In the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary floods, our GIB® Helpline team has received a growing number of queries relating to the assessment and remediation of water-damaged board.

In a small number of cases, plasterboard temporarily exposed to clean water can be left out to dry and will recover its original properties, but when exposed to flood water, plasterboard is likely to be contaminated and must be replaced.

We’ve collated answers for you to four commonly asked questions from the GIB® Helpline team:

Can we replace only part of a brace element, or do we have to replace the full sheet?

The minimum allowed part sheet in a brace element is 300 mm, which does allow for part replacement.  Our recommendation is that the piece be cut stud-to-stud and if the top cut edge is not on a nog, this should be back-blocked.

How high do I cut up above the flood high water mark?

Our recommendation is to cut away 300 mm above the water line. This is because the water can rise up through the core or even the face paper of the board.

How long does it take for plasterboard to dry out?

This will depend on how thick the board is, how many layers there are and if it has a higher density like GIB Braceline® or GIB Noiseline®. Although the plasterboard layer may look dry, make sure you check if any wet insulation has been removed which will allow the timber frame behind to properly dry out.  On its own, a piece of 10 mm GIB® plasterboard will dry out within a couple of days, but dehumidifiers will definitely speed this process up.

Remember: our recommendation is that if exposed to contaminated water then our recommendation is plasterboard should be replaced.

Can flood-damaged board be recycled?

Unfortunately, if your plasterboard has been exposed to flood water it cannot be recycled as it’s likely to contain contaminated water.   It’s also important to not to put self-recycled material into your garden beds as it could contaminate plants as well.

Need more help?

For more information on assessing and remediating water damage to plasterboard linings, we’ve developed a comprehensive guide here.  You can also reach out to the GIB® Helpline team, Monday to Thursday 7.30am – 5pm, Friday 7.30am – 4.30pm on 0800 100 442.