Ensuring best practice for ceiling installation

As a leading manufacturer of premium building materials, Knauf is also committed to ensuring its products enable the industry to achieve the highest levels of install quality and workplace health and safety.

This extends to technical support, training and information development to enable contractors to finish projects with peace of mind, and minimise risk.

When it comes to ceiling installation, particularly in the residential market, collapses or failures arise from time to time, reminding the industry of the importance of adhering to manufacturer installation guidelines and Australian Standards.

When installed correctly, building industry professionals can avoid issues relating to ceiling system failure. While every project is different, and the most suitable fixing method can vary, the most common causes of ceiling failure include the use of non-compliant (short) screws; inadequate application of stud adhesive; no fixing of temporary blocks to the plasterboard and framing while the stud adhesive cures; lack of roof sarking to protect against water ingress and weight overload on ceilings such as air-conditioning units, ceiling fans installed without adequate engineered framing support.

“Plasterboard is one of the most common dry lining materials regularly used for ceilings in modern building construction,” commented Thanh Huynh, Knauf Engineering Services Director. “These ceilings are secured in place with both adhesive and screws fixed into the ceiling joists. Back blocks are used to reinforce plasterboard joints to reduce the risk of cracks. A complete ceiling system solution approach provides the plasterboard contractor installation confidence.”

Ceiling materials and insulation must comply with the standards set by the Building Code of Australia (BCA) including safety, health, amenity and sustainability. Of course, ceiling boards must also be used for their intended purpose. Wall boards are designed differently and don’t carry the loads a ceiling does.

Ceiling installation methods are designed to provide all parties, including installers, homeowners and occupants, with complete confidence in the integrity and longevity of the installation. While it is the homeowner’s responsibility to manage the maintenance of the home following completion of a build, responsibility lies with the builder and/or installer to deliver a best practice approach to every build.

For media queries, please contact:

Roberta Marcroft and Simone Esamie, Write Away Communication

+61 2 9978 1400, roberta@writeaway.com.au, simone@writeaway.com.au