Wet Areas
The BCA requires wet area construction to protect the occupants from dangerous or unhealthy conditions, and to protect the building from damage. Acceptable construction for wet areas is detailed in the BCA and Australian Standard AS 3740, Waterproofing of Wet Areas within Residential Buildings. The installation instructions in Section 4.1.4 of this manual comply with AS 3740-2004.
WaterShield, SafeShield and MultiShield are water resistant plasterboards. They are suitable for use as ‘water resistant substrates’ in the waterproofing of wet areas according to the BCA and AS 3740. MultiShield is a water resistant plasterboard that is also fire resistant and can be substituted for FireShield in all systems. SafeShield can be substituted for 10mm WaterShield wherever desired.
WaterShield, SafeShield and MultiShield are manufactured to high internal standards that meet or exceed the requirements of ASTM C630-2003, Water Resistant Gypsum Backing Board and AS 2588, Gypsum Plasterboard.
WaterShield and MultiShield are water resistant, however they are not waterproof. Direct contact with water over time must be avoided and if plasterboard has been water damaged, replace it.
Precautions against condensation listed in Section 3.2 ‘Condensation and Ventilation’ must be followed. For external use of plasterboard [refer to Section 3.2 External ceilings].
Knauf Plasterboard guarantees the performance of WaterShield for 10 years. For more information, click here.