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floors, walls, ceilings & acoustics board 


When addressing thermal insulation        


Stacey Booth     


Filling joints between insulated plasterboard Before you reach for a joint filler, it’s worth stepping back and considering the job in front of you. Do you have access to water onsite? Do you plan to apply the product by hand or mechanically? Do you have the time and resources to both mix and apply product, or would you rather focus on the application and not have to worry about mixing and measuring? These factors will influence which jointing product is right for the task. There are more products than ever to choose from, which is why a lot of manufacturers offer a jointing selector guide to help you select the best product for your preferences and project needs. Popular brands provide a guide which breaks down the different stages of jointing and finishing and considers mechanical and hand application. These guides include popular products, such as EasiFill 60, which has become the preferred go-to, multipurpose solution because it is easy to mix and works well with paper and fibreglass jointing tapes. This is a combined setting and air-drying, gypsum-based material for both bulk filling and finishing of joints, which provides high coverage rates and minimal drying shrinkage. One additional benefit is that it’s also suitable for snagging and filling holes; however, it is designed for hand application, so if you are looking for a product for mechanical application, products such as Gyproc Joint Filler and Quicksand would be a better option.


If you are looking for added convenience, ready-mixed products


are also available, saving time, preventing mixing errors and avoiding the need to scrap any unused product. Ready-mixed products come in resealable tubs, so you can use what you need, reseal and then use again on the next job. They are a great option if you are working on a site where access to water is awkward or not available. Choosing a jointing tape To effectively join insulated plasterboard, you will need jointing tape to ensure a smooth, crack-free finish. There are two types of jointing tapes: paper-based and fibreglass mesh. Paper tape provides a strong bond when used with jointing


compounds and is effective at minimising cracks where there may be movement between two joints. Paper tapes require a certain skill level to ensure a smooth finish, but they remain a popular choice. Paper-based tape is often less expensive and best suited for those on a budget, but it requires more time to achieve the desired finish. Fibreglass mesh tape has gained popularity due to its ease of use and flexibility. It is also self-adhesive, allowing for quick application without the need for additional compounds. Whether you choose paper-based or fibreglass mesh tape is down to preference. However, tape is a key part of ensuring your


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