Drywall, also called gypsum wallboard, is a plasterboard that has been processed from limestone or other fine sand by applying a coating of plaster to it. Drywall is simply a board made from gypsum or drywall dust, usually extruded between sheets of backer and facer paper, used primarily in the construction of ceilings and interior walls. The gypsum is usually mixed with water, though some manufacturers use drywall glue. Drywall paper is also available. Drywall may also be painted, but this is not recommended because oil-based paints dry more quickly and can cause warping and flaking of the drywall surface.
There are many types of drywall coatings on the market today, and drywall installation varies among types of coatings. While gypsum is commonly used for standard drywall, fiberboard is becoming more popular. Fiberboard consists of plastic sheets held together with tacky tape, similar to carpeting; the advantage of fiberboard is that it can be glued directly to drywall sheets without the aid of a tacky compound, which makes it a quick and easy way to install drywall.
Drywall lath, sometimes also called drywall fiber or drywall overlays, consists of layers of gypsum that are layered horizontally over an aluminum or copper base. Lath is usually applied to drywall sheets by pushing the lath sheets into the spaces between sheet layers with a mallet or a brush. As drywall lath dries, it fills the spaces and becomes hard, like a brick. The advantage of drywall lath is that it does not need to be replaced when new construction begins, saving them time and expense of tearing up and replacing damaged sections of drywall.
Other coatings include gypsum and silicone-based products. Gypsum is a fine powder that can be added to drywall as a final coating and is resistant to fire. Silicone is similar in function to silicone elastomeric foam, which is typically found in cushions, gaskets, and caulk. Silicone is water-resistant and can resist oil, grease, and fire. It is especially useful in interior walls, where its fire resistance feature allows it to be used with electrical outlets and plumbing fixtures.
The cost of drywall and plaster depends on the size of the wall or rooms being covered, the material used to construct the wall, its quality, and the desired appearance. Homeowners can choose from several different types of plaster for their walls, such as gypsum boards and gypsum compounds. They can also choose from various textures, including paperboard, joint compound, stucco, and chipboard. Although most builders use stucco because it is easy to work with and has a moderate degree of fire-resistance, chipboard and paperboard have both their advantages and disadvantages.
Gypsum drywall board is relatively low-priced when compared to other forms of drywall and can be purchased in a variety of sizes and textures. It is resistant to moisture, but it is more susceptible to chipping and cracking. If left unfinished, gypsum is prone to algae growth and can eventually peel away from the wallboard, exposing the unfinished wood underneath.
When installing drywall, homeowners should also consider siding or sheathing. Homeowners can purchase commercially made or hand-sanded siding panels. Alternatively, they can purchase a do-it-yourself drywall kit containing siding materials and instructions for installation. When siding or sheathing is purchased, it should be installed by professional installers. Contacting the professionals is now easy, you can just go to their website and send them a message. Homeowners should purchase the proper tools for applying the material and should practice basic safety precautions. This includes ensuring no gaps are exposed between the siding and drywall, avoiding nail holes or sharp pointed ends of nails, and ensuring all joints are properly sealed.
While drywall has many advantages, it does have some disadvantages as well. In areas of high humidity, drywall is often used with a humidifier. This combination of high humidity and low humidity makes it a poor choice for interior walls that will be subjected to condensation. Homeowners should also consider the potential for water damage if they are planning to install drywall on their own. Homeowners should be prepared to pay close attention to these issues before installing drywall on their interior walls.