Is your plasterboard performing? That’s the question more contractors should be asking of the products they’re using right now, says Paul Midgley, Market Manager Trade.
As demand for safety and performance grows, and being able to prove this via proper certification, installers need to start reviewing how they approach product selection to ensure they’re up to standard. However, it can be a challenge to both understand the performance levels required and how to properly choose products which meet these needs. But for those embracing this change, the reward is better and faster installation with complete peace of mind.
To help installers meet the performance requirements not being entrenched in legislation, manufacturers are developing products and systems that are specialised, high quality and safe. This gives contractors more flexibility and reassurance when completing their projects.
Plasterboard is an excellent example of this change in action. Typically seen as a commodity product, installers likely know the plasterboard they want to use and will purchase the necessary additions from their merchants. Whether it’s for an extension, kitchen, or bathroom, they might buy the same board and accessories to make it work.
However, the question must be asked, will the standard plasterboard and accessories achieve the same performance as the specialist plasterboard? And when products are designed for the specific application such as a bathroom, would choosing the performance board designed for such a room be more efficient than standard board and all the accessories to make it work?
Finding the right board for the job
Knauf has developed a range of high-performance boards with specific applications at the forefront. Designed to meet and exceed the required performance level and available with relevant tested certification, performance boards represent the ideal solution to growing complexity in projects. In understanding the range, installers will find they have far more tools at their disposal.
For instance, high performance fire boards, such as the Knauf Fire Panel, contain additives that enhance the fire-resistant properties within the board, which when used as part of a wider Knauf system, can help increase the fire protection time.
Furthermore, something such as the Knauf Moisture Panel has been designed for areas of high humidity such as bathrooms or wet rooms. In contrast, standard wallboard without any moisture resistant properties would need extra components. Therefore, high performance boards not only reduce the time needed on site, but they are also far more cost effective than the standard board.
Building confidence
Of course, having the solution is great, but ensuring that there is an understanding of the product is critical.
Knauf and other manufacturers have realised this and now provide both training and support through their dedicated technical support team, that provides technical data sheets, test certification and specification expertise. Their training covers common issues encountered in specific situations as well as providing knowledge on which board is best suited to deliver the objective required.
Furthermore, peace of mind can be guaranteed through the Knauf Full System Performance Warranty which provides contractors using the performance system complete support and reassurance about the product.
It can be daunting moving away from the known to the unknown. However, the benefits are immediate. From peace of mind installation to faster installation on site, performance boards are rapidly becoming the go-to for contractors needing to meet stricter demands from projects.
For more information on Knauf High Performance Boards, click here.
