Dabs
The term ‘dabs’ refers to blobs or 'dots' of plaster or gypsum-based bonding compounds used as an adhesive to fix boards such as gypsum-based boards, dry lining board or mineral fibre backed boards direct to masonry walls. This leaves a small cavity between the boards and the wall.
Dabs have been commonly used since the 1970’s an 80’s as a faster method of fixing boards to walls compared to timber battens or timber straps. As well as being faster, dabs can perform acoustically more effectively than timber straps, however, at some frequencies, the air in the cavity behind the boards can cause a mass-spring-mass resonance.
The technique of fixing boards direct to masonry with dabs is referred to as ‘dot and dab’. This process has been criticised recently as the cavity behind the boards can create a thermal by-pass if it is open at the top or bottom or if there are imperfections in the wall. See dot and dab for more information.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding.
Types of rapidly renewable content
From forestry to agricultural crops and their by-products.
Terraced houses and the public realm
The discernible difference between the public realm of detached housing and of terraced housing.