Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the rules for inspecting and snagging finished plastering works?

A: There is a lot of misunderstanding surrounding this topic, but the principles are simple.  Work should typically be inspected from the middle of the room (or for larger rooms from around 2 metres away), looking directly at the surface (and not from an acute angle) and in the lighting conditions that will be present when the building is ultimately in use, or as close as can be approximated.

FPDC encounters many issues with people inspecting work using strong lights, standing close to the surface and viewing from shallow glancing angles; unsurprisingly, under these conditions even the tiniest little blemish is likely to be seen.  This is not therefore considered a fair assessment of the workmanship and is not to be used as a snagging method.

We strongly recommend that you discuss inspection and final lighting conditions as early as possible with your client on a particular contract so that all parties are clear on expectations and what is realistic to produce; this avoids nasty surprises and conflict later.  Read your contract documentation carefully to ensure that you are not agreeing to a method of scrutiny that proves impossible to satisfy,
 

Q: Can I use products from a supplier other than the plasterboard manufacturer?

A: Yes, but you need to be aware that the manufacturers are normally only able to, or prepared to, provide their system warranty if you use the full system as supplied by them.  There can be rare exceptions to this by prior arrangement with the manufacturer, but this is the case as a rule.

In every instance, you (and your client) need to consider the risk involved in using a combination of components that may not have been tested together for things such as fire and acoustic performance.  If they have not been tested, the client will have to be comfortable going forward with no system warranty or else you may be able to obtain one via a third party.  All parties should look closely into what the system warranties contain before deciding if they are happy to go ahead without one.

Irrespective of whether a system warranty exists, the manufacturers will still fulfil their obligation to provide a product warranty as usual.  Details are available from them on request.

Some contractors or developers will preclude the use of non-proprietary systems as part of their standard conditions (especially where there are supply chain agreements in place), so if you want to work for them you will simply have to comply.

Q: When will the new European Drylining Standard come into force?

A: At the moment the progress of the Standard has been halted and it appears likely that the EN will not now come into existence in the foreseeable future.  Instead of this, the first steps are being taken to update the British Standard which is now somewhat out-of-date and has not been revised to reflect recent changes in industry practice.  The first drafts of a new BS will probably be available in early 2012, and from there the process may take a year or so before BSI formally adopts the new revision.  FPDC will keep members informed of progress as it happens.

Q: What British Standard governs the installation methods and tolerances for SFS systems?

A: At the moment there isn't one.  As a general rule, installers follow the existing drylning and partitioning standards, but there are several instances where this causes issues dues to the unique nature of SFS systems, which don't always lend themselves to th tolerances laid down for drywall generally.  The FPDC Technical Committee has begun work on a new industry guide, with the co-operation of the manufacturers and some member companies, and it is hoped that this can be published early in 2012 to give the industry something consistent to work to.  If this proves successful, it is hoped that it can be taken forward and developed as a full British Standard Code of Practice.

Q: Should I apply skim coat plaster to Moisture Resistant Plasterboard?

A: The general answer to this is yes, you can usually skim MR board if you use a suitable primer first; consult the manufacturer in question for specific guidance as they have their own products and recommendations for this. 

One consideration you should be making, however, is this: if MR board is being used then it is likely it is for a high humidity environment, often with constant higher than average temperatures as well.  In such conditions, skim plaster may not be the most suitable finish and this should be thought-through before going ahead.