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IS 2095:2000 (Part 1) is the Indian Standard (BIS) for gypsum plaster boards, part 1: plain gypsum plaster boards. This standard specifies the requirements for manufacturing, standard dimensions, tolerances, physical properties, and testing methods of plain gypsum plaster boards used primarily for interior walls, ceilings, and drywall partitions.
Gypsum Plaster Boards, Part 1: Plain Gypsum Plaster Boards
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Frequently Used
Domain
Architectural — Building Limes and Gypsum Products
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Store boards flat on an even, dry surface to prevent warping and moisture absorption prior to installation.
! Plain gypsum boards are highly susceptible to moisture; do not use them in wet areas like bathrooms or kitchens. Use water-resistant boards (IS 2095 Part 2) instead.
! Ensure the correct edge profile (tapered, square, or bevelled) is specified based on the intended jointing and finishing methods.
Specifies requirements for various gypsum boards, including regular (plain) boards for interior finishes.
EN 520:2004+A1:2009CEN (Europe) / BSI (UK)
HighCurrent
Gypsum plasterboards - Definitions, requirements and test methods
Specifies requirements for plasterboards, with Type A being the equivalent of plain gypsum plasterboard.
AS/NZS 2588:2018Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand (AU/NZ)
HighCurrent
Gypsum plasterboard
Specifies manufacturing and performance requirements for gypsum plasterboard used in building applications.
Key Differences
≠IS 2095-1 is a dedicated standard for 'Plain' boards, whereas standards like ASTM C1396 and EN 520 are comprehensive documents covering multiple types (e.g., fire-resistant, water-resistant) in one specification.
≠IS 2095 specifies a maximum water absorption limit of 10% for plain boards, while ASTM C1396 does not specify a water absorption requirement for its standard 'Regular' board, reserving such limits for water-resistant types.
≠ASTM C1396 is based on imperial units (e.g., 48-inch/1220 mm width), resulting in slightly different standard dimensions compared to the metric-based IS 2095 (1200 mm width).
≠Minimum flexural strength requirements can vary. For example, for a ~12.5 mm board, the longitudinal breaking load in ASTM C1396 is ~489 N, which is lower than the 550 N required by IS 2095.
Key Similarities
≈All standards define the fundamental product as a non-combustible gypsum core integrally bonded to paper surfacing on both faces and long edges.
≈Flexural strength (or 'Breaking Load') is a critical performance characteristic in all standards, with specified minimum values for both the longitudinal (parallel to fiber) and transverse (perpendicular to fiber) directions.
≈All standards specify requirements and tolerances for key dimensional properties such as thickness, width, length, and squareness to ensure product consistency and proper installation.
≈The provision for different edge profiles, especially Tapered Edges for seamless jointing and Square Edges, is a common feature across all the standards.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Standard Board Width
1200 mm
48 inches (1220 mm)
ASTM C1396/C1396M-23
Thickness Tolerance (for 12.5 mm board)
± 0.5 mm
± 0.4 mm
EN 520:2004+A1:2009
Breaking Load (Longitudinal, 12.5 mm board)
≥ 550 N
≥ 110 lbf (~489 N)
ASTM C1396/C1396M-23
Breaking Load (Transverse, 12.5 mm board)
≥ 210 N
≥ 210 N (for Type A board)
EN 520:2004+A1:2009
Water Absorption (Plain/Regular Board)
≤ 10% by weight
Not specified for regular board; only for water-resistant types.
ASTM C1396/C1396M-23
End Squareness Tolerance
≤ 3 mm deviation per 1200 mm width
≤ 1/8 inch (≈ 3.2 mm) deviation
ASTM C1396/C1396M-23
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values8
Quick Reference Values
standard thicknesses9.5 mm, 12.5 mm, 15.0 mm
standard widths900 mm, 1200 mm, 1220 mm
tolerance on length± 5 mm
tolerance on width+ 0 mm to - 4 mm
tolerance on thickness± 0.5 mm
min breaking load longitudinal 12.5mm360 N
min breaking load transverse 12.5mm140 N
nominal mass per sqmapprox 6 to 12 kg/sqm depending on thickness
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Tolerances on Dimensions
Table 2 - Breaking Load Requirements
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Manufacture and Workmanship
Clause 5 - Dimensions and Tolerances
Clause 6 - Physical Requirements
Clause 8 - Sampling and Criteria for Conformity
Clause 9 - Marking
Frequently Asked Questions4
What are the common standard thicknesses of plain gypsum boards?+
Standard thicknesses typically used are 9.5 mm, 12.5 mm, and 15 mm.
What is the acceptable tolerance for the thickness of a gypsum board?+
The acceptable tolerance is ± 0.5 mm as per Table 1.
Are plain gypsum boards suitable for bathroom ceilings?+
No, plain boards are intended for dry interiors. Moisture-resistant boards (Part 2) should be used in wet areas.
How is the physical strength of the board evaluated?+
It is evaluated via a transverse breaking load test, ensuring the board supports minimum load values in both longitudinal and transverse directions as specified in Table 2.