How to Prevent Cracks in Gyprock Plasterboard
One needs to understand the factors that can cause gyprock plasterboard to crack so that the appropriate preventive measures can be taken. This article discusses some of the things that you should do to prevent your gyprock plasterboard from cracking.
Create Expansion Joints
Many building materials expand and contract as the ambient temperature changes with the seasons of the year. These temperature changes may also have an effect on your gyprock plasterboard if you install very long runs, such as those spanning an entire hallway, without leaving any joints to accommodate the expansion that may occur when temperatures are high. You can reduce the likelihood of the cracks that may result from such expansion by creating some expansion joints along the length of the plasterboards. Your installer can determine at what interval to place those joints.
Counter Truss Uplift
Truss uplift refers to what happens when the timber from which the trusses were made loses most of its moisture content during the warmer months of the year. This moisture loss lifts the ceiling from the top of the walls as the timber warps upwards. Such uplift can cause gyprock plasterboard to develop some cracks in case the builder didn't take precautionary steps to avert this problem from happening.
One way to prevent truss uplift from affecting any gyprock plasterboard that you may have used on the ceiling is by placing decorative moulding at the point where the ceiling touches the walls. That moulding will allow the truss system to move upwards without stressing the plasterboard since the gyprock plasterboard will not be directly anchored onto the trusses.
Address Structural Problems Quickly
It is not advisable to take too long before fixing structural problems, such as foundation settlement. Such delays can put excessive stress on the different components of the home, such as the gyprock plasterboard. Take remedial action as soon as you notice signs of structural problems (difficulties in opening or closing several doors in the house, for example). That prompt action will save your gyprock plasterboard from developing stress cracks over time.
Gyprock plasterboard is a strong material that can stand up to many of the challenges that it may face after installation. Protect it from the excessive stresses described above so that those external factors don't shorten the service life of this material. It is also advisable for you to work with a professional during any gyprock plasterboard installation so that you avoid making a costly mistake.
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