In construction the use of high-quality materials is paramount to ensure the longevity and safety of buildings. One significant pain point identified by architects is the prevalence of sub-par products in the market, leading to post-installation failures and compliance issues. This article aims to shed light on the critical importance of using the right Moisture Resistant boards in wet areas, focusing on the South African standards as outlined in SANS 266.
Compliance with industry standards is non-negotiable in the construction industry. SANS 266, the South African Standards for Gypsum Boards, provides clear guidelines on the type of Moisture Resistant boards that should be used in various applications. According to SANS 266, a Moisture Resistant board is a special wallboard that contains additives to reduce water absorption, making it suitable for wet areas. These areas are typically divided into residential and non-residential segments, each with specific performance requirements.
One crucial aspect of SANS 266 is the recognition of only one type of Moisture Resistant board. The requirements of this type of board revolves around two key performance characteristics which is total water absorption & surface water absorption. Total water absorption measures the penetration of water into the core of the board. SANS 266 tolerance levels require this to be less then > 5%. Surface water absorption measures the quantity of the water penetrating through the surface of the board. This tolerance as per SANS 266 must not be greater than <160 g/m2. To be able to distinguish these boards, a global grading system is used, and this board is referred to as an H1 type board. This standard does not acknowledge Moisture Resistant type H2 and H3 boards that can be found in South Africa. This is primarily due to their inferior performance in terms of water absorption. The key distinction lies in the total water absorption capacity. For a board to be SANS-approved, it must have a total water absorption of less than 5% & a surface water absorption of less than 160g/m2.
H1 boards are designed to absorb up to 20% less water than H3 boards, a significant difference that translates into enhanced durability and performance. When exposed to water, the weight of a partition can increase by up to 20%, increasing the risk of wall collapse. Over time, greater moisture exposure can lead to severe issues, such as:
- Tile Detachment: Increased moisture can cause tiles to pop out or fall off.
- Mould Growth: Moisture can lead to mould growth, which not only damages the drywall backing but also poses health risks.
- Performance Deterioration: Excessive moisture can compromise fire resistance, acoustic performance, and overall duty ratings, leading to minimal or no performance over time.
One of the primary causes of post-installation failures is the use of sub-quality products that do not meet the required standards. By adhering to SANS 266 and ensuring the use of Gyproc RhinoBoard® MoistureResistant™ boards that meet their performance criteria, Moisture Resistant boards, architects and developers can significantly mitigate these risks. The use of Gyproc RhinoBoard® MoistureResistant™ boards helps maintain the integrity of the structure, ensuring that performance attributes such as fire resistance, acoustic properties, and durability are not compromised.
Understanding and implementing the correct standards for Moisture Resistant boards is crucial for the construction industry in South Africa. By prioritizing compliance with SANS 266 and utilizing Gyproc RhinoBoard® MoistureResistant™ boards, architects and developers can address the prevalent issues of sub-par products and installation failures, ensuring safer and more durable constructions.
By addressing these key points, Gyproc aims to educate and support the architectural community, fostering a market where quality and compliance are at the forefront of every project.
