Plasterboard fixing anxiety….

[G and J]

I’m busy contrasting lots of different wall build ups, some of which worry me from a danger of plasterboard fixing popping point of view.

 

We have history.  20 years ago we had builders put a room above our garage, they used battens with PIR in between, and they nailed the plasterboard on, and we got a good few pops, which still occasionally happen even now.  I have wondered whether it’s caused by the combination of batten shrinking/expanding with moisture content making the PIR push the plasterboard - to start with they appeared the same thickness.

 

It is possible I might replicate that scenario in some places - 140mm PIR in a 140mm frame then VCL then plasterboard.  In many areas we are likely to put another layer of PIR on the frame, and/or a service void.

 

But is 140mm PIR in a 140mm frame asking for trouble?  Do I need to put a slightly smaller thickness of PIR in there?

[JohnMo]

1 minute ago, G and J said:

nailed

They would or should use screws now. Our plasterboard is all on battens, have noticed about 3 or 4 heads popping, out of thousands over a 3 year period. We are dry lined not plaster, so way less forgiving.

[G and J]

21 minutes ago, JohnMo said:

They would or should use screws now. Our plasterboard is all on battens, have noticed about 3 or 4 heads popping, out of thousands over a 3 year period. We are dry lined not plaster, so way less forgiving.

So with screws need I worry about maintaining an air gap behind the plasterboard?

[nod]

Your always going to have a few pops Usually where there’s a bad shape 

The mistake that many self builders make is Putting to many screws in The spacings are clearly marked with an x on the boards 

[JohnMo]

7 minutes ago, G and J said:

So with screws need I worry about maintaining an air gap behind the plasterboard?

Sorry not following, your question was about plasterboard fixings popping, not air gaps. My point was nails are or should be history for fixing plasterboard, screws when installed correctly are less likely to pop.

[G and J]

4 minutes ago, JohnMo said:

Sorry not following, your question was about plasterboard fixings popping, not air gaps. My point was nails are or should be history for fixing plasterboard, screws when installed correctly are less likely to pop.

Understood re nails.  Re the air gap question, I’ll draw it out.

[G and J]

7 minutes ago, nod said:

Your always going to have a few pops Usually where there’s a bad shape 

The mistake that many self builders make is Putting to many screws in The spacings are clearly marked with an x on the boards 

Noted, ta.

[G and J]

13 minutes ago, G and J said:

Understood re nails.  Re the air gap question, I’ll draw it out.

This is (an attempt at depicting) the issue that’s on my mind.  The expansion and contraction of the frame due to varying temperature and moisture level won’t be matched by the thermal expansion and contraction of the PIR.  So the frame shrinks, the PIR pushes on the plasterboard and the screw digs in a bit.  Then in winter the frame expands and the PIR doesn’t and the plasterboard suddenly has a small gap behind it and pop!

[G and J]

27 minutes ago, JohnMo said:

Sorry not following, your question was about plasterboard fixings popping, not air gaps. My point was nails are or should be history for fixing plasterboard, screws when installed correctly are less likely to pop.

PS.  Julia is wondering it’s taking you longer answer all my stupid questions @JohnMo than it would to build our blooming house!  (I do appreciate the help though guys).