Drywalls are, indeed, one of the most widely utilized materials in the construction of homes. Specifically, it is used to construct ceilings and walls. Whether it is for home renovation or building a house for the first time, drywall would certainly be there, isn’t it? So, what is drywall, and what do you need to know?
A drywall is also called a gypsum board or plasterboard. It is, indeed, a building material for interior walls and ceilings. Specifically, they are layers of very thick paper which sandwich a soft mineral called gypsum. Consequently, this ultimately serves a purpose in providing a surface that is smooth to the eye, making it suitable to paint with, to cover with wallpapers, or to texture.
Drywall is the first choice for most houses because it is relatively cheap, easy to install, and versatile.
Also mentioned here: Things you need to know about drywall
Here are reasons why people opt for drywall
- It is less expensive compared to plaster.
- Its installation does not take much time and therefore shortens construction time.
- It can easily be repaired if it is damaged.
- You can experience a smooth surface for decoration after its installation.
- It is fire-resistant due to the gypsum core in it.
Now that we have a basic knowledge, let’s get to learn about the different kinds of drywalls.
Types of Drywall
Not all dry walls are equal. They come in many varieties for various purposes. So, select an appropriate one for the project you are working on. These are the common types of drywall.
1. Standard Drywall
This is the most common type used in most homes. It’s very affordable and does well on walls and ceilings. However, it cannot be used where moisture is present, such as in bathrooms or kitchens.
2.Moisture-Resistant Drywall (Green Board)
As its name suggests, it is inorganic and insensitive to moisture. It’s fabulous for places like the bathroom and basement areas where definitely a lot of moisture in the air is present. It has a green paper covering that prevents mold growth.
3.Fire-Resistant Drywall (Type X)
If fire resistance is a major concern, you might consider fire-resistant drywall. It is usually applied in garages or areas around furnaces. Moreover, it has more layers of gypsum and special additives that slow down the transmission of fire.
4.Soundproof Drywall
This type of drywall aims to minimize the transfer of noises from one room to another. Its main application is in media rooms, bedrooms, or offices where sound control is important.
5.Impact-Resistant Drywall
Impact-resistant drywall is a good choice if you are concerned about damage, especially by kids or high-traffic areas. It has a fiberglass mesh, which is stronger and less prone to dents or cracks.
6.Eco-Friendly Drywall
Eco-friendly drywall is made using recycled materials. If you wish to go green, this is an excellent choice for you. Such drywall is reducing your ecological footprint.
Now that you know the types of drywall, let’s check how drywall affects the environment.
Environmental Issues About Drywall
Drywall is a practical building material, but it has environmental concerns. It’s important to learn about such issues if you are an environmentally aware person.
1.Gypsum Mining
Drywall is made up of the naturally occurring mineral gypsum. Mining of this mineral causes great environmental damage. Land destruction also takes place in huge proportions. It can also cause havoc in the air.
2.Energy Use
However, the creation of drywall is energy-intensive. Removing all the water from gypsum requires heating it; such heating absorbs a lot of energy. Carbon dioxide is also released in the creation process; this leads to greenhouse gas emissions.
3.Waste Disposal
One of the major environmental issues associated with drywall is waste. Drywall waste accumulates at construction sites. Drywall is non biodegradable, so it takes up space in landfills. In addition, in certain cases, if drywall is not disposed of appropriately, it emits harmful gasses into the atmosphere.
4.Recycling Drywall
Fortunately, gypsum waste from drywall may be recycled. Recycling gypsum waste helps reduce the demand for mining and reduces landfill waste. Recycled gypsum can be used as input material to make fresh drywall or as a soil conditioner in agriculture. Not all drywall is easily recyclable due to painted or contaminated gypsum.
5.Indoor Air Quality
Drywall can also affect the indoor air quality of a home. There is drywall imported and recently in the news for affecting a person’s health and also damaging the home through the release of sulfur compounds. A person should invest in drywall that has been certified with a quality mark in the market to avoid this.
6.Eco-Friendly Options
Environmentalists can always find a green drywall. All you have to do is find out where your drywall came from: there are recycled materials and low-emitting products. Some manufacturers also use alternative energy sources in the production of less environmentally degrading drywalls.
How to Choose the Right Drywall
Now that you know what kinds of drywall exist and some environmental issues associated with them, how do you make a choice for the job? Here are a couple of factors to assist in choosing one that is suitable for the project.
1.Room Type
Determine what room you are working in. For instance, bathroom areas need to be moisture-resistant drywall. A home theater or office area requires more soundproof drywall.
2.Budget
Drywall comes in a wide price range. Specifically, the cheapest one is the usual drywall; on the other hand, the higher priced ones are fire-resistant or soundproof drywall types. Therefore, make sure you look into the cost for something that suits your project requirements.
3.Environmental Impact
If you are concerned with the environment, look for ‘eco-friendly’ drywall. Drywall which is made from recycled material or designed with lower emissions makes a difference.
4.Durability
If it is going into a high-traffic area, such as a hallway or garage, think about using impact-resistant drywall. It will be better equipped to handle the rigors of daily life, saving you from future repairs.
Drywall Installation Tips
Use these quick tips for installing drywall on your own.
Measure twice, cut once: Measure carefully before you cut your drywall.
Make sure to use the right tools: That drywall saw, utility knife and T-square make installation so much smoother.
Secure your drywall properly
Screws fit better than nails for a tighter fit.
Taping and mudding: This is covering the holes in seams with joint tape and drywall mud, knocking down lumps for an even surface.
Smoothing out for painting: Sand very smooth after the mud has dried, ready to paint over.
You may also like to read: How to install vinyl plank flooring
Frequently Asked Questions About Drywall
What is drywall?
Drywall refers to a building material consisting of gypsum used for interior walls and ceilings.
Why is drywall? So common?
It’s inexpensive, simple to mount, and offers a smooth surface to your walls and ceilings.
What are the types of drywall?
There are standard, moisture-resistant, fire-resistant, soundproof, impact-resistant, and eco-friendly drywall.
What is regular drywall?
Regular drywall is the most basic type of drywall and is used commonly for walls and ceilings in any home.
What is moisture-resistant drywall?
Also called green board, it is primarily used wherever there will probably be moisture and thereby a chance of mold growth such as bathrooms.
What is fire-resistant drywall?
It slows down the spreading of fire, often used in garages and near furnaces.
What is sound-resistant drywall?
Sound-resistant drywall reduces noise transfer between rooms, great for a media room or office.
What is impact-resistant drywall?
This type is stronger and less susceptible to tear, therefore ideal for high-traffic areas.
What is green drywall?
This is the drywall that is made from recycled materials and has reduced environmental impacts.
What environmental impacts occur with drywall?
There is gypsum mining, high energy consumption, waste disposal, and indoor air quality.
Is drywall recyclable?
Yes; it can be recycled into new drywall or as a conditioner of soil.
What is the impact of drywall on indoor air quality?
Some drywall chemicals may be dangerous, so the selection of registered products is quite important.
How are recycled drywalls helpful?
It reduces waste, reduces mining, and leaves a small environmental footprint.
What are the differences between fire-resistant drywalls?
There are gypsum layers with additives that slow down the fire spreading.
Where should you install moisture-resistant drywall?
In bathrooms, basements, and other humid places.
What is the disadvantage of the waste from drywalls?
It takes landfill space and doesn’t biodegrade.
What are other eco-friendly options for drywall?
Choose products with recycled content or made from low-emitting material.
What are the essentials to install drywall?
A drywall saw utility knife, T-square, joint tape, drywall mud, and a drill.
How can I guarantee my drywall installation is good and safe?
Use screws to hold it together rather than nails to ensure that it’s tighter and long-lasting.
Do I install drywall myself?
Yes, you can do it yourself by installing drywall if you have the tools and measure all the aspects right.
What is the best drywall for sound insulation?
Such drywall is designed for soundproofing to block noise entrance.
Installing impact-resistant drywall delivers so many benefits.
This would be very helpful in installation in areas that can suffer from damage due to impact, for example, hallway or garage.
Conclusion
It is a very versatile and economical material in many homes. Understanding the types of drywall and their environmental impact will help one make educated decisions. Whether it is issues with moisture, fire, or sound, there is an option for drywall. Of course, environmental considerations come into play: always look for something readily available as an alternative source.
By using the right drywall, along with proper installation, you can ultimately give your home a strong and beautiful space that, in turn, will outlast for many years.
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