Plasterboarding over RSJ... Skim over?

[propertydev83]

Straight forward question... straight forward answer, I hope.

Building inspector stated that for covering the three RSJs we have to use either:
1) single fire rated board
2) doubled-up normal plasterboard
3) paint RSJs with fire-resistant paint, then single normal plasterboard

What I want to know is, do we HAVE to do the plaster skim over aswell with all of these methods? And if so, is there any other way we can plasterboard over where the plaster skim would not be required...?

 

[denso13]

No, skimming not required.

 

[cjard]

BCO never said anything about skim, did he?

 

[propertydev83]

First ever visit, when I asked what should be used for boxing in, he said "usually plasterboard and 3mm skim".

When we were visited today (different BCO to our usual) he said about those 3 options and did mention skimming

However, I'm not sure if the skimming is actually a requirement of building regs, or it was only mentioned because most people skim over boards.

In our situation at this point it would be best avoided due to the extra work and potential mess.

 

[ahuman]

I fitted a catnic a few weeks back, had BC inspect it and he said once there are 2 layers of plasterboard (staggered at edges) to send a few photo's and he would then issue the certificate.

 

[cjard]

Well, we say no.. And maybe you can argue it now if your bco says yes.. But he's the one that ultimately issues your cert, so...

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Believe it or not, British Gypsum produce a document that states what boards at what thickness for any particular beam will provide what fire rating.

 

[propertydev83]

I will try my luck without it.

Gonna finally get the boards up today anyway, and will see where it goes from there.

Thanks all.