Publishing and copyright information

The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the document was last issued.

The following BSI references relate to the work on this standard: Committee reference B/544

Draft for comment 06/30140171 DC

Publication history

First published, September 2006

Foreword

Publishing information

This British Standard was published by BSI and came into effect on 29 September 2006. It was prepared by Technical Committee B/544, Plastering, rendering, dry lining. A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on request to its secretary.

Supersession

This British Standard together with BS EN 13914‑2 and PD CEN/TR 15123 supersedes BS 5492:1990, which is withdrawn.

Relationship with other publications

BS 8481 is largely based on an amalgamation of two CEN Technical Reports:

CEN/TR 15124:2005, Design, preparation and application of internal gypsum plastering systems.
CEN/TR 15125:2005, Design, preparation and application of internal cement and/or lime plastering systems.

However certain additions and deletions have been made to these texts to make them appropriate to working conditions found in the UK.

Information about this document

Where the guidance for the use of gypsum plastering systems differ from that for plastering systems based on cement, cement and lime, the guidance for the former precedes that for the latter. It is essential that the design clauses are read in conjunction with the clauses on background and preparation.

It is not the function of this standard to assign responsibility for the design and application of any work or actions mentioned within to any specific party. Such responsibility is a matter for other documentation associated with the work, e.g. the contract.

A CEN Technical Report is also available which gives the equivalent information for internal polymer plastering systems:

CEN/TR 15123:2005, Design, preparation and application of internal polymer plastering systems.

It has been assumed in the preparation of this British Standard that the execution of its provisions will be entrusted to appropriately qualified and experienced people, for whose use it has been produced.

Presentational conventions

The provisions of this standard are presented in roman (i.e. upright) type. Its requirements are expressed in sentences in which the principal auxiliary verb is “shall”.

Commentary, explanation and general informative material is presented in smaller italic type, and does not constitute a normative element.

Contractual and legal considerations

This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.

Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from legal obligations.

1 Scope

This British Standard specifies the design, preparation and application of plaster based on gypsum, cement, cement and lime, for internal plastering on all types of background used under normal conditions. It includes plastering onto both new and old backgrounds and the maintenance and repair of existing work. It concerns materials, backgrounds, preparation of the surface to be plastered, choice of suitable gypsum, cement, cement and lime plastering systems, methods of application and inspection and testing of plastering.

Recommendations on gypsum, cement, cement and lime plastering mixes with special properties intended to enhance thermal insulation, fire resistance, acoustic insulation and to increase radiation absorption maintenance and repair are also covered.

NOTE Relevant data are summarized in a series of tables.

This standard should be read in conjunction with BS EN 13914‑2 especially regarding surface, requirements, flatness, verticality, angularity, types of finish and smoothness which are not dealt with in this standard.

2 Normative references

3 Terms and definitions

3.1 Plaster definitions

3.2 Application definitions

3.3 Background definitions

3.4 Other definitions

4 Materials and accessories

4.1 Materials for site-made plasters

4.2 Water

4.3 Types of cement, cement and lime plasters based on BS EN 998‑1

4.4 Reinforcement, lathing and beads

4.5 Fixings

4.6 Firings

5 Design – factors influencing the selection of gypsum plastering systems

5.1 Functions and properties that might be required

5.2 Factors influencing the choice of gypsum plaster type or systems

5.3 Background

6 Characteristics of gypsum plastering systems

6.1 General

6.2 Fire properties

6.3 Thermal properties

6.4 Acoustic properties

6.5 Resistance to cracking

6.6 Durability

6.7 Thickness

6.8 Surface hardness

6.9 Application of gypsum plasters

7 Design – factors influencing the selection of cement, cement and lime plastering systems

7.1 Functions and properties that might be required

7.2 Factors influencing the choice of cement and cement and lime plaster type or systems

7.3 Background

8 Characteristics of cement, cement and lime plastering systems

8.1 General

8.2 Reaction to fire

8.3 Thermal insulation

8.4 Acoustic properties

8.5 Resistance to cracking and crazing

8.6 Durability

8.7 Principles governing the number of plaster coats

8.8 Thickness of plaster coats

8.9 Surface hardness

9 Backgrounds, including preparation for cement, cement and lime plastering systems

9.1 Required characteristics of the background

9.2 Classes and types of backgrounds

9.3 Bonding pre-treatment for use with cement, cement and lime, based plasters

9.4 Preparation of background

10 Preparation and application of cement, cement and lime plasters

10.1 Proportioning of mix materials on site

10.2 Mixing on site – for factory made and site batched plasters

10.3 Application

11 Maintenance and repair (other than restoration of old and historic buildings)

11.1 General

11.2 Inspection

11.3 Efflorescence

11.4 Repairs to cracks

11.5 Repair of hollow or detached areas and textured finishes

Bibliography

BS 8481:2006

Design, preparation and application of internal gypsum, cement, cement and lime plastering systems. Specification

Current

Published:

29 Sep 2006