FIBROUS PLASTER

Evening Star, Issue 22272, 25 February 1936, Page 2

FIBROUS PLASTER

ELIMINATING STAINS AND NAIL / HOLES FURTHER OPINIONS EXPRESSED Arising from an article in these columns dealing with the causes of nail holes and stainings appearing in fibrous plaster ceilings, further opinions have been received from those interested in the trade. At this stage, “-Cornice ” would like to state quite definitely that he had no intention of creating the feeling that fibrous plaster is unsatisfactory for ceilings and walls. From the point of -view of economy and artistic decoration, the writer knows of no other material on the market which gives greater service and satisfaction than fibrous plaster. At the outset “ Cornice ” endeavoured to ascertain for his readers the cause of the defects complained about by “ Housewife ” and the means of eliminating the trouble. “One of the Trade” writes; “I have examined the . .filing referred to by “ Curious,” and found that the staining complained of was due to a leak in the flashing on his brick parapet. The leak not only affected the ceiling, but extended down the wall, and had marked his wallpaper. His ceilings, which were erected five years ago, are otherwise in perfect condition. The creaking noises referred to are common to all buildings, and arise from changing temperatures, which affect the iron and roofing timbers. I have also tested fibrous plaster and found that it will not conduct electricity, and that plaster of paris is positively a nonconductor.” “ Another in the Trade ” writes:

“ As one who lias had considerable experience in the fibrous plaster trade, I appreciate the opportunity of assisting in clearing up obvious misconceptions regarding this very important subject. Firstly, dealing with stains. Either over-dampness or the use of certain water paints, which contain an unduly large proportion of vegetable matter, will cause stains. Those in the trade who know their job can eliminate stains arising from the use of the wrong class of. paint. _ Dampness is generally caused by moisture forming on the inside of the roof (more particularly so with an iron roof). This can he, and generally is, eliminated by sarking the roof. This is both a cheap and effective remedy. The more flatpitched roofs, which are the vogue today, make sarking more necessary than with the higher pitched roofs of years ago. Dampness may and does occur as a result of some defect in the building itself, and can only bo removed by proper repairs, such as sarking to prevent dampness from the roof. The fibrous plaster workmen themselves should always lie sure when binding joints at the back of the ceilings, to keep the binding wads off the timber. “ Secondly, nail holes. In a house properly built with well-seasoned timber and the fibrous plaster well and tightly fixed, nail holes should never occur. One of the causes is unseasoned timber. This should not be used on any job. If the plaster is not fixed firmly to the joists movement will take place and nail holes will appear. This can easily be remedied by the fibrous plaster workmen seeing that the plaster board is hold tightly against the timber when punching the nails. A further difficulty is created by movement of the ceiling, due to the roof (particularly tiled roofs) being propped to the runners along the top of the ceiling joists. Four by two runners are not strong enough to take the weight without movement. The roof should always be stayed to the partition plates. The weight of the roof would then be properly taken, and movement of the ceiling joists, due to defective propping, would not occur.

“ As a result of experience based on a long connection "with the fibrous plaster trade I am prepared to say that if only properly-seasoned timber is used, the roof correctly stayed, and good workmanship employed throughout, fibrous plaster has no superior as a wall board or for ceilings. This is very clearly exemplified by the fact that its use is being extended every day until in New Zealand it is in almost universal use in the construction of new houses.” “ One of the Trade, No. 2 ” has forwarded a letter along similar lines to “ Another in the Trade.”. TOWN PLANNING IN ENGLAND. In spite of opposition from coal owners in the district Stanley Council has received the sanction of the Ministry to go on with its town planning scheme. At the public inquiry some months ago it was contended that the scheme, which includes the provision of trunk and arterial roads, would moan that many thousands of tons of coal would not be worked, and this would cause hardship among the miners, says the ‘ Colliery Guardian.’