50 Years of Proven Reliability 

Since their creation in the 1970’s GIB® Plasterboard bracing systems (commonly referred to as GIB EzyBrace® systems) have played a significant role in the construction of residential buildings in New Zealand.  

Cost Effective Residential Bracing Systems 

The development of plasterboard for bracing applications was a significant breakthrough in the construction industry, as it meant that walls could be built faster, easier, and more affordably by incorporating existing plasterboard linings into the structural bracing of the building without the need for additional timber or steel braces.  

Independent Testing and Verification 

Nowadays, GIB EzyBrace® systems continue to be widely used in homes throughout New Zealand and feature a comprehensive range of tested and BRANZ appraised systems including options for both the interior and exterior* of the building.  

Updated GIB EzyBrace® Supplement Now Available 

In addition to the technical content in the GIB EzyBrace® Specification and Installation Manual, an updated GIB EzyBrace® technical supplement is also now available.  

The updated supplement contains answers to commonly asked bracing design questions including: 

• Small Openings in GIB EzyBrace® Elements 
  • Detailed guidance on how to get the best from a brace element and placement of small penetrations.  

• GIB EzyBrace® Concrete Slab Guidance
  • Updated guidance on hold down bolt placement with reduced edge clearance due to new slab edge insulation requirements.  

• Wings, Blocks and Diaphragms
  • Improved guidance on how to design using Wings, Blocks and Diaphragms.  

• Stacked Bracing Elements
  • Guidance to help determine bracing capacity to timber framed walls built on top of a reinforced concrete or masonry block wall. 

• Bracing Timber Frame Buildings
  • Guidance on bracing using sheet materials in residential timber frame buildings and distributing internal bracing elements efficiently throughout those buildings. 

• Updated BU/m values
  • GIB Weatherline® BU/m values now included. 

Plasterboard Bracing - Cost Effective While Minimising Internal Lining Damage 

The supplement also includes a brief overview of the history of plasterboard as a bracing element in New Zealand and why it continues to be one of the most cost effective and efficient methods for bracing residential buildings.  

Another article on bracing using sheet materials covers how bracing with plasterboard minimises internal lining damage during design and more frequent serviceability events. 

View the GIB EzyBrace® Supplement here or contact the GIB® Helpline 0800 100 442   

 *Exterior GIB Weatherline® Bracing systems are required to covered with a with a ventilated cavity cladding system, refer to the GIB Weatherline® Specification and Installation Manual for more information.