KNAUF GYPSUM PARGE COAT WINS ‘SEAL’ OF APPROVAL
Gypsum Parge Coat from Knauf Drywall has won a ‘seal’ of approval for use on separating walls of medium density aggregate blockwork. It has achieved Robust Detail approval for use on separating walls of type E-WM-4 – one of the most commonly used. This gives housebuilders and drylining contractors a clear formula for Part E compliance without the cost of pre-completion testing. Easy-to-use Knauf Gypsum Parge Coat ensures acoustic performance – and its fast drying time encourages on-site productivity.
Knauf Gypsum Parge Coat is specially designed to seal masonry walls prior to finishing with Knauf plasterboards. Gypsum Parge Coat is hand or machine mixed with water – at the point of use – for manual or spray application. It is applied in a continuous layer over the entire wall surface, to ensure that all gaps are filled, especially at junctions and corners. Being gypsum-based it is much easier to apply than traditional sand-cement renders. Each 25kg bag covers 4.25m2, at a minimum thickness of 6mm. It has excellent adhesion and dries within two hours, so that Knauf Wallboards can be direct-bonded on the same day for enhanced productivity. Knauf Gypsum Parge Coat is available through builders merchants.
After the introduction of the new Approved Document E of the Building Regulations, attention focused on acoustic performance – especially of separating walls between dwellings and other residential buildings, such as hotels. In new-build homes, for example, separating walls must provide at least 45dB reduction of airborne sound on site. Robust Standard Details set out conditions for constructions to comply with Part E requirements, without compulsory pre-completion testing.
The Robust Detail approval allows use of Knauf Gypsum Parge Coat in place of sand-cement render on E-WM-4 medium density blockwork separating walls, finished with Knauf plasterboards. Typically this consists of two 100mm masonry leaves with a 75mm cavity. The outer face of each leaf is parge-coated and finished with 12.5mm Knauf Wallboard on dabs of Knauf Bonding Compound. Gypsum Parge Coat is also an ideal substitute for sand-cement renders on separating walls of aircrete and dense aggregate blocks: Robust Detail approval for these applications is expected in due course. Further details on Knauf Drywall solutions for Part E requirements in residential building can be found in the Design Partner series Housing brochure. This can be downloaded on this site or call for your free copy on 08700 613 700.