It is important to store plasterboard in a manner that protects it from the environment. The installation of plasterboard should be carried out once the area is water tight so not to risk exposure to water.

If plasterboards are subjected to water, the boards themselves may not necessarily show water damage straight away. Siniat suggest areas that have been subject to water ingress be checked periodically.

If plasterboards are subjected to water, this is not a satisfactory situation because:

a) the paper face absorbs water and degrades,

b) the gypsum core absorbs water and weakens/degrades,

c) there is risk of the formation of black mould in the board after boards are fixed and decorated - maybe months after the exposure,

d) the fire resistanct qualities of the plasterboard may be impaired.

All boards used for fire protection that have been exposed and damaged by water should be fully removed and replaced with new to ensure that the desired fire protection is achieved.

All boards that have been exposed to water are at risk that  black mould growth will occur after the board has dried out. (Stachybotrys Chartarum) has a greenish black appearance and grows on materials such as plasterboard which has a cellusose content and have been exposed to water for any length of time. This type of mould is a serious health risk, which can result in asthma and other respiratory diseases.

On double boarded system, Siniat recommend that the internal layers are also checked for water damage, if the boards are showing any signs of water damage these should also be removed and replaced with new board.

Where boards have been replaced due to mould growth, Siniat also recommend the any insulation be removed and replaced as new as the spoors can migrate and affect other areas.