Spec Finish

Technical FIS invited three associate members involved in providing design advice to tell us about some of the issues they come across that are adversely impacting the drylining sector. First of all, we asked Trevor Carr , Director at TCA Design , about the real meaning of ‘quality’. DRYLINING – THE IMPORTANCE OF DELIVERING QUALITY AND DETAIL FIRST TIME 10 www.thefis.org Our stock-in- trade is ensuring the highest possible quality of installations concerning drywall systems and associated firestopping, and our inspection service ensures that clients have peace of mind over the building they are handing over. But it is interesting to note that in our experience, people have differing ideas about the meaning of the word “quality”. Often when we speak to members of the project teams from various disciplines, the mention of quality immediately leads them to think of finishes and interior design schemes. We can almost see it in their eyes as they visualise the finished area with its flawless surfaces and crisp corners and details. These are quite valid considerations and will be important to the owner of the finished interior, but there is a danger that it overlooks a vital element of quality, which is connected with the underlying construction onto which those finishes will be applied. This is where regular inspections and monitoring of works becomes a critical part of the build process. Constructing partitions and fire stopping details correctly and thoroughly in line with the design requirements and those of the system suppliers, is what makes the key difference between these vital elements performing, or failing. Experience shows us that with drywall systems in particular, there is often a lack of understanding regarding the need for close attention to material and system specifications and the construction detailing required when building them, plus, the implications of using a product, system or detail which is not sufficiently covered by appropriate testing. Attention to detail As things stand, with attention focused on the Building Safety Bill and potential changes to the Defective Premises Act (see more on page 21) paying close attention to this level of detail has become more important than ever, and, crucially, there is also now a greater onus on all parties in the design and construction process to demonstrate that everything possible has been done to prevent failures. As part of the overall picture there is an enhanced requirement for proof of competence for every discipline and this is set to tighten further as time goes on. Being able to access advice and guidance from an expert source is vital for designers and contractors. Through delivery of training and awareness to principal contractors, trade contractors, designers and operatives, our role is to ensure everyone is fully informed as to the requirements of a given project, as well as the fundamental points they should be aware of when constructing these systems. This is then supplemented with regular inspections of the works as they are built, so that potential defects are prevented BEFORE they happen. Only with a thorough integrated package of measures like this can clients be assured of the highest quality in all aspects of the work, and can be assured of the safety and comfort of the ultimate occupants of the building they hand over, both now and into the future. DRYWALL SYSTEMS “There is also now a greater onus on all parties in the design and construction process to demonstrate that everything possible has been done to prevent failures.” Joe Cilia, FIS Technical Director Trevor Carr, TCA Design