Use And Care Manual

Construction Guide | 19
LEVEL 0
•
Typically specified in temporary construction or whenever the final
decoration has not been determined.
•
No taping, finishing, or accessories required.
LEVEL 1
•
Typically specified joint treatment in smoke barrier applications and
areas not normally open to public view such as plenum areas above
ceilings, attics, and other areas where the assembly would generally
be concealed.
•
All joints and interior angles shall have tape embedded in joint
compound. Excess joint compound, tool marks and ridges
are acceptable.
•
Accessories are optional unless specified in the project documents.
LEVEL 2
•
Typically specified where gypsum panel products are used as a
substrate for tile; may be used in garages, warehouse storage or
other similar areas where surface appearance is not a concern.
•
All joints and interior angles shall have tape embedded in joint
compound and wiped with a joint knife leaving a thin coating of joint
compound over all joints and interior angles. Joint compound applied
over the body of the tape at the time of tape embedment shall be
considered a separate coat of joint compound and shall satisfy the
conditions of this level.
•
Fastener heads and accessories shall be covered with one (1) coat
of joint compound. Surface shall be free of excess joint compound.
Tool marks and ridges are acceptable.
LEVEL 3
•
Typically specified in appearance areas which are to receive heavy- or
medium-texture finishes (spray or hand applied) before final painting,
or where heavy-duty/commercial grade wallcoverings are to be applied
as the final decoration. The design professional shall specify the
mock-up procedure and mock-up construction details within the project
documents. This level of finish is not recommended for smooth wall
designs or applications where light textures, non-continuous textures,
or lightweight wallcoverings are applied.
•
All joints and interior angles shall have tape embedded in joint
compound and shall be immediately wiped with a joint knife leaving a
thin coating of joint compound over all joints and interior angles. One
(1) separate coat of joint compound shall be applied over all joints and
interior angles. Fastener heads and accessories shall be covered with
two (2) separate coats of joint compound. The surface shall be smooth
and free of tool marks and ridges.
•
Jobsite mock-up(s) shall be used to determine acceptance of the finish
within the building.
Note: It is recommended that the final decoration specification
(e.g., painting specification) include the application of a priming
material prior to the decoration.
LEVEL 4
•
Typically specified in appearance areas where smooth wall designs are
decorated with flat paints, light textures, non-continuous textures, or
wallcoverings are to be applied. The design professional shall specify the
mock-up procedure and mock-up construction details within the project
documents. This level of finish is not recommended where non-flat or
dark/deep tone paints are applied.
•
In critical lighting areas, flat paints applied over light continuous textures
tend to reduce joint photographing.
(Continued)
Five Levels of Finish for Gypsum Board
0
No taping,
finishing or
accessories
required.
1
All joints and
interior angles
have tape set
in compound.
2
Thin coating of
compound over
all joints and
interior angles.
3
Additional coating
of compound
over joints and
interior angles.
Smooth and free
of tool marks
and ridges.
4
Another coating
of compound over
flat joints, smooth
and free of tool
marks or ridges.
5
Skim coat applied
over entire
surface. Surface
smooth and free
of tool marks
or ridges.