Frequently
asked questions
What is ames taping?
Summarized in layman's terms, it has two purposes. Ames taping is fire and smoke protection, and also an alternative to plastering which is being increasingly used in new house building contracts since originating in the late 1930's. Read more
The work can be done by automatic drywall taping tools or by hand, dependant on the size of the job. The tape and joint cement is only applied to the plasterboard joints and screw holes rather than the whole area, resulting in a smaller percentage of materials being used than traditional plastering. The finished product leaves the walls and ceilings seamless, smooth and ready to decorate.
In times gone by, it used to be the domain of painters, plasterers, and joiners who would turn a hand to this job. There is now massive demand and it has become a full time occupation in its own right.
Why use ames taping?
A popular choice for property developers. It is cleaner and more economical. This is ideal when you have deadlines and tight schedules to meet. It can increase your productivity as ames taping currently produces the highest quality, most cost effective method of finishing walls and ceilings.
Time is money, and in the UK climate, taping dries much quicker.
Still not convinced? Contact me
Are you experienced?
Yes. See our testimonials.
Every client receives exactly what they pay for. Quality workmanship up to the same standard Alex would expect in his own home. From the planning stages, to job start and completion, we are proud to offer a prompt, efficient and courteous service.
Alex personally has over 15 year's site experience. He began hand taping in 1993, and became certified to use the taping tools in January 1996 at the British Gypsum training centre at Erith, Kent in England.
Are you health and safety conscious?
Yes, we have public liability and personal accident insurance as building sites are dangerous places. We also have valid CSCS health and safety cards.
Taper/Jointer/Dryliner/Drywaller/......eh?
Depending on where in the English speaking world you live, the job description comes under the title of Drywall / Dryline Finisher (in the US and Canada), Taper & Jointer (in England), and Ames Taper (in Scotland).
What taping tools do you use?
Our automated tools are manufactured by Tapetech and Premier Drywall. A kit consists of an autotaper (nicknamed the bazooka), which applies the cement and the tape to the walls and ceilings in one movement. There are 7", 10", and 12" wide boxes to coat the taped joints in ever increasing wideness and depth with each pass. An internal angle roller and 2 internal angle heads which wipe excess cement from the joint. Two pumps are used to fill these tools and a nail spotter for ... well, spotting nails.
Can I see these tools in action?
Yes, you can see the taping gun and the flat boxes and internal corner finisher used here by Jon D. Luman at newtapingtools.com.
Isn't the sanding down very messy?
It can be if sanded by hand. Sometimes it just has to be done in a small area but this should be ok as long as you wear proper dust mask protection and work in a well ventilated area. In our larger contracts where we have room to use machinery, we use an orbital sander connected to a wet and dry vacuum which eliminates around 95% of any dust particles from the work environment.
What materials do you use?
British Gypsum or Lafarge materials. The best quality in our opinion.
Is it a hard job?
It can be backbreaking at times, but job satisfaction is pretty high. It can involve nightshifts and staying away from home but you are never working in the same place for year after year. If you are physically fit, good with your hands, have an eye for detail, a head for heights, can meet deadlines, are not allergic to dust and are capable of simple arithmetic, then you have what it takes.
Are all the photos of your work?
The tools are copies from stock internet images but everything else is photos of contracts we've been involved in since 2001. Three of the pictures were taken by Hagan Homes, and the rest by Alex himself. They are hyperlinked so you can see a larger photo in more detail by clicking it. These may be altered from time to time.
Are you looking for staff?
We could be looking for ames tapers and painters for some upcoming site contracts. If you are experienced and take pride in your work, please contact us via email as we are always willing to speak with like minded individuals. Please state the usual contact criteria detailing any relevant experience you may have.