What are the fixing requirements for the Ply side of a BLP-H? 

The plywood side should be fixed off at 150mm centres to the perimeter of each sheet with 300mm centres to the middle stud if there is one. The GIB Ezybrace® corner pattern does not apply to the plywood side. 

What if I have a double stud at the end of my bracing element and cannot achieve the minimum 80mm bolt-to-edge distance? 

You have 3 options: 

1. You can look to place it on the other side of the stud which carriers the edge of the element if this is available. 
2. You can run the sheet to the edge of the element, but the element would only be 'counted' on the width to which the stud has the GIB Handibrac® fixed. This may result in a reduced element size so check with the designer.
3. You may be able to remove the stud, place the GIB Handibrac® in and then check out the bottom of the stud to fit over the GIB Handibrac®. 

Can I brace behind a laundry tub or is this considered a 'wet area'? 

A laundry tub is not considered a 'wet area' in E3, so this is allowed – consider using GIB Aqualine® if the minimum element width allows it (check if a BL type). 

I have a gap in my bottom plate to allow for a pipe stack, is this OK? 

You will need to put a hold down bolt within 50mm of each side and if the gap is less than 150mm and you can continue the screw pattern then this is allowed. 

I have failed my inspection because some of my screws are overdriven, what do I do? 

Firstly – slow down, adjust the screw gun accordingly. If the majority of the screws are over driven, then you will need to replace the sheet(s) affected. If only some screws are affected, then you can insert a new screw – no closer than 25mm to the ‘offending’ screw and this will act as a replacement. Keep in mind the pattern needs to be maintained so it is highly likely you will need to pop another one on the other side too. A word of caution here though, if you have too many screws all 25mm away from each other, you can over-do it and create a ‘perforation’ effect. 

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