PlaceMakers product picks – June 2026  

Every month, we round up our top Product Picks to help make your projects run smoother and – hopefully – make your clients happier. Check out our picks for June below!   

Ceiling sag and cracking can be an issue on site. Using 13mm GIB® plasterboard and GIB® Rondo® metal battens help deliver a stronger, more stable ceiling with fewer long-term problems.  

Creating a high-quality ceiling in New Zealand’s variable conditions can be heavily influenced by the building materials used and how the supporting ceiling battens are set out.  

To create a quality plasterboard ceiling, Winstone Wallboards recommends using 13mm GIB® plasterboard rather than 10mm plasterboard. The added thickness improves strength and rigidity to help reduce the risk of sagging, particularly where heavier insulation or light fittings are used or in regions prone to areas of high humidity.  

Using GIB® Rondo® metal ceiling battens also assists with creating a more stable ceiling system overall. Unlike timber, metal battens don’t absorb moisture and are less likely to be affected by temperature change, which helps minimise potential fastener popping and surface defects occurring on the surface of the plasterboard lining.  

Using 13mm GIB® Plasterboard and GIB® Rondo® metal battens together is also cost effective. 13mm GIB® plasterboard will likely be slightly more expensive than 10mm GIB® plasterboard, but the additional plasterboard cost is offset by using less GIB® Rondo® metal battens as these can be spaced at 600mm centres rather than 450mm centres for 10mm GIB® plasterboard¹ centres.   

It also simplifies installation layouts on site, giving teams more consistency across rooms and making it easier to maintain quality across larger ceiling areas.  

For builders and installers, it’s a straightforward way to improve ceiling performance while reducing the risk of builder callbacks.  

Learn more at: gib.co.nz 

¹Ceiling batten spacings are recommendations from Winstone Wallboards based on historical experience and established industry installation practices.  

 

Eliment glasswool insulation is a high-performance insulation solution designed for New Zealand, delivering both thermal and acoustic benefits. With independently verified thermal performance to NZ standards, Eliment is the alternative you can depend on.  

Eliment R2.6 Wall is designed for high performance wall systems in both residential and commercial construction, while Eliment R3.6 Ceiling can be used as a single layer for retrofit applications, a double layer system delivering R7.0 for new H1 regulations, and in midfloor systems for acoustic performance.  

Made with up to 80% recycled glass, Eliment is certified to CodeMark, EUCEB and GreenTag Level A standards. It is also approved under EECA Healthy Homes and approved for use in social housing, giving confidence in compliance, quality and sustainability.

Eliment is a new generation glasswool with great handling characteristics and is compressed up to 15 times for transport, reducing freight volume and associated emissions while improving storage and handling efficiency on site.  

Backed by a 70-year Product Warranty and supported by leading specification platforms including MasterSpec and SmartSpec, Eliment R2.6 Wall and R3.6 Ceiling are reliable, cost effective choices for both new builds and retrofits.  

Comfort, performance and sustainability in one smart insulation solution. 

 

VELUX VSS Solar Powered Ventilating Skylights bring natural light, fresh air and everyday convenience into New Zealand homes. Designed for pitched roof applications, the VSS range is ideal for living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and other spaces where homeowners want to improve comfort, daylight and ventilation.  

Powered by the sun, the VSS skylight recharges its battery during the day and operates both day and night, with no electrician required for installation. The smooth, low-profile design sits neatly within the roofline, while the white painted interior frame delivers a clean, modern finish inside the home.  

For added peace of mind, each VSS skylight includes an externally mounted rain sensor that automatically closes the skylight when rain is detected, helping protect interiors from sudden weather changes. An easy-to-use wireless keypad is also included, giving homeowners simple control over airflow at the touch of a button.   

Available in a range of sizes, VELUX VSS Solar Powered Ventilating Skylights offer a smart, practical way to help create healthier, brighter and more comfortable homes.