USG Boral believes that the best innovations start with a focus on what is needed and how it will benefit the industry. With a focus to deliver products that helps customers work smarter, do more and build better. They empower customers to build their business – much the same way great cities and communities are built.
Clearly, we copied and pasted the above content from USG Boral’s ‘company overview’ page from their official website. Mission statements and company profiles are commonly worded with very passionate words. Understandably every company, including our own, puts our best foot forward and works hard to live up to their own ‘mission statements’ or ‘company mottos’.
Since we decided to become an independent, we have had the luxury of choosing from a range of manufacturers and distributors across the industry. Our experience tells us that the best range of products doesn’t neatly come from one specific brand, as it is almost impossible for a single manufacturer to be the best across multiple categories.
Our core business is based upon ensuring we have superior product knowledge, competitive prices and understanding what is best for our customers. For this reason, we turn our focus back to USG Boral and its actual ability to lead the way with innovation. Time, and time again our experience with the USG Boral’s team and product range has allowed us to have absolute confidence in their products. Truth be told, no one manufacturer is perfect, but USG Boral’s service, range of products and ability to understand what the industry needs, is 2nd to none.
To highlight this, we will be focusing on the following four innovative USG Boral’s products & services:
1. USG Boral seismic considerations for suspended ceilings guide
In this guide USG Boral provides a service of explaining a comprehensive overview on what constitutes the fundamentals of seismic compliance. Earthquake forces need to be considered for all suspended ceilings in Australia, to comply with AS/NZS 2785:2000 – Suspended Ceilings, Design & Installation.
Click here to access the full seismic considerations for suspended ceilings
USG Boral’s guide focuses on the following key elements:
• Design considerations
• Bracing layout options
• Common misconceptions about seismic ceilings
• Specifying a compliant ceiling system
• USG Boral seismic ceiling systems
Approved systems and designs that meet seismic design requirements of a building, need to be applied in order to provide safety for occupants and maintain building function during and after an earthquake. Non-structural components often represent a high percentage of a project’s capital investment. Failure of these components in an earthquake has the potential to cause harm, block egress and impede rescue efforts, and can disrupt the building’s function. The basic objectives of seismic design for non-structural components are to provide life safety, minimise property loss and prevent functional loss.
2. Impressive water-resistant properties from WETSTOP plasterboard
Over 12 million square metres of USG Boral WETSTOP plasterboard has been successfully installed in Australian projects over the past 3-years. This product is cost effective and a great time saver, which comes in handy when you are up against tight project schedules. WETSTOP is remarkably lightweight which makes it relatively easier to handle. The product versatile enough that you can use score and snap cutting method to increase productivity.
Is WETSTOP / wet area plasterboard really water-resistant?
WETSTOP and other water-resistant plasterboards have been specially formulated to be water resistant for use in wet areas. The gypsum is imbued with a wax-based emulsion, making it moisture resistant through to the core, so regular setting type jointing compounds can be used.
Is WETSTOP / wet area plasterboard suitable for use in bathrooms?
Yes! As mentioned above, with WETSTOP™ and other USG Boral water-resistant boards being resistant to the core, they are specifically designed for use in bathrooms and other wet areas.
(To ensure maximum water resistance performance, a water-resistant membrane must be used to protect for water damage)
How does water-resistant plasterboard compare to fibre cement sheeting?
Water-resistant plasterboard shares a number of the same features that has made fibre cement popular to use in wet areas such as bathrooms, these features include:
• Great tile weight capacity
• Water resistant properties
Water resistant plasterboard also retains the benefits of standard plasterboard, these benefits include:
• Easy to score and snap (compared to fibre cement)
• Versatility, same thickness as standard plasterboard allowing for off-cuts to be used in other areas (10mm USG Boral WETSTOP™ vs 6.5mm Fibre Cement)
• Lighter to carry
• Better finish for painting
3. Dust control compound – a new technology that makes a difference to you, your staff and your fellow workers
“Dust Control has been designed to reduce the amount of respirable airborne dust during the sanding process,” said Tim Harrington, compounds category manager at USG Boral. “The dust particles are heavier, and tend to fall straight to the ground, and respond better to the vacuum in power sanders, rather than creating fine, fly away dust that is more likely to get in ears, eyes, and be inhaled. This new product has been designed with the health and safety of our customers in mind.”
Can I use SHEETROCK® Dust Control for plasterboard repair and renovations?
Dust control is ideal for renovation projects, as it limits plumes of dust – reducing the effort involved in protecting surrounding surfaces. The dust produced when sanding clumps and settles downward – often saving the need for contractors to return for a second clean-up once fine dust has settled.
Can SHEETROCK Dust Control help improve air quality in workplaces?
As Dust Control forms clumps and falls to the ground during sanding, it reduces the amount of respirable airborne dust, which can help to improve air quality in the work place. This has benefits not only for plastering contractors but other workers on busy construction sites.
What are the benefits of using SHEETROCK Dust Control in retail projects and shopfitting?
As Dust Control reduces respirable airborne dust, it creates less mess and reduces the clean-up required in other parts of stores or for adjacent retail tenants. Jobs can be completed more quickly; less preparation time is needed to screen off areas and less time is needed for clean-up afterwards.
How does SHEETROCK Dust Control save time on the job?
Dust control can save you time in three ways:
• As a pre-mix, Dust Control is ready to apply directly from the tub and doesn’t require mixing – with a consistency that makes it easy and quick to use.
• Because the dust created when sanding Dust Control clumps together and falls to the ground, it is quicker to clean up working areas when compared to our standard jointing compounds
• Dust Control has very low shrinkage as it dries – which reduces the need for repeat applications.
Can I use a mechanical sander with SHEETROCK Dust Control?
Yes, you can use a mechanical sander – the heavier dust reacts very well to the vacuum of mechanical sanders, although only light hand sanding with fine grit sanding paper is required.
Do I need to wear personal protection equipment when using SHEETROCK Dust Control?
USG Boral advise using full personal protection equipment when working with plaster compounds – including protective safety glasses and a respiratory mask when sanding, as outlined in our product safety information available here.
Is dust from plastering dangerous to my health?
Any dust can be a health hazard, but dust produced from gypsum plasterboard is less harmful than many other materials, such as those containing asbestos or concentrations of crystalline silica above the state and national prescribed limits.
4.Basecote gold bedding compound – designed for northern Australia
USG Boral is excited to release this all new chemical base for better / stronger adhesion and reduction of tape fall out. This product is designed specifically for the hot climates in northern Australia.
PMC recognises USG Boral’s desire to provide innovative products to the building industry and is proud to be a part of such a strong professional relationship. If you would like to know more about the above products & services, simply contact your nearest PMC store:
Cairns: (07) 4031 1277
Townsville: (07) 4725 6872
