Renderplas shadow gap beads throw shade on skirting boards, architraves and cornices

Providing a durable finish for plasterboard, shadow gap beads can be installed where interior wall dry lining systems meet floors, ceilings, windows, doorframes and staircases. A type of skim bead, shadow gaps draw a clean line unimpeded by skirting boards, architraves and cornices – enabling a minimalist aesthetic that matches the design language of current developments.

Creating modern spaces

This makes them especially attractive in areas where designers want to achieve maximum visual impact, such as meeting rooms, kitchens and hallways. When combined with LED strip lighting, these beads contribute to an ambiance straight out of science fiction. On stairways, selecting shadow gap beads helps avoid the use of awkward looking skirting boards. Similarly, instead of relying on ubiquitous, dated architraves and cornices, shadow gaps offer designers a proven way to create a truly modern space.

Renderplas PVC shadow gap beads match these good looks with future-proof performance. PVC is highly impact resistant, ensuring that plasterboard finish stays perfect. This is especially beneficial near the floor where knocks from cleaning equipment are all too common. UV stable material also means that beads won’t fade in sunlight streaming through glass facades. PVC delivers looks that last, evidenced by the fact that Renderplas guarantees its plasterboard beads for a minimum of 25 years.

Contemporary usability

Convenience is another indicator of modernity, and Renderplas PVC shadow gap beads excel in this area too. PVC is safer and easier to cut than steel, which ensures that builders can complete a quick installation with less risk of injury. L shaped beads are scored every 5 mm so that they can be easily trimmed to provide different sized gaps. Innate toughness also means that PVC beads suffer less damage during transport or on site than metal counterparts.

Supporting efforts across the construction industry to improve sustainability, Renderplas shadow gap beads are fully recyclable, reducing wastage. Two profiles, U and L, are available in 15 mm and 20 mm respectively, all providing an excellent key for plasterers. The L profile is best where the adjacent material is expected to be visible, while the U profile delivers a clean channel. In the past, shadow gaps have been considered challenging for plasterers, but now, Renderplas designs offer a new standard for usability and finish. To further assist customers, the company also provides technical advice and installation guides.

Designers are always looking for that aesthetic edge, and that is something that Renderplas PVC shadow gap beads offer in abundance. More than that, they deliver modern levels of durability to match their futuristic looks.

Renderplas was formed in 1990 to offer the plastering industry a new concept in beading. The first manufacturer of PVCu beads in the UK, Renderplas is the leading exponent in the field.

The business sets out to address the shortcomings of traditional profiles by designing a range of beads in PVCu to suit the British and Continental market. The key benefit of PVCu beads is that they use the most cost-effective, non-corrosive material to produce robust plasterer friendly beads. Renderplas PVCu beads conform to BS EN 13914-1:2016 – External Rendering.

Renderplas products are designed to be unobtrusive with an extremely narrow arris, making it ideal for scratched or scraped finishes. Very popular with major house builders, its beads are available in white or ivory as standard to blend with most coloured renders. However, in order to give architects and contractors even more freedom to use through-coloured renders in more vibrant colours, a range of beads in 7 further colours are also available for popular render depths.

Used internally, whether, in conjunction with wet plastering or dry lining, they will not stain during lengthy drying out periods and offer superior protection against impact in heavy traffic areas.

By specifying a Renderplas PVCu bead, the problems associated with traditional beads and the aggravation of costly callbacks are avoided. Two different CAD file formats are available for Renderplas profiles from the Downloads page of its web site. Alternatively, register with FastrackCAD to use all of their architectural database services.