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Fixing solutions for plasterboard
by Mirka Valovicova, technical manager
fischer fixings UK Limited
The frequent use of plasterboard for dry lining applications, partitions and ceilings is one of the most notable
features of the UK market. The versatility, ease of installation and economy of plasterboard make it a popular
choice with builders, especially for domestic applications. However, the builder’s choice is often a fixing
nightmare for heavy-duty applications or for someone not familiar with this building material. How do you fix
heavy items such as radiators, air conditioning units, shelving or cupboards to such a relatively thin and weak
substrate?
Types of plasterboard walls
available either in metal or nylon and are usually supplied with a
Before choosing a suitable fixing, the user should make sure
suitable screw. Apart from ease of installation, the main appeal of
that the composition of the wall is understood. How thick is my
these types of fixings is the limited cavity space which is required.
plasterboard, do I have a cavity behind, is there insulation behind my
Of course when installing these into tiled surfaces, such as usually
plasterboard? These are the questions which should be asked first. If
found in bathrooms, the
you’re not sure, simply drill a small diameter pilot hole to investigate
tiles would have to be
the build-up of the wall.
removed around the
If your plasterboard creates a partition wall between two rooms,
hole so that the self-
it is most likely to be mounted either onto the timber or on metal
drilling fixing can be
stud frames with a cavity behind. If the plasterboard is located on the
inserted directly into the
external wall, it is more likely to be mounted using the mortar dabs
plasterboard. This may not
technique, where plasterboard is adhered to the wall by mortar. This
be a desirable solution
would mean that there is only a tiny gap between the board and the
and other plasterboard
face of the block wall.
fixings may be more
The first scenario of fixing into plasterboard partitions allows the
suited.
use of most types of plasterboard fixings, as the cavity is quite large,
Worth considering
usually between 32mm - 38mm. Care must however be taken when
is the new generation
fixing into dry lining (plasterboard on the mortar dabs). In this case
of specialist nylon
only certain fixings would be suitable.
plasterboard fixings, such
as the type illustrated to the right.
Fixing solutions
These are technically-sophisticated fixings which are designed
There is a wide range of purpose designed plasterboard fixings
to form-lock either behind or within the plasterboard substrate and
available on the market and care should be taken to select an
therefore would work in various panel thicknesses. Due to their
appropriate type for the specific application. In order to make the correct
design features, including built-in flange and guide ribs to prevent
selection, the user should take into account various factors such as:
turning, they offer good load capacity. Their big benefit is that they are
especially suitable for fixing into dry lining walls, as the cavity behind
• Plasterboard thickness.
the plasterboard is not required due to their space-saving nature.
• Cavity depth behind the plasterboard.
Despite the focus on specialist plasterboard fixings, there are
• The type of application; what load is required, what is the fixture
nonetheless certain universal nylon fixings which, due to their
thickness?
design, are suitable for use in almost any building materials including
• Would the fixing need to be removed in the future?
plasterboard. This can be a great benefit for people whose job varies
every day so that predicting the type of substrate they would have to
For lightweight applications where it is required to fix back lighter
fix into is very difficult. Instead of holding various types of fixings for
items such as mirrors, lamps, light switches,
specific materials, it is a big advantage to have one product that can
lightweight shelving, towel rails, cable clamps or
be used for any materials.
floor-supported radiators, it is perfectly possible to
How do these fixings work? When installed into solid materials,
fix directly into the plasterboard.
universal fixings work by friction, when installed into hollow materials
A very popular option is the use of self-drilling
such as hollow blocks, pre-cast concrete slabs or plasterboards, these
plasterboard fixings.
fixings knot behind and create mechanical interlock in the cavity.
These are probably the easiest to install. No
Even though universal fixings are not specialist plasterboard fixings,
pre-drilling is required, as these fixings cut their
they still offer quite impressive performance and can be used for the
own hole with their large thread located around their body. They are
previously mentioned applications.
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