Linings, Partitions and Surface Finishes

Plasterboard

Plasterboard is available in various types for different uses, and in various widths, lengths and thicknesses. The main manufacturer of plasterboard in Britain is British Gypsum Limited. Therefore that company's products are described, as they are those most likely to be encountered on a day-to-day basis. 

Gyproc wallboard and plank Gyproc wallboard is a dry lining plasterboard consisting of an aerated gypsum core encased in a durable paper liner, suitable for application to internal surfaces. The boards have one face of an ivory coloured finish for use where decoration will be applied direct, that is where joints are filled and taped, and the other face of a grey, finish which can be coated with plaster. 

There are three types of edge profile for differing joint requirements: 

• Tapered edge for smooth seamless joints 
• Square edge for cover strip jointing or plastering 
• Bevelled edge for V jointing. 

Wallboards are manufactured in thicknesses of 9.5 mm and 12.7 mm and in widths of 600, 900 and 1200 mm, with the exception of square edge boards, which are produced in widths of 900 and 1200 mm only. The most commonly used lengths of board are 1800 and 2400 mm although boards are produced up to 3500 mm long. 

Gyproc plank is a dry lining board manufactured to similar specifications as the wallboard. The main differences are that plank is produced either with both faces in grey or with one grey and one ivory, and that it is only available in 600 mm widths and in one thickness of 19.00 mm. 

Gyproc Duplex plasterboards 

Gyproc Duplex plasterboards combine the same qualities as ordinary plaster-boards with a vapour resistant lining on one face for compliance with current Building Regulations.

Thistle baseboard and Gyproc lath

Thistle baseboard is a lining board for use as a base for gypsum plaster to timber ceiling, partition and wall members. It has an aerated core with grey paper surfaces, and is square on all edges. It is normally supplied in 1200 x 900 mm boards. Gyproc lath is used in the construction of a suspended ceiling system which incorporates rigid support brackets, enabling the application of plaster bonding and finishing coats. 

Gyproc thermal board 

Gyproc thermal board is a laminated board composed of a Gyproc wallboard bonded to a layer of expanded polystyrene. This gives a lining board with good thermal insulation. It is manufactured in 25, 32, 40 and 50 mm thicknesses. It has a grey paper surface with square edges for plastering, or an ivory surface with tapered edges for filling and taping ready for decoration. The boards are also available with a vapour resisting membrane at the interface of the polystyrene and the wallboard. 

Gyproc Fireline board 

Gyproc Fireline board is a gypsum plasterboard with the addition of glass fibre and vermiculite in the core, resulting in improved fire protection properties. The boards can be used as a lining to walls, partitions and ceilings and as a casing to steel beams and columns, increasing the structure's fire resistance. 

Boards have one face of ivory coloured finish with tapered or square edges, and one grey face. Fireline boards are manufactured in one thickness of 12.7 mm and in widths of 600, 900 and 1200 mm. The 600 mm board is produced in square edge only. The most commonly used lengths of board are 1800 and 2400 mm, although boards aie produced up to 3600 mm long. Table 15.1 gives a range of labour outputs to fix plasterboards. The hours are based on a squad consisting of 2 tradesmen and 1 labourer.