What Is A Gib Plasterer?
You might have heard the term “GIB plasterboard” bandied about when people refer to building or renovating. Do you know what a plasterboard actually does?
A simple explanation of what a gib plasterboard does is they are a building worker whose job is filling in joints and cavities in plasterboard. Plasterboards can also create smooth finishes on your walls so they are ready for painting. This is referred to as skimming. They can also provide a textured finish for something a bit more unique in your build.
If you are building or renovating and your plans include having new walls built, you will need to engage the services of a plasterboard. Plasterboard’s are also engaged if you have a mishap and end up with a hole in your existing walls. A good plasterboard will also be able to cover up where others have failed, smoothing out dings, dents and curves.
When do you need to engage a plasterboard? If you are needing help to fix an existing wall then you can call on a plasterboard at any time. However, if you are needing the services of a plasterboard during a build or renovation they need to come to your project after your builder has finished building the walls and before your painter arrives. The plasterboard needs to work quickly and efficiently to avoid hold ups for the painters and other tradesmen.
Once you have engaged a plasterboard, they will start their work with either a solid wall, or in some cases they will attach a wire lath to the wall surface to work on. If your wall is not a plasterboard wall, but is concrete, then a coating of gypsum will be applied. Gypsum adheres to absorbent surfaces and provides a surface that the plasterboard plaster will stick to.
There are a variety of plaster products that can be applied to your surfaces but most of the popular products are formulated with a lime base.
Your plasterboard will have a variety of tools they will use to ensure you get clean angles and straight walls. If you are wanting your walls to have a bit more appeal, then most qualified plasterboard’s will be able to enhance the look of your space by creating design elements within the plaster.
If you engage a plasterboard from a reputable company they will hold relevant qualifications for their job, usually one or more of the Interior Systems qualifications, and this will ensure that you will get a finish that is based on the industry recommendations by the Association of Ceiling and Wallboard Industries of New Zealand and AS/NZ 2589:2007 Standard for Gypsum lining application and finishing.
plasterboard’s need to have knowledge of plastering materials, compounds and equipment. They need to know the various plastering methods, such as how to prepare a surface and apply plaster and how to apply different flashing and cladding systems. They are subject to the current New Zealand health and safety regulations.
A good plasterboard will also be familiar with the products they apply and work closely with any technical specialists from their suppliers to maintain current best practices.
If you are engaging a plasterboard to work on the exterior of your home or building you need to ensure that they are a licensed wall plasterer. This is a requirement of the Licensed Building Practitioners Scheme and could affect your insurance if you engage someone who does not hold the right licenses.
Quality plasterboard involves installing steel slimlines, paper taping the joints and corners, applying the plaster and then sanding back until the final surface is as smooth as silk.