Plasterboard installation is an important part of
the building process and is best performed by an
experienced tradeperson. Gyprock® plasterboard
can be used in most areas of the home, as different
formulations have been developed to suit different
areas.
PlasterPlaster is made up of lime or gypsum mixed with
sand and water. It hardens into a smooth solid
and it is used to cover walls and ceilings. However,
plaster can also be used in pools. Because plaster
is quite a soft material, even after it dries,
it is suitable for finishing rather than for any
load bearing means. It is available in many colours
and textures.
If you are having your home wet plastered, this
is simply where the plaster is applied to the walls
or ceiling while wet and it will harden after it
has been applied. This is also known as solid plastering.
Some surfaces that plaster can be applied to include
brick, stone, concrete and sheet lining (such as
plasterboard). Plaster can be used in older
style, period homes such as Victorian, Edwardian,
Art Deco and Federation homes. It can also be
used in modern homes to create sleek, modern lines.
Types of plastering include:
solid (wet) plastering
hard plastering
home restoration
cornice moulding
lathe and plaster
ornamental plastering
Ornamental plastering is the use of plastering to
create decorative effects such as leaves, vines,
flowers, and even complete designs. You are only
limited by your imagination and the skill of your
plasterer.
Gyprock® Plasterboard
Gyprock® plasterboard is a machine made sheet
that is made up of a gypsum core encased in a
strong liner board. It is used to create walls
and ceilings that are strong, smooth and durable.
Gyprock® plasterboard comes in a number of
varieties to suit your needs, including products
that can be used in wet areas, varieties that
provide insulation against noise, and a variety
for fire protection.
Plasterboard sheets should be installed by a
professional as they need to be fitted horizontally
on walls and at right angles to ceiling joists.
A professional will be able to minimize the number
of joins between the sheets.
Gyprock® cornices are also available for
the wall ceiling/junction, and plaster usually
supplied as a powder and then mixed with water
is used for patching and smoothing rough surfaces.
Plasterboard is easily paintable to whatever
colour you desire and is very cost-effective.
Gyprock® plasterboard is also easy to repair
should it become damaged.
Plaster as a Pool SurfacePlaster as a pool surface can last for up to
25 years without maintenance. If you are using
plaster as a pool surface, it is important that
the water used to fill the pool is free of chemicals
that may stain the finish. The pH, alkalinity
and calcium hardness levels must also be kept
at the correct levels otherwise the water will
cause damage to the plaster. The pool plaster
should be cured underwater and it will need to
be brushed daily from the fourth day after application
until thirty days have expired. This is so that
minerals and other sediments are removed.
Many pools have fiberglass laid over cement plaster
that has been applied to the concrete shell of the
pool. If you choose to use fiberglass, you will
need to wait for 28 days after the plaster has been
applied so that the plaster can cure properly.
Hiring a ProfessionalThere are several questions that you should ask
when hiring a professional. Firstly, you will
need to know if they will do the type of work
that you need done. This is not so much of a problem
if you are getting a straightforward plastering
job done, but if you are after specialist work
such as restoring the plaster in your period home,
this may become a consideration.
Ask the professional what experience they have
and also for contactable references. You will
also need to get at least three quotes. Finally,
be comfortable that the professional you choose
will be able to get the job done to your satisfaction.
* Gyprock® is a trade mark of CSR limited
and is under license. |
