Using products in systems to meet building requirements
Lafarge Plasterboard offers systems for a large variety of building requirements:
- Fire protection
- Sound insulation
- Noise absorption
- Wet areas
- Impact resistance
- X-Ray shielding
- Aesthetics.
These systems are composed of plasterboard and jointing compounds, along with framing and other specified materials such as adhesives, sealants, screws and insulation. While the products alone do not provide performance, using them in the complete assembled system will. Always check that the building solution you have selected complies with the requirements of the Building Code of Australia.
Figure 5
Two systems with different configurations but using the same products
Both systems in Figure 5 use exactly the same products, but have a significant difference in performance. The system on the left has an Rw of 35, while the system on the right has an Rw of 47. A huge difference in acoustic performance exists between these two wall systems as a result of the type of construction.
System performance relies on following the correct installation details such as stud spacing and fixing centres, as well as using the nominated components such as plasterboard, compounds, studs and insulation. Even small details like sealing gaps can have a large effect on system performance. Variations in construction or materials may reduce a system’s fire and acoustic rating, structural capacity or other aspects of performance.
Steel components
Unless otherwise stated, systems in this manual were designed using steel components manufactured by Rondo Building Services Pty. Ltd. Alternative components may only be used:
- In accordance with the respective manufacturer’s literature, or
- If their performance is equivalent or better and they comply with the relevant standard.
Timber components
Unless otherwise stated, systems in this manual were designed using grade MGP10 timber.
Timber is a natural product and its dimensions vary with changes in surrounding moisture. Timber should be allowed to reach equilibrium with its surroundings before lining it with plasterboard. The equilibrium moisture content of timber is usually 10-14%.
Fasteners
Green timber and certain treated timbers such as Copper Chromium Arsenate (CCA) are corrosive to steel components, especially in combination with moisture. Select appropriate fasteners for the conditions by consulting the manufacturer.
| Corrosion Class of Fastener | Application |
1 |
General internal use |
2 |
High humidity internal use |
3 |
External environments |
4 |
Marine environments |
Insulation
Unless otherwise stated, systems in this manual were designed using Insulco® glasswool and polyester products manufactured by Fletcher Insulation. Alternative products may only be used:
- In accordance with the respective manufacturer’s literature, or
- If their performance is equivalent or better and they comply with the relevant standard.
Insulation used should not be thicker than recommended for the cavity size. For example, when using insulation in a 51mm stud wall, use 50mm insulation, not 65mm. Tightly compressing insulation into the cavity may reduce acoustic performance.
Minimum densities for insulation nominated in Lafarge Plasterboard systems are listed in the following table.
| Insulation description | Minimum density (kg/m3) |
50mm Glasswool |
11 |
50mm Glasswool Semi-Rigid |
32 |
75mm Glasswool |
11 |
65mm Glasswool Acousti-Therm |
16 |
75mm Glasswool Acousti-Therm |
16 |
95mm Glasswool Acousti-Therm |
20 |
50mm Polyester No.2 (ISB2) |
7 |
65mm Polyester No.3 (ISB3) |
7 |
100mm Polyester No.6 (ISB6) |
10 |
75mm Polyester Polycoustic |
16 |
95mm Polyester Polycoustic |
16 |
Insulations with a nominated R value have no restrictions on density or thickness.
Fibre cement
Systems in this manual that include fibre cement were tested and evaluated using James Hardie fibre cement products.