6238 14399 4448 3056 7504 -45.50 -51.01 -47.89

NSWDwelling ApprovalsSeptember Quarter 1999

Dwelling ApprovalsSeptember Quarter 2000

Variance

Total Total other Total Total Total other Total Total Total other Totalhouses residential residential houses residential residential houses residential residential

Regions building building

Melbourne 6741 3281 10022 3980 2858 6838 -40.96 -12.89 -31.77Barwon 695 38 733 387 108 495 -44.32 184.21 -32.47Western District 87 18 105 61 11 72 -29.89 -38.89 -31.43Central Highlands 233 7 240 130 25 155 -44.21 257.14 -35.42Wimmera 64 0 64 18 0 18 -71.88 0.00 -71.88Mallee 149 8 157 86 20 106 -42.28 150.00 -32.48Loddon 279 15 294 170 18 188 -39.07 20.00 -36.05Goulburn 404 21 425 245 20 265 -39.36 -4.76 -37.65Ovens-Murray 212 11 223 95 4 99 -55.19 -63.64 -55.61East Gippsland 115 10 125 78 0 78 -32.17 -100.00 -37.60

Gippsland 322 23 345 220 19 239 -31.68 -17.39 -30.72Victoria 9301 3432 12733 5470 3083 8553 -41.19 -10.17 -32.83

VictoriaDwelling ApprovalsSeptember Quarter 1999


Variance



Brisbane 2322 606 2928 1660 1206 2866 -28.51 99.01 -2.12Moreton 1734 831 2565 991 671 1662 -42.85 -19.25 -35.20Wide Bay-Burnett 398 54 452 237 69 306 -40.45 27.78 -32.30Darling Downs 310 41 351 169 2 171 -45.48 -95.12 -51.28

South West 21 0 21 16 0 16 -23.81 0.00 -23.81Fitzroy 204 41 245 99 23 122 -51.47 -43.90 -50.20Central West 4 0 4 5 0 5 25.00 0.00 25.00Mackay 280 14 294 95 137 232 -66.07 878.57 -21.09Northern 415 152 567 110 21 131 -73.49 -86.18 -76.90Far North 295 307 602 134 30 164 -54.58 -90.23 -72.76North West 15 8 23 23 14 37 53.33 75.00 60.87Queensland 5998 2054 8052 3539 2173 5712 -41.00 5.79 -29.06

QueenslandDwelling ApprovalsSeptember Quarter 1999


Variance




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Adelaide 1338 386 1724 875 345 1220 -34.60 -10.62 -29.23Outer Adelaide 372 32 404 199 2 201 -46.51 -93.75 -50.25Yorke and Lower North 71 18 89 46 0 46 -35.21 -100.00 -48.31Murray Lands 104 7 111 45 0 45 -56.73 -100.00 -59.46

South East 71 7 78 40 0 40 -43.66 -100.00 -48.72Eyre 48 2 50 42 12 54 -12.50 500.00 8.00Northern 57 4 61 32 0 32 -43.86 -100.00 -47.54South Australia 2061 456 2517 1279 359 1638 -37.94 -21.27 -34.92

S ADwelling ApprovalsSeptember Quarter 1999


Variance



Perth 3569 890 4459 2140 572 2712 -40.04 -35.73 -39.18

South West 933 160 1093 419 34 453 -55.09 -78.75 -58.55Lower Great Southern 144 19 163 73 6 79 -49.31 -68.42 -51.53Upper Great Southern 26 8 34 20 0 20 -23.08 -100.00 -41.18Midlands 150 1 151 107 10 117 -28.67 900.00 -22.52South Eastern 81 15 96 22 45 67 -72.84 200.00 -30.21Central 113 23 136 64 17 81 -43.36 -26.09 -40.44Pilbara 26 0 26 1 0 1 -96.15 0.00 -96.15Kimberley 66 6 72 68 0 68 3.03 -100.00 -5.56Western Australia 5108 1122 6230 2914 684 3598 -42.95 -39.04 -42.25

W ADwelling ApprovalsSeptember Quarter 1999


Variance



Greater Hobart 148 22 170 87 21 108 -41.22 -4.55 -36.47Southern 44 0 44 38 0 38 -13.64 0.00 -13.64Northern 114 5 119 79 0 79 -30.70 -100.00 -33.61Mersey-Lyell 57 4 61 61 0 61 7.02 -100.00 0.00Tasmania 363 31 394 265 21 286 -27.00 -32.26 -27.41

TasmaniaDwelling ApprovalsSeptember Quarter 1999


Variance



Darwin 119 134 253 54 88 142 -54.62 -34.33 -43.87Northern Territory - Bal 117 9 126 89 18 107 -23.93 100.00 -15.08Northern Territory 236 143 379 143 106 249 -39.41 -25.87 -34.30

NTDwelling ApprovalsSeptember Quarter 1999


Variance



Canberra 388 226 614 258 117 375 -33.51 -48.23 -38.93ACT - Bal 2 0 2 1 0 1 -50.00 0.00 -50.00ACT 390 226 616 259 117 376 -33.59 -48.23 -38.96

ACTDwelling ApprovalsSeptember Quarter 1999


Variance




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TecASSIST

12

The ServiceBased at the Boral Plasterboard Port Melbourne site, the service provides advice and

technical assistance to builders, 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 across Australia and Asia.

And weve 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, DIYers to Contractors, Builders to Sculptors

Offices to Schools, Bungalows to Brothels, Cinemas to Navy ships, Airports to TV shows.

The team

The TecASSIST Team represents over 100 years of practical and professional experience and

a coverage of professions ranging from architecture to engineering, building to design,

drafting to IT and trades to business management.

When in doubt, ask !

Telephone: 1800 811 222

Facsimile: 03 9645 1812

Email: [email protected]

Sales Offices

QLD 733 Nudgee Rd Northgate 4013 Telephone (07) 3215 2244 Facsimile (07) 3215 2299

NSW Thackeray St Camellia 2142 Telephone (02) 9638 0571 Facsimile (02) 9638 5557

SA 119 - 121 Bedford St Gillman 5013 Telephone (08) 8240 8888 Facsimile (08) 8341 1004

VIC 676 Lorimer St Port Melbourne 3207 Telephone (03) 9214 2138 Facsimile (03) 9646 1912

WA 12 Hoskins Rd Landsdale 6065 Telephone (08) 9400 2666 Facsimile (08) 9302 1133

ACT 7 Barrier St Fyshwich 2609 Telephone (02) 9280 4243 Facsimile (02) 9280 5816

TAS 93 Albert Rd Moonah 7009 Telephone (03) 6278 9966 Facsimile (03) 6278 9865

NT Crn Coonawarra Rd & Mataram St Winnellie 0820 Telephone (08) 8984 4484 Facsimile (08) 8984 3778

Export Dept 676 Lorimer St Port Melbourne 3207 Telephone (03) 9214 2138 Facsimile (03) 9646 1109

Danny Docherty and Bernie Shalekoff

Documents

00174 Boral4Builders no5