10 tips to keep in mind when using plasterboard.

Plasterboard could be defined as a construction device made of gypsum plaster substance compressed between two thick layers of paper. Depending on the strength and weight of the lining paper, the plasterboard exhibits different characteristics.

1. Even before putting up the plasterboard, it is absolutely necessary to make sure that the plasterboard you are using adheres to the standards laid down by your local building stipulations, to avoid any complications later.

2. You might be aware that gypsum actually consists of crystals with small amount of water. In case of fire, the water content vaporizes, bringing down the temperature of the fire and checking its intensity and further spreading. Gyprock Fyrchek plasterboard is ideal for ceiling and wall systems where fire resistance is needed.

3. Good plasterboard should cut down noise transmission, especially airborne sounds like music and speech. Gyprock Soundchek has been specially designed to offer maximum insulation against sound in walls and ceilings.

4. Though a quality plasterboard is suitable for almost all kinds of environments, you must avoid using them in conditions that are always wet. For this purpose, Gyprock Aquachek has been designed keeping bathrooms, kitchen and such areas that are constantly exposed to moisture.

5. When you buy your plasterboard, you must also ensure that it is able to withstand heavy impacts and are able to show good all-round performance. Gyprock Impactchek is meant to do just that and is most suitable for internal walls of commercial and residential buildings.

6. You have the choice of buying plasterboard with either square edge or tapered edge. The former one is preferred for textured finishing while the latter one is mainly used for jointing or skimming.

7. Plasterboard is normally available in 1200 mm sheets, made to agree with the normal 600 mm stud spacing employed in housing nowadays.

8. You might have noticed that plasterboard normally comes with ivory shade on one face and brown shade on the other. Plaster should be applied on the ivory face and not on the brown face.

9. Remember that plasterboard ceilings show cracks at the joints that invariably happens due to warping around the joints when the wood dries up. Using screws to fix the boards will prevent this problem.

10. Though you may use a wall paper directly on the plasterboard, it is advisable to use a drywall sealer to facilitate easy removal in the future.

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