Gib Fixer Rules
The rules for gib fixing in auckland are essential to achieving a better-looking, longer-lasting finish. These simple rules can help you choose a good gib fixer. You’ll know how to ask them questions and be able to identify any wrong practices.
Rule 1: Fix gib so as to prevent light from falling across joints.
This is usually done by fixing the sheets in a way that the joins run in the opposite direction of the main light source. This means that the gib will be fixed horizontally to walls in most cases. Light can also run vertically in some cases, for example, with skylights or in smaller rooms.
Rule 2: Reduce the use of butt and cut joins.
When two ends that are not tapering meet, a butt joint is formed. We order the longest sheet size possible and cut it to fit each wall or ceiling. This will minimize the butt joins.
Our gib fixers follow the instructions written on the framing member. Our gib fixer will follow these rules if you are in doubt about choosing the layout of your sheet.
If butt joints are unavoidable, they can be minimized by placing them above windows or doors, as long as they meet the gib fixer rules 3 and 4.
To make the joins less visible, they should be staggered.
Rule 3: Avoid areas that are prone to movement.
Gib fixers should avoid joining in areas with lots of movement.
The following areas are prone to moving:
Near the corners of doors and windows. To avoid cracking, we keep the joins at least a 200mm distance from these corners.
Junctions between rooms and hallways.
Stairwells and mezzanine flooring. Plasterboard problems are most likely to occur in these areas. These areas have long lengths (so that any shrinkage of timber has an impact over a large distance). The junctions between floors are another place to be aware of, as lateral forces can come into play when the building settles and moves. Our gib fixers do not create joins at the intersection of two floors.
Rule 4: Back-blocking ceiling joins and stairs.
Back-blocking reinforces and stabilizes joins between sheets of plasterboard. New Zealand gib plasterboard standards state that if there are three or more joins on a ceiling, they must be back blocked. PBF gib fixers backblock all ceilings, stairways, walls, and other surfaces with more than 2 horizontal joins. This reduces the chance of timber peaks as it expands or contracts.
Some builders and gib fixers use back-blocking, but the majority of them use standard settings or contact adhesives. PBF Gib Fixers install backblocks with a plaster-based adhesive compound called Cove Bond. It is a relatively uncommon method, even though it’s the only one recommended by plasterboard and gib manufacturers. The cove bond’s strength and rigidity keep the pressure off the joint to prevent cracking. This information is based upon the AS/NZS2589: 2007 guidelines on plasterboard (gib board) installation.
Design issues
PBF is often faced with design or construction issues that directly affect the durability and appearance of the finish. These things, no matter how good our gib fixer is at their job, can increase the chances of cracking.
We recommend that you consult a gib-fixing expert as early as possible in the construction process to avoid any issues.
Your gib fix specialist might, for example:
- Use of wooden ceiling battens
- Framing which does not conform to NZS 3609: 1999
- The moisture content of the framing is too high
- Ceiling batten layout
- Joins Omission of Control
