A plasterboard on its own does not give a fire resistance rating. It is the whole combination of products in a Siniat partition system which provides the fire resistance.

For Siniat Fire Board, on our typical Siniat C-Stud framing, a single 15mm layer each side of the stud frame achieves 60mins fire resistance (insulation and integrity) and 2x 12.5mm layers each side achieves 120mins, see our system selector for more performance information.

Plaster boards must be installed with the printed side against the substrate. For tapered edge boards, the taper is front face only and so can only be jointed and finished on that side.

A U-value (in the context of Drywall systems) is a measure of thermal performance through a complete wall, roof or floor element. Individual products provide levels of thermal resistance (R) which when calculated together, provide an overall U-value. You can compare different products thermal resistance by checking their R value.

The Siniat Thermal Board range can be used to upgrade the thermal performance of an element. You will need to balance the thickness of board and cost to the performance gain you will get. 

Please contact Siniat technical services with the full extent of the element make up to see which upgrade solution best suits your requirements.

The minimum radius is 900mm and this is achieved by installing the board horizontally using a GTEC deep flange flex track, GTEC C-studs at 200mm centres and fixing the boards to a continuous band of GTEC Flat strap backing the horizontal joints.

The Siniat Contour board is a thinner version of the Siniat Standard plasterboard. Siniat Contour Board is available as a 6mm thick board.

No, the surface qualities of Aqua Board do not allow for a plaster skim.

To achieve Severe Duty, you will need to meet as a minimum the lateral stiffness and impact resistance criteria as set out in BS 5234 Part 2. 

The maximum height of a partition is limited to a lateral deflection of 10mm when tested in line with this standard.

Impact resistance is down to board selection. Any combination of two boards (at least 12.5mm thick) will meet the impact criteria. For single board solutions, 15mm LaDura, Megadeco, Universal are required.

Siniat LaDura, Megadeco and Universal boards offer the best impact resistance. The 15mm version of each used on a partition system as a single layer will provide Severe Duty assuming the maximum height is within recommendations. 

No. Siniat does not manufacture skim plaster.

However, third party skim plaster can be used on our boards as an alternative to taping and jointing. Refer to skim manufacturer's guidance for application details.

Siniat recommend the use of a Moisture resistant plasterboard in areas of high humidity like bathrooms for example. The final finish will be the first line of defence against moisture, but over time water can soak through grout if not sealed adequately. A moisture resistant board will give further defence to temporary exposure. 

Siniat supplies Moisture Board, Fire MR Board, and LaDura which have levels of moisture resistance.

Siniat Aquaboard should be used in extreme circumstances such as swimming pools or wet area bathrooms.

Siniat Plasterboards must be installed with the printed side against the substrate The back of all plasterboards will have printed text detailing product manufacture data and board type. his must not be visible after installation. 

For tapered edge boards, the taper is front face only and so can only be jointed on that side in order to minimise the crown of a joint. 

Siniat Vapourcheck grade boards have a foil face on the back of the board - this is the back side and must be installed against the framing substrate. 

SIniat Thermal boards have the insulant on the back side which is installed against the substrate.

Siniat Creason range (perforated boards) have a fleece liner on the back side of the board which is installed to the supporting frame. 

Any combination of 2 layers of 12.5mm/15mm plasterboards each side of a stud frame will be classed as Severe Duty.

To achieve Severe Duty with a single layer each side of the stud frame would require the use of 15mm LaDura, Universal, Megadeco or Aquaboard.

Of these, LaDura is classed as H1 moisture resistance to BS EN 520, Aquaboard is classed as GM-H1 to BS EN 15283. Siniat recommend Aquaboard for wet areas, LaDura in areas of high humidity.

The use of moisture board in bathroom areas, the requirement for moisture board use in bathroom locations is set out as a recommendation in BS 8212: Code of practice for dry lining and partitioning using gypsum plasterboard, which states ‘’ where the wallboard is to be exposed for short periods to humidity or moisture, for example in Kitchens and Bathrooms ‘’Moisture resistant wall board should be used’’.

Plasterboard in the UK is manufactured in accordance with BS520: GYPSUM plasterboards Definitions, requirements and test methods, to be classed as a moisture board the board need to meet the following requirements to be classified as a moisture board, these are then defined into three categories H1, H2 & H3. 

Regarding the requirements in the UK, the standard only recommends that a moisture board should be installed in bathroom areas. The standard does not define to what level of water absorption these boards need to meet. This is demonstrated by both H1 and H2 boards  found on the market. The finish applied to the board is the first line of defence against humidity and that is the important barrier to ensure is maintained.

When creating an opening within a partition for a damper, the opening should  be capped with the same number of layers and thickness of plasterboard as per the partition system with further consideration to the actual test data associated with the damper system. As a minimum both criteria must be met. 

Fixing additional layer of plasterboard to an existing separating  wall will likely yield some improved performance. However the amount of gain will be dependent on the specification of the original wall. As this is already a high performing wall (fire and acoustics) the increase in performance may not be that significant.

To best advise, the specification of the existing wall would be required and an understanding of the uplift in performance  desired. Options then can be considered with an estimate of performance gain.

The additional layer will need to be mechanically fixed back to the studs in the partition (whether timber or metal) as per Siniat guidance.

If the party wall is a blockwork with plaster finish the Dryliner system should be considered:

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For walls already lined with the Gyspum bond system, this should be removed first then a new framed system installed. An independant lining system can be installed in front of the "Dot n Dab" lining but the amount of space lost could be prohibitive.

Siniat Tilebacker board has not been tested as part of a system for fire resistance. The board is classified as A2,s1-d0 for reaction to fire similar to other internal plasterboards in the range.

To create system  with a specific fire resistance period, specify internal plasterboards to meet all requirements (fire, acoustic, robustness, height) then include for an additional layer of Siniat Tilebacker board to receive the tiled finish. With a tiled finish, reduce stud centres to 400mm centres. The Siniat Tilebacker can receive tiles upto 60kg/m2 in mass.

Siniat Tilebacker will also contribute to the acoustic performance of the complete system as a consequence of adding mass which may reduce loss of acoustic performance from closer stud centres.

The associated technical datasheet, DoP, How To Guide and MSDS on this Siniat Tilebacker link along with information on associated accessories. 

The following table from the Securtex brochure details the tested systems to meet SR1 of SBD. Our full Securitex brochure can be downloaded from our website (https://www.siniat.co.uk/en/performance/securtex) for all details on the concept, design considerations and comprehensive installation guidance.

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Direct Bond lining systems are suitable for most level, masonry substrates. The substrate must be clean and dust free with all loose material removed. Substrates with a high suction rate should be treated prior to bonding with a PVAC agent.

Walls with higher risk of moisture ingress, such as solid masonry external walls, can only be bonded to once appropriately treated. Refer to our drywall manual for full details of the direct bond system.

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The Siniat Direct Bond Lining system is meant for wall linings only and not for use in a ceiling application. For that you should mechanical fix to a suitable framework or Siniat MF Ceiling grid.

The EPD datasheet is available on the Sinat website for interested parties to access.  The standard that is was compiled too has been withdrawn so a newer version is in development to the latest standard. Whilst this work is completed, the old version (expired Apr 2023) can still be used  for data as Siniat opinion is the new standard will not siginficantly impact the  data.

In relation to embodied carbon, Siniat EPDs are Type III certified Environmental Product Declarations, compliant to ISO14025/ ISO21930 and EN15804. As such, they must display the data in a certain way.

The first step is to define the scope of your model. Are you considering the embodied carbon of a single product, or group of products, or the wider life cycle of a building? (which would include operational factors such as HVAC and electricity use). 

Embodied carbon is categorised as the Global Warming Potential (GWP) and it is measured as kg CO2 equivalent (kgCO2eq). Each EPD will state which ‘functional unit’ is used to quantify the impact. In the case of our products this is often per m².

In a product EPD, the total GWP is divided into a number of life cycle stages, known collectively as the ‘system boundary’. In the case of the data below, these are;

• The Product Stage – including impacts from raw materials and their transport; and any impacts associated with manufacturing.
• The Construction Stage – impacts from transporting and installing the product
• End of life – impact of removing, transporting and disposing (or recycling) the product when it is no longer needed.

Some EPDs also include figures for activities that may occur after End of Life (often known as ‘Module D’). This could reflect reuse scenarios for products or materials, or benefits derived from waste to energy processes. These may offset some of the total Embodied Carbon.

Embodied carbon is the total of these amounts, i.e. the greenhouse gas emissions arising from the raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance, and disposal of building materials. 

The Construction Products Association has published a helpful guide and Etex is also a member of the Supply Chain Sustainability School which has some good resources. 

For internal single layer plasterboard linings, partitions or shaftwalls, the board should to be installed at 300mm fixing centres. along the studs and tracks.

For internal mulitple layer plasterboard linings, partitions or shaftwall, the inner layers can be fixed at 600mm centres along the studs and tracks, the final outer layer must be fixed at 300mm centres through all board layers into the supporting studs and tracks.

This advice may change where systems are installed on a radius or increased internal pressure is present (over 200Pa). 

The weight shown on the back of a plasterboard is a safety guide to highlight the importance of two man lift. When manufacturing two products (same board but different length for example) due to limitations of the printing process, only the heavier weight is printed. There is no issue with the board in such cases.

Siniat have not specifically tested a system with recessed skirting so are unable to confirm if the system is compromised. As such to create the detail to ensure no detrimental performance issues, the comments below must be followed to retain Siniat system warranty:

For fire resistant systems, if the original specification is for a single board per side and additional sacrificial layer must be introduced to create the recessed skirting detail in.

For multiple layer systems, the outer layer can be cut  to install a flush skirting only if the inner layers are sufficient in their own right to meet the fire resistant period. Again, a sacrificial layer must be introduced if the specified board layers are all required to achieve the fire resistance period for the system. 

For instance, for a 60minute system, the inner layer with 15mm Fireboard each side can meet this requirement, the outer layer then can have the recessed skirting in and contribute to meet other performance criteria such as acoustics and duty rating.

It is important to store plasterboard in a manner that protects it from the environment. The installation of plasterboard should be carried out once the area is water tight so not to risk exposure to water.

If plasterboards are subjected to water, the boards themselves may not necessarily show water damage straight away. Siniat suggest areas that have been subject to water ingress be checked periodically.

If plasterboards are subjected to water, this is not a satisfactory situation because:

a) the paper face absorbs water and degrades,

b) the gypsum core absorbs water and weakens/degrades,

c) there is risk of the formation of black mould in the board after boards are fixed and decorated - maybe months after the exposure,

d) the fire resistanct qualities of the plasterboard may be impaired.

All boards used for fire protection that have been exposed and damaged by water should be fully removed and replaced with new to ensure that the desired fire protection is achieved.

All boards that have been exposed to water are at risk that  black mould growth will occur after the board has dried out. (Stachybotrys Chartarum) has a greenish black appearance and grows on materials such as plasterboard which has a cellusose content and have been exposed to water for any length of time. This type of mould is a serious health risk, which can result in asthma and other respiratory diseases.

On double boarded system, Siniat recommend that the internal layers are also checked for water damage, if the boards are showing any signs of water damage these should also be removed and replaced with new board.

Where boards have been replaced due to mould growth, Siniat also recommend the any insulation be removed and replaced as new as the spoors can migrate and affect other areas.

The regulations around the materials used in external walls call for a minimum classification of A2-s1,d0

Siniat plasterboards that are available as vapourcheck grade are classified as B-s1,d0 under the Reaction to Fire test standards. It is the foil backing that reduces the classification - the plasterboard itself is A2-s1,d0. 

Due to the B classification of vapourcheck grade boards the product should not be used on external walls. 

Membranes in isolation are part of the exempt list as shown in ADB (regulation 7)

Moisture resistant plasterboards (Moisture Board, Fire MR Board, Coreboard and LaDura) have additives to provide a level moisture resistance only. These do not contain biocides to combat mould growth.

Siniat Aquaboard is the only internal plasterboard that contains an antimicrobial biocide within its core which protects against mould and fungal development.

From a mechanical perspective, you can install plasterboard with the long edge either horizontal or vertically. What is important is the boards are fixed to framing components at the correct centres.

With systems that are required to have a fire resistance and are installed to the latest fire regulations and standards, in order to be in line with the EXAP associated with that system type, the board orientation is important, and can only be installed as per orientation in the tested system. 

Siniat’s general recommendation is to install all boards and board rips vertically to internal partitions as this is how they are tested by default.

Siniat encasement systems are all based on 12.5mm and 15mm Siniat Fireboard. Siniat Fireboard is defined as Type F to BS EN 520 and it is Siniats opinion that Fireboard can be switched with Megadeco or Universal boards to achieve the same fire protection as these are both Type F also.

Should it be desired to used Universal or Megadeco instead of Fireboard the project design team will need to review this and maybe seek approval from a fire engineer to cover the variation from the tested system.

If the bathroom / shower room is being designed as a wet room, the recommendation is to use Siniat Aquaboard for the walls. If ventilation is poor in the room and / or the finish is paint, Aquaboard should also be considered.

Moisture resistant boards can be used for typical well ventilated domestic bathrooms that are not designed as “wet rooms”.

For further information on the Aquaboard, see the Siniat Aquaboard brochure.

The designed for wind load is the maximum magnitude that can be withstood by the Thruwall element. The load can be positive or negative (pressure or suction). Typical design range is 1kN/m2 to 1.8kN/m2 but can be more or less.

Internally, unless advised by the project design team, internal pressure is default designed to 200Pa (0.2kN/m2) which is easily catered for in designing for the external wind force.

Siniat have published updated EPD (environmental product declaration) on its Website. If you use the filters on the left hand side to select certification, this will show EPD available (along with other certs). The full EPD are available or summary sheets for each board highlighting the main points. 

Example below - use of secondary material (recycled) is shown as a percentage.