|
Specifications of steel / timber frame spacing for fastening wallboards to |
|
|
|
Question:
- Is there any specification about the maximum spacing of steel / timber frame for fastening wallboards to internal partition and screwed-up concealed grid ceiling systems ?
Answer:
- For internal drywall partition systems with steel or timber frame:
* Maximum spacing of vertical C Stud = 610mm. Applicable to all types of wallboards, from Standard to Moisture Resistant and Fire Resistant, with board thickness = 12mm / 12.7mm and 15mm / 15.9mm
* If lining boards are 9mm / 9.5mm thick Standard, minimum 2 layers of wallboard should be fastened to each side of the partition
* Partitions will be stronger if wallboards are fixed horizontally, means the board long edges are perpendicular to vertical C Studs
* 12mm / 12.7mm and 15mm / 15.9mm thick Standard, Moisture Resistant, Fire Resistant wallboards can also be fixed vertically to partition frame, means the board long edges are parallel with vertical C Studs
- For internal screwed-up concealed grid ceiling systems with steel or timber frame:
* Standard wallboards of 9mm / 9.5mm thick: maximum spacing of secondary sections = 407mm
* Standard wallboards of 12mm / 12.7mm and 15mm / 15.9mm thick: maximum spacing of secondary sections = 610mm
* Moisture Resistant wallboards of 9mm / 9.5mm thick: maximum spacing of secondary sections = 305mm
* Moisture Resistant wallboards of 12mm / 12.7mm thick: maximum spacing of secondary sections = 407mm
* Fire Resistant wallboards of 12mm / 12.7mm and 15mm / 15.9mm thick: maximum spacing of secondary sections = 610mm
* Wallboards must be fastened to ceiling frame horizontally, means the board long edges are perpendicular to secondary sections (primary sections are above, secondary sections are below)
- If above specifications are not strictly complied (for instance, drywall contractors increase the frame spacing to reduce their costs, hence get higher margins; or install wallboards with the board long edges running in parallel with secondary sections of ceiling frame), the following problems will occur:
* Internal partitions: lining wallboards are likely to break off if partition surfaces are directly exposed to fairly strong static or impact load.
* Screwed-up concealed grid ceilings: lining wallboards will quickly warp down within 3-6 months after being fastened to ceiling frame
|
