Learn More about Drywall Types
Modern walls are made with Gypsum drywall. These boards are made from dried gypsum plaster sandwiched with two sheets of heavy-duty paper. This makes it easier to apply plaster using a trowel. A gypsum panel made from drywall and gypsum suppliers may contain 50% air. This makes it lighter than traditional plaster and facilitates installation. To repel moisture, it may also have asphalt or wax oil emulsion on the gypsum-drywall board.
Why use Gypsum for Drywall?
Gypsum drywall can be used as a building material, since it is fire-resistant. Gypsum molecules contain two water molecules and one calcium sulfurate. The water in gypsum vaporizes first. Once the water has evaporated, the plaster of gypsum contained in the drywall board will become powdered and not burn. This protects the wood frame beneath from collapse.
Gypsum plaster is more rigid than lime plaster and doesn’t require any fibre additives like animal hair. Gypsum plaster sets up much more quickly than lime plaster because it dries much quicker. Lime plaster can be difficult to work with. Lime plaster can be affected by a variety of factors. These include “sweat outs”, which cause rot, “dry outs”, which cause the plaster to crumble into powder, and “freeze-outs,” which lead to the need to replaster certain areas or the entire job.
You can use sheet stock to cover or create large flat surfaces. Most sheet materials come in standard sizes with a 4 x 8 foot being the most popular. To secure the sheets in place, some require special screws or nails. You can also find eco-friendly sheets.
This is the most commonly used ceiling and wall material. This is created by compressing gypsum plaster into rigid sheets. Each side is covered with thick paper. There are also treated varieties. These sheets are often colour-coded to make it easy to identify. There may be multiple qualities on some sheets, such as fire-resistance or moisture-resistance. All types can be ordered with either tapered or square edges.
Selecting a sheet size
Drywall is available in sheets. You can buy sheets in much larger sizes than the 4×8 feet most people use. You should choose a sheet size that reduces seams in your finished product.
Selecting a thickness
There are many thicknesses of drywall, with the most popular being 3/8″ and 1/2″. If nails or screws are far apart, such as if there is a large space between studs and joists, thicker sheets will be required.
Which side are you on?
Standard drywall has a pale gray or ivory side and a darker gray or brown side. The room should have the lighter side facing in. You may see seams along its edges and manufacturer logos on the other side.
Square-edged vs. taper-edged sheets
It all depends on the way that you want to cover your drywall. For plastering, square-edged sheets work best. Taper-edged sheets are better for dry walling.
Scribing drywall
This is a method of marking the place where a sheet should be cut to fit against an uneven surface such as a wall. This is the fundamental technique for cutting the first sheet. It may be necessary to alter a ceiling or drywall. If you have an uneven ceiling, use the same technique. Place the sheet so that the sheet touches the uneven surface. The length of the longest gap between the sheet and the wall should be cut from wood. Cut one end into a point. The pointed end should be placed against the uneven surface. Next, hold a pencil at one end and run it along the surface.
Square-edged
Standard drywall. Standard drywall should not be stacked on top of each other. Ceilings and walls to plastered
Taper-edged
Regular drywall that has a tapered edge allows for easier joint compound filling. Uses: Finishing walls
Moisture-resistant
The core is impregnated in waterproofing materials but is breathable to allow the wall’s surface below it to “breathe”. It can be used as a base for tiles in shower stalls, or other areas with high water consumption. Kitchens and bathrooms.
Foil-backed
It has a vapour-resistant side. This protects you more than moist-resistant sheets. No decorative side has a silver foil-like coating. Can be used in cold climates, but not for moist climates or materials that are moisture-resistant.
Fire-resistant
Standard drywall has better fireproofing properties than standard drywall. Uses: Integral garage ceilings and some corridors. Stairwells.
Abuse-resistant
The no decorative side of a polystyrene sheet is bonded to it, providing greater heat insulation. Thicker than other types of drywall. Uses: Garages
Soundproof
Soundproofing properties are higher than other drywalls. Ceilings and walls in condos or apartments.
Cement board
Although not a drywall, it has similar properties and uses. It is a strong, waterproof base board that can be used under ceramic tiles, as a wall tile backing, or as a subfloor. There are many sizes and thicknesses of boards. These boards can be used for a subfloor under ceramic tiles or as a backing to wall tiles.