Articles | Technical
Bracing adjacent to openings
Tuesday, 28 October 2025
By Richard Fuller
GIB® plasterboard fixers understand that sheet joints are prone to cracking when formed at the edge of openings.
Often, we see the above sheet termination when the wall adjacent to the opening is a bracing element. However, there is a better way.
The key thing to understand is the braced element edge does not need to align with the sheet edge. This allows the sheet to still run past the top (and bottom if a window) of the opening by at least 200mm. If necessary, a part sheet can be used to ensure a 1200mm wide vertical sheet runs past the opening edge. See Option A & B below.
If it is necessary to align the sheet edge joint with the opening, then it is GIB®'s recommendation that this joint is designed as a control joint. See Option C below.
When the GIB Ezybrace® system requires additional panel hold-downs the maximum dimension from the centre of the hold-down bolt to edge of bracing element is 80mm. This typically coincides with the outer edge of the stud the GIB Handibrac® is connected to. Some openings require additional trimming studs this may reduce the width of the bracing element unless SED is undertaken. Refer to p.22 of the GIB Ezybrace® Systems manual 2016 for further information.
When fixing part sheets of GIB® plasterboard, a minimum sheet width of 300mm applies for bracing elements.
Any questions call the GIB® Helpline 0800 100 442
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