Many factors can cause cracking in plasterboard:
- Poor workmanship is one possibility, generally not the most common.
- Weather plays the largest part in most cracking circumstances. Uninsulated roof cavities can expand and retract with searing summer heat and dropping temperatures.
- Plasterboard ceilings with a continuous length greater than 12m have a high risk of cracking. (we recommend using Trim-Tex 093V Expansion Bead or Hideaway Expansion Bead)
- New build foundations settle over time applying pressure to different load bearing walls/trusses causing movement and inevitable cracking to the plasterboard.
- As well as new builds cracking due to settling foundations, old home foundations can unsettle with changing landscapes and weather conditions over the years, once again causing movement and inevitable cracking to the plasterboard.
In order to maintain their appearance, integrity, and function, proper installation, spacing, and materials must be used to maximise the longevity of the system. Special care needs to be taken when multiple materials come into contact with one another or where joints, edges, or corners are formed.
Some cracking instances are unavoidable, but to ensure the integrity of your work when using Trim-Tex PVC Expansion Beads you can be satisfied you will not be called back for poor workmanship.
Trim-Tex Beads are the only expansion control products with co-extruded technology to give you twice the movement of zinc and provide superior expansion control.
Depending on the amount of expansion that is required Trim-Tex offer the following expansion solutions: Hideaway Expansion Bead & 093V Expansion Bead both with a Tear Away strip and recommended for flat joints and Magic Corner for off set angles.
