What is tapered edge plasterboard?
Plasterboard (also known as drywall) is used for cutting down noise transmission and sound insulation,
including such airborne sounds as speech and music. Standard plasterboard can be used in most cases. Tapered edge plasterboard is especially preferred by those seeking to get perfect joints.
How to tape and joint?
It is one thing to know which building materials are required for a particular task but a different thing altogether when it comes to understanding how each material works.
Let’s now examine the process of taping and jointing a tapered edge drywall step by step so you can understand the intricacies of the entire process.
For this project, some of the materials required include a mud pan, taping knife, utility knife,drywall tape, and a lightweight setting joint compound. Keep in mind that what we mean here is precisely a setting compound, not your regular drywall compound. Setting compound hardens quickly and at the same time doesn’t shrink almost at all while regular compounds will take days to dry. In addition, the tape coat can be applied to setting compound as soon as it dries.
We first begin by mixing the setting compound with water in the mud pan to a paste consistency, which will be about the same as regular compound. We then press the compound into the gaps, especially those wider than around ¼ inches. While doing this, we make sure to keep the level slightly below or even with the surrounding surface. It is important to apply the setting compound quickly as the water activates a catalyst causing the compound to harden, but setting times may vary depending on the mix used. We could start with around 90-minute compound to have plenty of time to set it before it dries in the pan.
With tapered plasterboard joints, we will get special edges providing pockets for the joint compound and tape. These are extremely easy to fill in as there is quite a lot of space for both the tape and the compound. However, we need to ensure that we fully fill the joint and flush it with the surrounding surface on the first coat. After hardening, the setting compound will hardly shrink, so we won’t need to fill more mix.
After applying the first layer, it is laid on the paper tape and lightly smoothened into the mud with a taping knife. Lastly, we spread some more compounds in a thin layer over the tape and smoothen it. Note that for a more refined finish, you can apply as many additional layers as necessary.
It is important to note that the inside corners are the easiest to tape joints. We only need to put one end of the knife blade on the corner tape and the other on the drywall surface. This will allow us to create even taper along each wall.
We begin by laying compound around 1/8 inches thick and 2 inches wide along each side of the corner. We then sharply crease the tape and stuff it into the corner over the layer of the compound. This is followed by stroking the knife lightly over both sides of the tape to precisely position it in the corner.
We then apply more pressure to the knife and use the tape on one side and the wall surface on the other as leveling guides, which will enables us smoothly embed the tape. Some compound may squeeze out, but we can afford leaving a rough edge at this stage. We make sure to smoothed and fill the corner completely during the second coat.
Here comes another advantage of setting compound. This is recommended for filling outside corners or other places where you use plastic or metal edge beads. Usually, corner beads leave approximately a 1/8-inch pocket, which should be completely filled in one coaWe start with laying on plenty of compound, and then lightly drag our 6-inch knife along the bead on one side and the drywall on the other. It is important to not apply too much pressure as it can squeeze the mix out, leaving hollow parts which will have to be filled later.
Sometimes, the corner bead can be misaligned, making the pockets too thin or thick. To avoid such issues, it is important to make sure we run down the knife on each side of the bead to check the pockets before applying the compound. While at it, it is also important to make the necessary adjustments if necessary
Butt joints refer to the point where two non-tapered edges meet. These joints are the most difficult to hide because the tape sits above the surface of the plasterboard. We recommend using longer pieces of drywall, but you probably won’t be able to end up with no butt joints at all.
To make the butt joints invisible, the tape coat should be kept as thin as possible. The process begins by cutting a shallow V-shaped groove along the edges of the drywalls put together, after which we apply the tape and embed it with a light stroke of the taping knife. There should be no more than 1/16 inches of compound left under the tape. It is important to apply a thin second layer of compound over the tape. Each side is then stroked lightly to taper off the extra compound away from thecenter, while taking due care to not squeeze all the mud from under the tape! After the compound hardens, we lay on more layers of compound and taper them out around a foot to hide the bump left by the tape.
Why use tapered edge plasterboard?
Most commonly, tapered edge plasterboard is used by those who want to get a perfectly flush surface. This feature is exceptionally useful for making an appropriate foundation for such purposes as decorating. But if you won’t be needing such precise leveling, you should go for something more efficient as applying tapered edge plasterboard can be really time-consuming.
CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
What is included
Choosing tape and jointing contractors - what to consider
It is important to remember that taping and jointing is better left for professionals as the process is not only complex but also time consuming. But as you probably already know, finding a reliable and competent contractor is not a walk in the park. In case you are looking for a tape and jointing contractor in London, Kent and Essex, never forget the common traits to look out for in such a tape and jointing contractor.
First, determine what kind of tape and jointing you will be doing. Choose the drywall, the compound then assess your budget and the time you can afford to wait for the job to be done.
A professional tape and jointing contractor should also be one that is licensed by relevant authorities; as well as one that comes with the requisite insurance converge since this job carries a fair share of risks.
Why choose us?
If you are based in the areas of London, Kent and Essex and are looking for a tape and jointing contractor who promises high-end output, then we are what you are looking for. With a pool of contractors who are duly trained and licensed in this field, hiring us will offer you the much-needed peace of mind knowing your project is in safe hands.
We have a flexible pricing plan to cater to clients of different budget needs. Our state-of-the-art equipment ensures we address every meticulous detail of your project. Make a date with us today and be part of our success story. Get in touch today!
