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How to attach aluminium strip to aquacheck plasterboard?

hello

I’m installing a shower screen in a bathroom. The walls are stud framed with aquacheck plasterboard. The shower frame is supported vertically by an aluminium strip that is attached to the plasterboard. Unfortunately the screen dimensions mean they don’t line up with the wall studs. My question is can I use plasterboard screws to support the shower screen. The weight of the glass screen is supported by the shower base.

What type of plasterboard screws can I use?

thanking you in advance. Regards Geoff

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EricL

Hello @Geoff88

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your shower assembly.

Fixing the aluminium channel for a shower glass panel directly into Aquacheck plasterboard is not structurally sufficient. Without solid support behind the wall, any force such as someone leaning on the panel can cause the channel to pull out, compromising both safety and stability. To ensure proper installation, the aluminium channel must be securely anchored into a timber stud or a purpose-installed timber support behind the wall.

This requires removing the Aquacheck sheeting in the relevant area and modifying the stud wall to insert a horizontal timber noggin or support block at the correct height. This timber reinforcement will serve as a secure fixing point for the shower channel and help ensure compliance with relevant building standards.

If you're unfamiliar with this type of structural preparation and installation, it's strongly recommended to engage a professional shower screen installer. They will ensure the work is completed safely, accurately, and in line with current building codes.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendation.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Dave-1

Good Evening @Geoff88

Id say no as well, for the same reasons that I dont think it would stand up to someone leaning on the glass panel and putting a latteral force to the attachment point or someone stepping in or out and grabbing the frame and then you will end up a break of some kind.

Id get a shower screen installer for sure, they will know workarounds or be able to make it structually safe.

Dave

Geoff88

Gentlemen thank you for the advice. It’s pretty much what I thought but I was hoping there a slim chance attaching it to the aquacheck may have sufficed. Oh well back installing some noggins to support the shower screen! You’ve been most helpful. Cheers Geoff88

Nailbag

Hi @Geoff88

And it's a 3rd definite no from me too as there its no possibility that plasterboard alone can support the weight of the glass. If you're going to open up the wall, I would put in a 45mm stud over noggins, as it will give you a lot more fastening points.

Also I take it that the waterproofing has been done as yet as this will impact its integrity and nullify any certification.

Nailbag

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