Some of the most frequently asked questions received by our Technical Services team:

What fire resistance does your board give me?

Fire resistance is determined from the ‘system’ being constructed. For example; a partition, lining or ceiling. When assessing fire resistance the supporting framework needs to be considered, as well as insulation, fixings and tracks etc. Plasterboard cannot be deemed to be rated by itself in all scenarios, regardless of application. Our Drywall Manual offers many systems to choose from.

Can I dot & dab your thermal boards?

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. 

What U-value does your board give me?

A U-value (in the context of Drywall systems) is 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. Comparing material thermal performance is done using their R value. See our U-Value Calculator

Which side of the board do I plaster?

The blank side (without printing on it) is the side that faces into the room and suitable for decoration.

What is the minimum radius that the contour board can bend for the installation of a curved partition?

The minimum radius is 0.6-0.9m and this is curved by gently wetting the board and installing horizontally using a GTEC deep flange flex track, GTEC C-stud and fixing the boards to a continuous band of GTEC Flat strap. For maximum stud centres and radiuses’ see the table on page 71 of the partitions section of our drywall manual which can also be downloaded from our website. Call Sinat technical services on further information regarding curved partitions.

What is the make-up and what thicknesses are available of GTEC Contour board?

The contour board is a thinner version of our GTEC standard plasterboard.  GTEC Contour Board comes in one thickness only, 6mm.

How can you hang or fix things to plasterboard walls.

There are a number of fixings that are designed for use with plasterboard. Whilst not manufactured by ourselves, they can drastically increase the pull-out resistance of the fixing, allowing for greater confidence in hanging shelves, pictures and other fixtures.

What is the maximum drop for the installation of a Siniat Metal Frame suspended ceiling system?

The maximum drop should be around 100mm to allow for the installation of the components. This may change with the different types of hangers required in specific ceiling build-ups. Call Siniat technical services for further information regarding our MF systems.

Where should the primary channel centres be installed and what weight can a Siniat Metal frame suspended ceiling system take?

On Page 141 of the floors and Ceilings section of the Siniat Drywall manual which is available on PDF format on our website, there is a table which explains the maximum primary channel centres and the maximum loading. This is measured using the weight of the MF system and the board(s) weight.