E-Cousti Double Stud Solution

Description

The E-Cousti Double Stud Solution meets the requirements of Approved Document E for a separating wall.  E-Coustiquilt comprises two layers of mineral wool bonded to the E-Cousti Membrane. 

General   Partitions must be installed in accordance with Drywall recommendations and the recommendations of BS 8212 and BS 8000: Part 8 1994.  Although this guidance describes a metal stud the same principles apply when installing timber stud work. Perimeter Framing Head/sole plates should be used at the head and base respectively of the partition.  It is recommended that a resilient layer is placed on the side that touches the floor/soffit which is sealed with E-Cousti Fix and Seal to ensure the acoustic integrity of the structure. Timber studs should be used to form any abutments to frame openings.  Bed each section to two continuous beads of E-Cousti Fix and Seal and secure with nailable plugs at maximum 600mm centres and 50mm from the ends of the plates or studs.  Separate studs and plates forming the perimeter need not be joined but should be tightly butted together.  Partitions should always run up to the structural soffit.  Where an existing suspended ceiling cannot be cut back to allow for partitioning, bracing must be provided for lateral support of the partition head. Vertical Studs Studs should be positioned within the channels to coincide with the abutments of the boards, which will be fixed later. Facings The boards should be fully screwed with 25mm Drywall Screws at 400mm centres.  After fixing the first layer, ensure any joints and gaps in the lining are filled with suitable jointing products.  A second layer of 12.5mm plasterboard is then applied fully overlapping the first board (by 600mm) so all the board joints are covered.  Screw fit with 42mm Drywall Screws at 200mm centres.  Again ensure at this stage that any gaps in the lining are filled with E-Cousti Fix and Seal prior to any surface finishing.

E-Coustiquilt
E-Coustiquilt is supplied in rolls 5m long in 400mm, 600mm or 1200mm widths at 52mm thick.
Once one side of the frame has been boarded the E-Coustiquilt should be inserted between the studs vertically.  Care should be taken to ensure that the insulation is fitted neatly without gaps at abutments or vertically between different rolls.  The material can be secured in position using a metal, or timber batten screwed through to the plate at the head and floor, ensuring that a generous overlap is allowed at the top and bottom to give a complete seal.

Support for Horizontal Joints in Facings
To back horizontal joints in outer board layers, cut out timber noggins to fit between studs, insert at a height where heavy items are to be hung sand nail through the stud into the noggin on both sides.  Repeat facing instructions to the front of the frame.    

Doorways
The head is formed with a head plate and screw fixed with Wafer Head Jack point Screws to the studs.  Studs are used for the frame openings on either side fixed to the sole plate.

Boarding
All boards should be offered up to the frame with the face of the board outwards and secured with Drywall Screws at 300mm centres.  Fixing centres should be reduced to 200mm in corners.   Boarding should commence at one end and work across the partition.  At head, foot and abutments, board edges should be bedded on to continuous beads of E-Cousti Fix and Seal Sealant.  Board joints in multiple layers should be staggered both vertically and horizontally by at least 600mm.

 FINISHING

Taping and jointing
To achieve a seamless finish on tapered edge boards Sheffield Insulations provide a range of jointing compounds and reinforcing tapes.  As soon as the joints have dried apply a coat of Wallboard Primer over the plasterboards and joints to equalise suction levels between the joints and boards, or two coats for improved surface vapour resistance.

Skimming
A 2mm to 5mm veneer coat is applied to the face of the plasterboards.  The board joints should be reinforced with either paper or fibre tape.

Decoration
For heavy type vinyl backed wall coverings reference should be made to the manufacturer for priming treatments.

Health & Safety
Both plasterboard and timber must be cut to required lengths and this should be done in well ventilated areas.

FINISHING

Taping and jointing
Ensure the facing is a tapered edge plasterboard to accommodate taping and jointing.  As soon as the joints have dried, one coat of wallboard primer should be applied to the dry lined surface.  This will reduce moisture absorption and the risk of discolouration.   

Skimming
It is recommended to use a square edge board as a facing.  Consider the extra 2mm to 5mm veneer coat of plaster in the overall ceiling thickness.

Limitations
The separating wall solution can be used in typical applications; however there are some extreme circumstances where plasterboard is not suitable:  temperatures over 50OC can include a change in state of the plasterboard which could reduce its physical performance and serviceability.  Constant humidity over  90OC (95OC if using moisture resistant boards) or continuous subjection to water will also reduce the serviceability or the plasterboard.