Division B
Acceptable Solutions

Part 9 — Housing and Small Buildings

Section 9.29. Interior Wall and Ceiling Finishes

9.29.1. General

9.29.1.1. Fire Protection and Sound Control
1) Intent StatementA wall or ceiling finish shall also conform to the appropriate requirements in Sections 9.10. and 9.11., in addition to the requirements in this Section.

9.29.2. Waterproof Wall Finish

9.29.2.1. Where Required
1) Intent StatementWaterproof finish shall be provided to a height of not less than
a) 1.8 m above the floor in shower stalls,
b) 1.2 m above the rims of bathtubs equipped with showers, and
c) 400 mm above the rims of bathtubs not equipped with showers.
9.29.2.2. Materials
1) Intent StatementWaterproof finish shall consist of ceramic, plastic or metal tile, sheet vinyl, tempered hardboard, laminated thermosetting decorative sheets or linoleum.

9.29.3. Wood Furring

9.29.3.1. Size and Spacing of Furring
1) Intent StatementWood furring for the attachment of wall and ceiling finishes shall conform to Table 9.29.3.1.
Table 9.29.3.1.
Size and Spacing of Furring
Forming part of Sentence 9.29.3.1.(1)

Maximum Spacing of Furring, mm (in.)

Minimum Size of Furring, mm (in.)

Maximum Spacing of Furring Supports
Continuous Supports

400 mm  (in.) (o.c.)

600 mm  (in.) (o.c.)

300 (12)

19 x 38 (¾ x 1½)

19 x 38 (¾ x 1½)

19 x 64 (¾ x 2½)

400 (16)

19 x 38 (¾ x 1½)

19 x 38 (¾ x 1½)

19 x 64 (¾ x 2½)

600 (24)

19 x 38 (¾ x 1½)

19 x 64 (¾ x 2½)

19 x 89 (¾ x 3½)

9.29.3.2. Fastening
1) Intent StatementFurring shall be fastened to the framing or to wood blocks with not less than 51 mm nails.

9.29.4. Plastering

9.29.4.1. Application
1) Intent StatementApplication of plaster wall and ceiling finishes, including installation of metal or gypsum lath, shall conform to CSA A82.30-M, “Interior Furring, Lathing and Gypsum Plastering.”

9.29.5. Gypsum Board Finish (Taped Joints)

9.29.5.1. Application
1) Intent StatementThe requirements for application of gypsum board in this Subsection apply to the single layer application of gypsum board to wood furring or framing using nails or screws.
2) Intent StatementGypsum board applications not described in this Subsection shall conform to CSA A82.31-M, “Gypsum Board Application.”
9.29.5.2. Materials
1) Intent StatementGypsum products shall conform to
b) ASTM C 1178/C 1178M, “Coated Glass Mat Water-Resistant Gypsum Backing Panel,” or
c) ASTM C 1396/C 1396M, “Gypsum Board.”
9.29.5.3. Maximum Spacing of Supports
1) Intent StatementMaximum spacing of supports for gypsum board applied as a single layer shall conform to Table 9.29.5.3.
Table 9.29.5.3.
Spacing of Supports for Gypsum Board
Forming part of Sentence 9.29.5.3.(1)
Thickness, mm Orientation of Board to Framing Maximum Spacing of Supports, mm o.c.
Walls Ceilings
Painted Finish Water-Based Texture Finish
Gypsum board conforming to Sentence 9.29.5.2.(1) (except Sections 9 and 12 of ASTM C 1396/C 1396M
9.5 parallel
perpendicular 400 400
12.7 parallel 600 400
perpendicular 600 600 400
15.9 parallel 600 400
perpendicular 600 600 600

Gypsum ceiling board conforming to Clause 9.29.5.2.(1)(c) (only Section 12 of ASTM C 1396/C 1396M

12.7

parallel

600

400

perpendicular

600

600

600

9.29.5.4. Support of Insulation
1) Intent StatementGypsum board supporting insulation shall be not less than 12.7 mm thick.
9.29.5.5. Length of Fasteners
1) Intent StatementThe length of fasteners for gypsum board shall conform to Table 9.29.5.5., except that lesser depths of penetration are permitted for assemblies required to have a fire-resistance rating provided it can be shown, on the basis of fire tests, that such depths are adequate for the required rating.
Table 9.29.5.5.
Fastener Penetration into Wood Supports
Forming part of Sentence 9.29.5.5.(1)

Required Fire-Resistance Rating of Assembly

Minimum Penetration, mm (in.)

Walls Ceilings
Nails Screws Nails Screws
Not required

20
(13/16)

15
(5/8)

20
(13/16)

15
(5/8)

45 min

20
(13/16)

20
(13/16)

30
(1 3/16)

30
(1 3/16)

1 h

20
(13/16)

20
(13/16)

45
(1 3/4)

45
(1 3/4)

1.5 h

20
(13/16)

20
(13/16)

60
(2 3/8)

60
(2 3/8)

9.29.5.6. Nails
1) Nails for fastening gypsum board to wood supports shall conform to
a) change beginASTM F1667, “Driven Fasteners: Nails, Spikes, and Staples,”change end or

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9.29.5.7. Screws
1) Intent StatementScrews for fastening gypsum board to wood supports shall conform to ASTM C 1002, “Steel Self-Piercing Tapping Screws for the Application of Gypsum Panel Products or Metal Plaster Bases to Wood Studs or Steel Studs.”
9.29.5.8. Spacing of Nails
1) Intent StatementFor single-layer application on a ceiling, nails shall be spaced
a) not more than 180 mm o.c. on ceiling supports, or
b) every 300 mm o.c. along ceiling supports, in pairs about 50 mm apart.
2) Intent StatementWhere the ceiling sheets are supported by the wall sheets around the perimeter of the ceiling, this support may be considered as equivalent to nailing at this location.
3) Intent StatementExcept as required by Sentence (4), for single-layer application on walls, nails shall be spaced
a) not more than 200 mm o.c. on vertical wall supports, or
b) every 300 mm o.c. along vertical wall supports, in pairs about 50 mm apart.
4) Intent StatementFor single-layer application on walls, where gypsum board change beginprovides required bracing in braced wall panels, lateral support for studs,change end or fire protection, nails shall be spaced not more than 200 mm o.c. on
a) vertical wall supports, and
b) top and bottom plates.
(See Article 9.23.10.2. and Section 9.10.)
5) Intent StatementThe uppermost nails on vertical wall supports shall be not more than 200 mm below the ceiling.
6) Intent StatementNails shall be located not less than 10 mm from the side or edge of the board.
7) Intent StatementNails shall be driven so that the heads do not puncture the paper.
9.29.5.9. Spacing of Screws
1) Intent StatementFor single-layer application on a ceiling, screws shall be spaced not more than 300 mm o.c. on ceiling supports.
2) Intent StatementWhere the ceiling sheets are supported by the wall sheets around the perimeter of the ceiling, this support may be considered as equivalent to screwing at this location.
3) Intent StatementExcept as required by Sentence (4), for single-layer application on walls, screws shall be spaced
a) not more than 300 mm o.c. on vertical wall supports where the supports are more than 400 mm o.c., or
b) not more than 400 mm o.c. on vertical wall supports where the supports are not more than 400 mm o.c.
4) Intent StatementExcept as provided in Sentence (5), for single-layer application on walls, where gypsum board change beginprovides required bracing in braced wall panels, lateral support for studs,change end or fire protection, screws shall be spaced not more than 300 mm o.c. on
a) vertical wall supports, and
b) top and bottom plates.
(See Article 9.23.10.2. and Section 9.10.)
5) Intent StatementWhere a fire-resistance rating is determined based on Table A-9.10.3.1.A in Appendix A, Sentence (4) need not apply for the purpose of fire protection.
6) Intent StatementScrews shall be located not less than 10 mm from the edge of the board.
7) Intent StatementScrews shall be driven so that the heads do not puncture the paper.
9.29.5.10. Low Temperature Conditions
1) Intent StatementIn cold weather, heat shall be provided to maintain a temperature not below 10°C for 48 h prior to taping and finishing and maintained for not less than 48 h thereafter.

9.29.6. Plywood Finish

9.29.6.1. Thickness
1) Intent StatementExcept as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), the minimum thickness of plywood interior finish shall conform to Table 9.29.6.1.
Table 9.29.6.1.
Thickness of Plywood Interior Finish
Forming part of Articles 9.29.6.1. and 9.29.6.2.
Maximum Spacing of Supports, mm o.c.

Minimum Thickness, mm(1)

On Supports with no Horizontal Blocking

On Supports with Blocking at Vertical Intervals not Exceeding 1.2 m

400 4.7 4.0
600 8.0 4.7
Notes to Table 9.29.6.1.:

(1) Thickness limits shall apply to the net effective thickness (NET) of grooved, striated, textured and/or embossed panels and to the actual thickness of flat panels.
2) Intent StatementA manufacturing tolerance of −0.4 mm may be applied to the thicknesses listed in Table 9.29.6.1.
3) Intent StatementNo minimum thickness is required where plywood is applied over continuous backing.
9.29.6.2. Grooved Plywood
1) Intent StatementExcept as permitted in Sentence (2), where plywood for interior finish is grooved, the grooves shall not extend through the face ply and into the plies below the face ply unless the groove is supported by framing or furring.
2) Intent StatementIf the grain of the face ply is at right angles to the supporting members, the groove is permitted to extend into plies below the face ply provided the thickness of the plywood exceeds the value shown in Table 9.29.6.1. by an amount equal to not less than the depth of penetration of the grooves into the plies below the face ply.
9.29.6.3. Nails and Staples
1) Intent Statementchange beginExcept as provided in Sentence (2)change end, nails for attaching plywood finishes shall not be less than 38 mm casing or finishing nails spaced not more than 150 mm o.c. along edge supports and 300 mm o.c. along intermediate supports, except that staples providing equivalent lateral resistance may also be used.
2) Intent Statementchange beginWhere plywood finish provides required bracing in braced wall panels, the plywood shall be fastened in accordance with the fastening requirements for sheathing stated in Sentence 9.23.3.5.(2).change end
9.29.6.4. Edge Support
1) Intent StatementAll plywood edges shall be supported by furring, blocking or framing.

9.29.7. Hardboard Finish

9.29.7.1. Material Standard
1) Intent StatementHardboard shall conform to CAN/CGSB-11.3-M, “Hardboard.”
9.29.7.2. Thickness
1) Intent StatementHardboard shall be not less than
a) 3 mm thick where applied over continuous backing,
b) 6 mm thick when applied over supports spaced not more than 400 mm o.c., and
c) 9 mm thick when applied over supports spaced not more than 600 mm o.c.
9.29.7.3. Nails
1) Intent StatementNails for fastening hardboard shall be casing or finishing nails not less than 38 mm long, spaced not more than 150 mm o.c. along edge supports and 300 mm o.c. along intermediate supports.
9.29.7.4. Edge Support
1) Intent StatementAll hardboard edges shall be supported by furring, blocking or framing where the backing is not continuous.

9.29.8. Insulating Fibreboard Finish

9.29.8.1. Material Standard
1) Insulating fibreboard shall conform to change beginCAN/ULC-S706, “Wood Fibre Insulating Boards for Buildings.”change end

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9.29.8.2. Thickness
1) Intent StatementInsulating fibreboard sheets shall be not less than 11.1 mm thick on supports not more than 400 mm o.c.
2) Intent StatementInsulating fibreboard tile shall be not less than 12.7 mm thick on supports spaced not more than 400 mm o.c.
9.29.8.3. Nails
1) Intent StatementNails for fastening fibreboard sheets shall be not less than 2.6 mm shank diameter casing or finishing nails of sufficient length to penetrate not less than 20 mm into the supports.
2) Intent StatementNails shall be spaced not more than 100 mm o.c. along edge supports and 200 mm o.c. along intermediate supports.
9.29.8.4. Edge Support
1) Intent StatementAll fibreboard edges shall be supported by blocking, furring or framing.

9.29.9. Particleboard, OSB or Waferboard Finish

9.29.9.1. Material Standard
1) Intent StatementParticleboard finish shall conform to ANSI A208.1, “Particleboard.”
2) Intent StatementOSB or waferboard finish shall conform to
9.29.9.2. Minimum Thickness
1) Intent StatementExcept as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), the minimum thickness of O-2 grade OSB used as an interior finish shall conform to that shown for plywood in Table 9.29.6.1.
2) Intent StatementThicknesses listed in Table 9.29.6.1. shall permit a manufacturing tolerance of − 0.4 mm.
3) Intent StatementNo minimum thickness is required where O-2 grade OSB is applied over continuous backing.
4) Intent StatementOSB conforming to O-1 grade, waferboard conforming to R-1 grade and particleboard shall be
a) not less than 6.35 mm thick on supports not more than 400 mm o.c.,
b) not less than 9.5 mm thick on supports not more than 600 mm o.c., and
c) not less than 6.35 mm thick on supports not more than 600 mm o.c. in walls where blocking is provided at midwall height.
5) Intent StatementOSB conforming to CAN/CSA-O325, “Construction Sheathing,” shall meet the minimum panel mark of
a) W16, on supports not more than 400 mm o.c.,
b) W24, on supports not more than 600 mm o.c., and
c) W16, on supports not more than 600 mm o.c. where blocking is provided at mid-wall height.
9.29.9.3. Nails
1) Intent Statementchange beginExcept as provided in Sentence (2),change end nails for fastening particleboard, OSB or waferboard shall be not less than 38 mm casing or finishing nails spaced not more than 150 mm o.c. along edge supports and 300 mm o.c. along intermediate supports.
2) Intent Statementchange beginWhere OSB or waferboard provides required bracing in braced wall panels, the OSB or waferboard shall be fastened in accordance with the fastening requirements for sheathing stated in Sentence 9.23.3.5.(2).change end
9.29.9.4. Edge Support
1) Intent StatementAll particleboard, OSB or waferboard edges shall be supported by furring, blocking or framing.

9.29.10. Wall Tile Finish

9.29.10.1. Tile Application
1) Intent StatementCeramic tile shall be set in a mortar base or applied with an adhesive.
2) Intent StatementPlastic tile shall be applied with an adhesive.
9.29.10.2. Mortar Base
1) Intent StatementWhen ceramic tile is applied to a mortar base the cementitious material shall consist of one part Portland cement to not more than one-quarter part lime by volume.
2) Intent StatementThe cementitious material described in Sentence (1) shall be mixed with not less than 3 nor more than 5 parts of aggregate per part of cementitious material by volume.
3) Intent StatementMortar shall be applied over metal lath or masonry.
4) Intent StatementCeramic tile applied to a mortar base shall be thoroughly soaked and pressed into place forcing the mortar into the joints while the tile is wet.
9.29.10.3. Adhesives
1) Intent StatementAdhesives to attach ceramic and plastic tile shall be applied to the finish coat or brown coat of plaster that has been steel-trowelled to an even surface or to gypsum board or to masonry provided the masonry has an even surface.
9.29.10.4. Moisture-Resistant Backing
1) Intent StatementCeramic and plastic tile installed on walls around bathtubs or showers shall be applied over moisture-resistant backing.
9.29.10.5. Joints between Tiles and Bathtub
1) Intent StatementThe joints between wall tiles and a bathtub shall be suitably caulked with material conforming to CAN/CGSB-19.22-M, “Mildew-Resistant Sealing Compound for Tubs and Tiles.”