Architects and engineers may specify types of drywall.
Drywall, or wallboard, comes in large, flat sheets of compressed gypsum particles, covered with thick paper that allows contractors to construct smooth interior walls. Drywall panels feature additional materials such as glass and lead fibers and mold retardants. Building codes, engineers and architects may require specific types of drywall or installation techniques to complete particular projects or areas of a house or commercial building.
Fire-rated Drywall
In residential construction the standard use for fire-rated drywall is constructing any wall that separates an attached garage from a home's living area. Codes may require fire-rated drywall when building a party wall, which is a dividing wall between apartments, duplexes or condos. Other fire-retardant materials include fire-rated drywall tape, joint compound and a fire-rated door, if applicable. You must follow building codes for constructing a fire wall, which may restrict outlets, switches and windows.
Mold- and Moisture-Resistant Drywall
Most standard drywall is acceptable, even for installation in bathrooms, as long as the room has a window or exhaust fan to remove excess humidity. Many local codes don't specify moisture-resistant or mold-resistant drywall, but an architect might, especially for walls surrounding spa tubs and for walls on which tile will be installed and subjected to condensation. Even if your house plans don't specify moisture-resistant drywall, you can still use it just as you would standard drywall panels in bathrooms or in basements subject to high humidity.
Sound-Reducing Drywall
Sound-dampening drywall panels are available for use in constructing walls for home theaters and buildings needing a high degree of noise reduction. If you're applying for a permit to construct a nightclub featuring live bands, your local governing council may specify sound-reducing drywall panels between your night club and any adjacent businesses. Local codes may also specify sound-deadening walls for party walls in residential structures.
Drywall Thickness
Local building codes may specify a minimum thickness for drywall panels. The thicker the drywall, the more expensive it is and the harder to install because of its weight. Thicker drywall provides a smoother surface than thin drywall. Average drywall panels are 1/2 inch thick, but you may also purchase thicknesses of 1/4, 3/8 and 5/8 inches at a lumberyard.
Flexible Drywall
For installation around curved walls such as the wall surrounding an enclosed spiral staircase, the architect will specify flexible drywall. This type of drywall is thin, about 1/4-inch thick, and when damp can be coaxed into gentle curves. You'll need to shim out the studs if you're installing flexible drywall so the drywall ends fit smoothly where they meet the standard (thicker) drywall covering adjacent flat walls.
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