Wallboard is typically easier to install in comparison to plaster walls.
Whether you are building a home or resurfacing the walls of a room, choosing a wall material is an important decision. A common option is wallboard--also known as drywall and Sheetrock--and it comes in dry, solid sheets that consist of plaster, wood pulp and other materials. If you're thinking of using wallboard for your next project, there are several options to consider.
Basic Gypsum
The primary type of wallboard consists of alternating layers of gypsum-based plaster and chemically-treated paper. According to the home improvement website Online Tips, gypsum consists primarily of the mineral calcium sulfate--it also has about 20 percent crystallized water. Before mixing gypsum with water to form a workable plaster, workers must first grind, dry and treat it with steam. While only a small portion of the crystallized water remains after processing, this crystallized water helps make the resulting plaster layers fire resistant. Ebuild.com notes that in comparison to other types of wall surfaces such as plaster, basic gypsum wallboard is lighter and easier to install.
Moisture-Resistant
One of the main disadvantages of basic gypsum wallboard is that it's not resistant to moisture and commonly develops mold and mildew if contact with water or extremely moist conditions is prolonged. However, hometips.com says there are moisture-resistant varieties available, which typically feature thick green or blue-colored backing panels. Manufacturers treat the surfaces and core materials of the wallboard with chemicals, which help block humidity and prevent mold.
Sound-Resistant
Another issue with basic gypsum wallboard is that it's not an effective sound barrier--noise outside of your walls can easily travel inside, and noise inside can easily travel outside. As ebuild.com points out, this can be problematic if you live in an apartment building or multi-family home because of shared walls. Some manufacturers, however, produce sound-resistant wallboard, which you can place onto wall studs or directly over existing walls. While different manufacturers use various sound-proofing techniques, one common option is thermal conversion--vibrating sound waves turn into heat energy upon entering the wallboard.
Sizes
According to Online Tips, the typical section of wallboard is 8 x 4 feet with a thickness of 1/2 inch. However, you can find sections with lengths of between 6 and 16 feet, and thicknesses between 1/4 and 5/8 inch wide.
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