|
|
 |
|
|
Minimize gypsum-related winter weather problems by following advice in the Tech
Talk section below. |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Avoiding Winter-Related Job Problems
By George M. Kutcher, Jr., CDT, CSI
As daylight hours grow shorter and evening temperatures turn cooler, it would serve
us well to examine some of the job problems that may result from winter installation
of gypsum board. Some of these problems may include: joint compound bond failures,
delayed shrinkage, beading, nail popping, joint shadowing and sagging gypsum board.
Cold and damp winter weather conditions are often a major or contributing cause
to these problems all-too-familiar to the veteran drywaller.
In order to minimize these problems it is recommended that a minimum room temperature
of not less than 40° F (4° C) be maintained during the application of gypsum board,
except when adhesive is used for the attachment of gypsum board. For the bonding
of adhesive, joint treatment, texturing and decoration, the room temperature shall
be maintained at a minimum 50° F (10° C) for 48 hours prior to application and continuously
thereafter until completely dry.
It is critical to maintain adequate ventilation in the working area during the installation
and curing period. When using a temporary heat source, the temperature shall not
exceed 95° F (35° C) in any given room or area.
Previous applications of finish materials must be completely dry before making additional
application of finish materials or beginning texturing. Protect ready-mixed joint
compound and textures from freezing during storage.
When installing a ceiling to be textured with a water based texture, use 5/8-inch
gypsum wallboard or a specially formulated 1/2-inch High Strength ceiling board
when framing exceeds 16 inches o.c. in order to avoid sagging.
Where a vapor retarder is required, use foil-backed gypsum board, vapor retarder
faced mineral wool or faced-glass fiber insulation batts. When a polyethylene vapor
retarder film is installed on ceilings behind gypsum board it is important to install
the ceiling insulation before the gypsum board. Failure to utilize this procedure
can result in moisture condensation on the backside of the gypsum board, which will
cause the board to sag.
A special maximum joint strength drywall system such as the Gold Bond Sta-Smooth
System reduces beading or ridging. The combination of Gold Bond Sta-Smooth gypsum
board, with its unique tapered-beveled edge or round-edge configuration, and Sta-Smooth
Joint Compound, relieves joint deformity problems caused by twisted framing, damaged
wallboard edges, poor alignment and extremes in humidity and temperature.
The Sta-Smooth joint shape and the joint compound are developed to provide greater
mass and integral bond for increased strength. Sta-Smooth Joint Compound, a "hardening"
or "setting" compound, adds considerable strength that is unaffected by the amount
of moisture normally introduced into a structure that could cause ridging or beading
with conventional drying compounds.
Following these procedures during cold and damp weather periods will significantly
reduce the incidence of winter job problems.
Click here to download an electronic copy of GA-220-94: "Gypsum Board
Winter Related Job Problems". For additional information, call 1-800-NATIONAL® (800-628-4662).
>
Back to Tech Talk
|
|
|
|
 |
|