The dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of the construction industry constantly witnesses the replacement of traditional construction materials with more useful and functional alternatives. Drywall gypsum boards form one such type of material that is gaining momentum as an alternative to traditional plaster for their durability and lightweight properties. Largely made of gypsum, these plasterboards have a non-combustible core and are covered with paper on the surface. In this article, we delve deeper into the properties of this revolutionary construction material and help you decide if it is a good choice for your needs.
See also: Gypsum For Plastering: All You Need To Know
Features of drywall gypsum board
Drywall gypsum boards have several features that make it unique and distinguish it from its counterparts. Let’s have a look at these features and to understand its function better:
Composition
These boards are mainly composed of gypsum, a sulphate-based mineral, that is sandwiched between two layers of paper. Gypsum is also a fire-resistant material, making the core non-combustible and soundproof.
Size and thickness
Available in a range of sizes and thicknesses, each type of gypsum board is suited for a different application. The thickness might range from ½ inch to ⅝ inch, the latter primarily used for enhanced fire resistance.
Types of drywall
Drywalls are available in various types to suit different purposes, the most common types being standard drywall, moisture-resistant drywall and fire-resistant drywall.
Fire resistance
Although gypsum is a naturally fire-resistant material, the specific fire-resistant variety of drywall is engineered in a way that enhances this property. Therefore, using this can contain the spread of fire to minimise damage and provide additional time for evacuation efforts.
Soundproofing
The gypsum core of the drywall has the ability to absorb and dampen sound. This goes a long way in reducing the transmission of loud noise between rooms separated by the drywall, making it an effective sound insulator.
Ease of installation
Drywall is super easy to install and is therefore highly preferred for various projects. The process involves cutting it to size, attaching it with screws and a final joint compound and tape finishing.
Versatility
Drywall is widely used for various wall and ceiling applications. Moreover, you can also paint or texture it to achieve a visual aesthetic that suits your tastes.
Cost-effectiveness
Compared to traditional plaster construction, drywall is a cost-effective alternative. The easy installation process and quick drying time helps save a lot of time and money on labour.
Sustainability
The main component of drywall is a naturally-occuring material. Moreover, several manufacturer’s use recycled materials in its production process, thereby reducing the waste produced and making it an environmentally sustainable construction material.
Durable finish
After proper installation and sufficient drying time, drywall results in a smooth and durable surface which you can paint and decorate as per your preferences.
Types and applications
Choosing the right type of drywall gypsum board is necessary to ensure its efficacy. To do this, you first need to consider the application you need it for. Here is a concise guide to the types of gypsum boards available in the market and their applications to help you choose the right one for your needs:
| Type | Properties | Thickness | Application |
| Regular drywall/white board | The standard drywall that comes in white or off-white colour; does not have fire or moisture resistance properties | ½ or ⅝ inches | Interior walls and ceilings that do not require moisture or fire resistance |
| Moisture-resistant drywall/green board | Comprises a moisture-resistant facing for enhanced protection | ½ or ⅝ inches | Moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens and basements; regions with humid climates |
| Fire-resistant drywall | Engineered with special additives like glass fibres to withstand high temperatures and slow the spread of fire; available in Type C and Type X varieties | ⅝ inches | Multi-family dwellings or commercial buildings with stringent fire safety regulations |
| Soundproof drywall | Comprises denser core with additional layers to absorb and dampen sound | ½ or ⅝ inches | Home theatres and music studios |
| Paperless drywall | Uses fibreglass mat as a covering instead of paper, offering enhanced resistance against mould and mildew | ½ or ⅝ inches | Areas prone to moisture and mould growth such as bathrooms and basements |
| Flexible drywall | Engineered to support bending and curving | ¼ to ½ inches | Curved walls, ceiling or other architectural designs |
| Lead-lined drywall | Contains a layer of lead between the gypsum core and paper surface to provide protection from radiation | Varies according to the level of protection required | Radiation shielding in medical or scientific settings |
Drywall gypsum board: Pros and cons
Before you make the final choice, it is also necessary to consider the pros and cons of drywall gypsum boards. Here is a a list for your perusal:
| Pros | Cons |
| They are super easy to install and the process is faster than traditional plaster construction. | Their softness makes them susceptible to impact damage, easily forming holes and dents on the surface. |
| They can be used for a host of applications and the smooth surface is ideal for aesthetic customisation by painting. | They are not designed to carry heavy loads such as cabinets or shelvings. |
| Both in terms of the materials used and labour required, they are a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. | Standard drywall does not provide protection against moisture and even in the case of the moisture-resistant variety, it is advisable to address any damp-related issues promptly. |
| Their main component has natural fire-resistance properties that can be enhanced for additional protection. | Large repairs might require extensive measures such as removing the damaged sections and installing new drywall. |
| They are good insulators of sound and reduce the transmission of noise between spaces. | Despite a moisture-resistant variety, they are not waterproof unlike alternatives like cement boards. |
| For areas with high exposure to moisture, moisture-resistant drywall can provide enhanced resistance. | The standard types might not provide fire-resistant properties. |
| The manufacturing process is relatively sustainable as the primary component is naturally-occuring. | While the production uses natural materials, it can be an energy-intensive process and gypsum mining can have indirect environmental impact. |
| They provide a smooth and durable finish once installed that can be easily decorated. | They are vulnerable to cracking and might get damaged if the structure experiences settling or movement. |
FAQs
How is drywall different from traditional plaster?
The application process for plaster requires an extended drying period, whereas drywall is available in prefabricated panels that can be installed quickly.
What are the types of drywall available?
Standard drywall, moisture-resistant drywall, fire-resistant drywall, soundproof drywall, paperless drywall, flexible drywall and lead-lined drywall are the main types available.
Is drywall suitable for wet areas like bathrooms?
While some varieties of drywall are moisture-resistant, it should be noted that it is not a fully waterproof material and can get damaged fast due to prolonged exposure to water.
What makes drywall fire resistant?
Gypsum, the primary component of drywall, is naturally fire-resistant. Moreover, this property can be further enhanced by using additives such as glass fibres.
What is the difference between ½ inch and ⅝ inch drywall?
The ⅝ inch drywall is thicker than ½ inch and provides superior soundproofing and fire-resistance properties.
How do I repair holes or damage on the drywall?
Minor damages can be repaired using a joint compound or drywall tape. For more extensive damage, you might need to replace a patch of the drywall.
Is drywall an environmentally sustainable material?
While gypsum is a naturally occurring substance and the production process of drywall can use recycled materials, the overall process is highly energy intensive.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at [email protected] |
Riddhi Chatterji is currently pursuing a master’s degree in English literature from University of Delhi. Her meticulous attention to detail and the desire to make a learning experience out of every opportunity has allowed her to work with different forms of textual content for digital platforms, ranging from social media to news desks. When not working or studying , you can find her with her head buried in a book, discovering new music and movies, or out and about exploring the city on the metro.
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