Drywall has been one of the best choices for interior construction and remodeling in the United States for many years, thanks to its versatility and ease of installation. For this reason, we believe it is important for you to know the different types of drywall available in stores and choose the best option, considering the specific needs of your project and the characteristics of each type of drywall on the market. Knowing the types of drywall and their dimensions can make a big difference in the final performance and quality of the installation. At Parceros Construction LLC, we have a team of experts in drywall, and with their help, we wanted to write this new article to provide you with valuable information that will help you make informed decisions about this material.
To start, it's important to know that drywall is primarily made of gypsum covered with layers of sturdy paper. The gypsum board is a core of dihydrate calcium sulfate (gypsum) that is coated with paper on both sides. This material is commonly used to build interior walls and ceilings in residential and commercial buildings. It is available in a wide variety, including fire-resistant panels, moisture-resistant panels, mold-resistant panels, and impact-resistant panels. You can also find flexible 1/4-inch panels, 1/2-inch panels for ceilings, lightweight panels weighing less than standard panels, and panels with aluminum reinforcement.
1. Standard Drywall:
Standard drywall panels are commonly used in interior spaces. They consist of a layer of gypsum on each side of a gypsum or drywall core, providing rigidity and strength. You can find them in widths ranging from 3/8 to one inch, with lengths typically between 8 and 12 feet, however, for industrial use, sheets up to 16 feet in length can also be found. Their edges can be either straight, if you plan to apply a plaster finish, or beveled if you will be working the joints with tape and joint compound. These panels are ideal for dry areas such as living rooms, bedrooms, and offices, where significant exposure to moisture or fire is not expected.
2. Moisture-Resistant Drywall:
Moisture-resistant drywall panels are generally used in areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, or basements, where spaces are prone to moisture. This type of drywall is available in panels with either paperless faces or faces with specially treated paper (the front and back are covered with a layer of fiberglass that does not promote mold growth). Here are some types of moisture-resistant drywall:
Green Board Drywall:Â Used in the construction of bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry room walls, where there is usually moisture. It has a green cover that makes it moisture-resistant but is not waterproof. It is not suitable for spaces directly exposed to water.
Blue Board Drywall:Â This type of drywall is generally used in projects where a layer of plaster will be applied on top. It is moisture-resistant and has high water and mold resistance. Like Green Board Drywall, these panels can be used in bathrooms, but with the advantage of having greater resistance, allowing use in other spaces with high humidity.
Paperless Drywall:Â This type of drywall has high resistance to mold, fungi, and moisture. However, it should not be used in spaces with direct water exposure. The difference is that this type of drywall uses fiberglass instead of paper to protect the central gypsum.
Purple Drywall:Â These panels offer the same advantages as standard drywall and are generally used in spaces that will have direct water contact. They are also resistant to mold and moisture.
Cement Board:Â This panel is firmer and can be used as a base for installing tiles. It is used in areas like the bathroom, as it can be in direct contact with water. While it is not waterproof, it is water resistant, which is what makes it the best panel to use for areas with risk of water exposure.
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3. Fire-Resistant Drywall:
Fire-resistant panels are essential in places where fire safety is a priority. This type of drywall is designed to slow down the spread of fire, providing valuable additional time for safe evacuations. They are commonly used in hallways, common areas of buildings, and any place where a specific fire resistance rating is required. Here are two types of fire-resistant drywall:
Type X Drywall:Â Also known as fire-resistant drywall, it has a gypsum core reinforced with special non-combustible fibers. Its most common thickness is 5/8 inch, and it has a one-hour fire retardant rating.
Type C Drywall:Â Available in thicknesses from 1/2 to 5/8 inches. Unlike Type X, it uses a greater amount of fiberglass, and its gypsum core contains vermiculite for shrinkage compensation. This panel offers a fire retardant rating of 2 to 4 hours.
As mentioned earlier, the choice of the type of drywall panel will largely depend on the environment in which it will be installed and the specific requirements of the project. By understanding the features and applications of each type, you can make informed decisions that ensure optimal and lasting performance of the drywall in any construction or renovation.
At Parceros Construction LLC, we have a team of experts in drywall with extensive experience and knowledge related to this material. If you need to repair or install drywall in your property in Iowa, contact us, and we will provide advice and schedule a free estimate for your project.
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