Gap between sheets (boardmate)

F

fixit

Active Member
Does anyone here think there should be a 1-2 mm gap between the 8x4 sheets we use.
The square ended sheets that go tight can move. I reckon there should be a gap.
 
Historically we would leave a clout nails thickness between sheets, for the skin to seep in to. Not anymore though.
One builder I do work for, on multi million pound homes, insists on a 3mm gap still.


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I'm convinced more likely to get a crack the bigger the gap.

But the above advice is correct.

Personally I aim for tight a fit as possible
 
When I was a kid in Ireland helping my dad I'm sure they left a gap between boards. They used a scrim similar to today's but it was green and not sticky.
I'm sure on 4'x2' slabs you didn't need to scrim either , just leave a gap for key.
 
irish_spread said:
When I was a kid in Ireland helping my dad I'm sure they left a gap between boards. They used a scrim similar to today's but it was green and not sticky.
I'm sure on 4'x2' slabs you didn't need to scrim either , just leave a gap for key.
Click to expand...
I remember that green stuff and the brown hessian around the edges.It would take ages to get a couple of ceilings ready.
 
irish_spread said:
When I was a kid in Ireland helping my dad I'm sure they left a gap between boards. They used a scrim similar to today's but it was green and not sticky.
I'm sure on 4'x2' slabs you didn't need to scrim either , just leave a gap for key.
Click to expand...

we did use to leave a 2mm gap between the boards if it was in the spec.

the 4' x 1.5' lathe sheets had a rounded edge, did not scrim the joints but filled the gaps then skimmed the ceilings.
lathe boards on ceilings, 8' x 4' where called wall boards.
 
An old artexer I know used to kick off if the boarders didn't leave a gap before he artexed?......... Is artexed even a word :wtf:
 
I ALWAYS leave 3/5 Mm gap, I’m convinced it helps it not to crack, I also do something else but not giving my secret away to you load of bodgers
 
malc said:
we did use to leave a 2mm gap between the boards if it was in the spec.

the 4' x 1.5' lathe sheets had a rounded edge, did not scrim the joints but filled the gaps then skimmed the ceilings.
lathe boards on ceilings, 8' x 4' where called wall boards.
Click to expand...

My memory isn't that bad after all. I knew the beer wasn't giving me dementia :bananahappy:
 
Nicm said:
I remember that green stuff and the brown hessian around the edges.It would take ages to get a couple of ceilings ready.
Click to expand...


The green stuff was much quicker than the hessian we had to use when I came to the uk. It was revolutionary at the time, brings a tear to my eye
 
malc said:
we did use to leave a 2mm gap between the boards if it was in the spec.

the 4' x 1.5' lathe sheets had a rounded edge, did not scrim the joints but filled the gaps then skimmed the ceilings.
lathe boards on ceilings, 8' x 4' where called wall boards.
Click to expand...
The last house I can remember doing with lathe boards was back in the late eighties.
Sooo many cracks.
 
So how are you meant to keep an even 2-3mm gap when boarding ceilings? Fix some sort of Packer to space the boards apart? Never going to happen for me, I just butt them up tight .
 
Cornelius said:
So how are you meant to keep an even 2-3mm gap when boarding ceilings? Fix some sort of Packer to space the boards apart? Never going to happen for me, I just butt them up tight .
Click to expand...
A lot of tackers used to use a nail as spacers. And it really did happen.
 
essexandy said:
Even on site work a gap was insisted on.
Click to expand...
Old school blokes I know will insist on it but on site it’s a case of throw them up I was under the impression that the gap was needed for when you old boys had to go round and hessian the joints, plus if bg spec paper tape would the gap be needed,me personally can see both arguments for it
 
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