North American versus European Levels of Finish Quality Standards
Keep a Level Head
The Levels of Finish for gypsum wallboard have been around for a while. Ironically, the North America levels and European levels are similar yet very different. On our side of the pond, we have five levels; whereas Europe only has four. Similarities in the comparison are the higher the number, the better the hiding power of the joints. The intent of establishing the standards for levels is to provide guidance to owners on expectations and direction to applicators to meet those expectations. The different levels allow for options, criteria and product selection all in the goal to avoid conflicts when the project is complete.
The North American and the European versions also have unique nomenclature. For example, it is common in the EU to intermix the terms drywall and plasterboard. Common to both continents, drywall can be applied over masonry substrates. Europe refers to this as “dry lining.” While North America tends to use furring, Europe prefers the dot-and-daub system to affix gypsum panels. The dot-and-daub method employs a plaster like material to adhere gypsum panels to the masonry substrates. The applicator places six large daubs of adhesive plaster to the masonry and then presses the gypsum panel to be secured to the wall. The panels are straightened while the plaster is wet. Once set, the joint treatment of the panels can start.