| The following levels of finish are established as a
guide for specific final decoration. The minimum requirements for each
level shall be as described herein. |
| Level 0 |
No taping, finishing, or accessories required.This
level of finish may be useful in temporary construction or whenever the
final decoration has not been determined. |
| Level 1 |
All joints and interior angles shall have tape set in joint
compound. Surface shall be free of excess joint compound. Tool marks
and ridges are acceptable.Frequently specified in plenum
areas above ceilings, in attics, in areas where the assembly would
generally be concealed or in building service corridors, and other
areas not normally open to public view. Accessories optional at
specifier discretion in corridors and other areas with pedestrian
traffic.
Some degree of sound and smoke control is provided; in some geographic
areas this level is referred to as 'fire taping.' Where a
fire-resistance rating is required for the gypsum board assembly,
details of construction shall be in accordance with reports of fire
tests of assemblies that have met the fire-rating requirement. Tape and
fastener heads need not be covered with joint compound.
|
| Level 2 |
All joints and interior angles shall have tape embedded in joint
compound and wiped with a joint knife leaving a thin coating of joint
compound over all joints and interior angles. Fastener heads and
accessories shall be covered with a coat of joint compound. Surface
shall be free of excess joint compound tool marks and ridges are
acceptable. Joint compound applied over the body of the tape at the
time of tape embedment shall be considered a separate coat of joint
compound and shall satisfy the conditions of this
level.Specified where water-resistant gypsum backing
board (ASTM C 630) is used as a substrate for tile; may be specified in
garages, warehouse storage, or other similar areas where surface
appearance is not of primary concern. |
| Level 3 |
All joints and interior angles shall have tape embedded in joint
compound and one additional coat of joint compound applied over all
joints and interior angles. Fastener heads and accessories shall be
covered with two separate coats of joint compound. All joint compound
shall be covered with two separate coats of joint compound. All joint
compound shall be smooth and free of tool marks and ridges. NOTE: It is
recommended that the prepared surface be coated with a drywall primer
prior to the application of final finishes. (See painting/ wall
covering specification in this regard.).Typically
specified in appearance areas which are to receive heavy- or medium
texture (spray or hand applied) finishes before final painting, or
where heavy grade wall coverings are to be applied as the final
decoration. This level of finish is not recommended where smooth
painted surfaces or light to medium wall coverings are
specified. |
| Level 4 |
All joints and interior angles shall have tape embedded in joint
compound and two separate coats of joint compound applied over all flat
joints and one separate coat of joint compound applied over interior
angles. Fastener heads and accessories shall be covered with three
separate coats of joint compound. All joint compound shall be smooth
and free of tool marks and ridges. NOTE: It is recommended that the
prepared surface be coated with a drywall primer prior to the
application of final finishes. (See painting/ wall covering
specification in this regard.)This level should be
specified where flat paints, light textures, or wall coverings are to
be applied. In critical lighting areas, flat paints applied over light
textures tend to reduce joint photographing. Gloss, semi-gloss and
enamel paints are not recommended over this level of finish.
The weight, texture, and sheen level of wall coverings applied over
this level of finish should be carefully evaluated. Joints and
fasteners must be adequately concealed if the wall covering material is
lightweight, contains limited pattern, has a gloss finish, or any
combination of these finishes is present. Unbacked vinyl wall coverings
are not recommended over this level of finish.
|
| Level 5 |
All joints and interior angles shall have tape embedded in joint
compound and two separate coats of joint compound applied over all flat
joints and one separate coat of joint compound applied over interior
angles. Fastener heads and accessories shall be covered with three
separate coats of joint compound. A thin skim coat of joint compound or
a material manufactured especially for this purpose, shall be applied
to the entire surface. The surface shall be smooth and fee of tool
marks and ridges. NOTE: It is recommended that the prepared surface be
coated with a drywall primer prior to the application of finish paint.
Se painting specification in this regard.This level of
finish is highly recommended where gloss, semi-gloss, enamel, or
nontextured flat paints are specified or where severe lighting
conditions occur.
The highest quality finish is the most effective method to provide a
uniform surface and minimize the possibility of joint photographing and
of fasteners showing through the final
decoration. |
