Gib Fixer Rules

These are the rules of gib fixing. They will ensure a better finish and longer-lasting finish. These simple rules will enable you to find a qualified gib fixer. You’ll be able to ask them questions before hiring them, and you’ll be more likely to spot any errors.

1: Fix gib, so light doesn’t fall across joins.

Gib plasterboard must be secured so that light cannot pass through the joints. This means that the gib plasterboard is usually fixed horizontally to walls. Sometimes, however, light can run vertically in some cases, such as on skylights and in smaller rooms that are darker.

2. Minimize the use of butt and cut joins.

When two non-tapering ends meet, butt joints are formed. We order gib to fit each ceiling and wall and the longest possible sheet size. This reduces butt joints.

Our gib fixers follow the instructions for sheet layout. Our gib fixer can help you select the layout if in doubt.

We minimize butt joints where they can’t be avoided by placing them above doors and windows, provided that they confIrm to gib fixer rules 3 and 4.

To make them less obvious, butt joints in ceilings should not be arranged in a stoop.

3: Keep joins clear of areas that are prone to movement.

These areas are more susceptible to defects than those with less movement, so gib fixers should avoid joining them.

Areas that are prone to movement include:

a) At the corners of doors or windows. To avoid cracking, we keep joints at least 200mm from corners.

b) Junctions between rooms and hallways.

c) Stairwells and mezzanine floors. Plasterboard defects are most likely to form in this area. These areas are prone to defects due to the length of the timber. Any timber shrinkage can be seen over a large distance. Junctions between floors are another place to be on the lookout for. These junctions are where lateral forces play an important role in building movement and settlement. Our gib fixers prevent the creation of joins at the junction of two floors.

4: Back-blocking ceiling joins and staircases.

Back-blocking strengthens or stabilizes joints between plasterboard sheets. Gib plasterboard standards, any ceiling with three or more joins should be back-blocked. PBF gib fixers backblock ceilings and stairs with more than two horizontal joins. This reduces the chance of timber expanding or contracting and peaking.

Although some builders and gib fixers may use back-blocking, the majority of them use standard setting or contact adhesive. PBF gib fixers use a plaster-based adhesive called cove bond to install back blocks. This method is not recommended by gib or other plasterboard manufacturers, but it is quite common. Because of its strength and rigidity, the cove bond prevents cracking by keeping pressure off the joint. 

Design And Construction Issues.

PBF often encounters design and building problems that directly affect the reliability and appearance of the finish. These issues can increase the chances of cracking or peaking no matter how hard our gib fixer does their work.

To avoid problems like these, we recommend that you speak with your gib fixing in hamilton specialist early on in the construction process.

Your gib fixing specialist might point out:

  • Timber ceiling battens are a good choice, as they are easily moved.
  • Framing with too much moisture.
  • Ceiling batten layout.
  • Control joints not being used.