Different Types of Drywall
Home improvement can be daunting to those new to the process, every turn can be full of unfamiliar terminology and jargon. Drywall is especially overwhelming, as it comes in many different varieties and uses many different names for the same material. Here at The Paint Manager, we’re happy to clear up the confusion around your upcoming drywall project!
What is Drywall?
Drywall refers to the substance that is typically used to make interior ceilings and walls in the home. Drywall is created by placing a material known as Gypsum between two very thick sheets of paper, or occasionally two sheets of fiber. It is an alternative to plaster, which can take a week to apply, whereas drywall can be installed in a home in a day or two with the assistance of an experienced and knowledgeable drywall professional. Drywall is known for being an efficient and fire resistant building material, and comes in many different varieties.
What is Gypsum Board?
Gypsum Board is both another name for drywall and an element of what drywall is made out of.
Gypsum is a naturally occurring element found in the Earth. Also known as hydrated calcium sulphate, Gypsum is known both for creating aesthetically pleasing crystals and its use in construction. When heated to 150 degrees Celsius (302 degrees Fahrenheit), the water in these crystals leaves the substance and it can be used as a building material. Gypsum is naturally fire resistant, which makes it attractive to builders. It can be used both as a plaster on its own and as the binding substance in drywall between two sheets of thick paper or fiber.
Sheetrock vs Drywall
Sheetrock® is simply a brand name for drywall. Not all drywalls are brand name Sheetrock®, but Sheetrock® normally refers to drywall.
Type X Drywall
Gypsum is known for being slightly fire resistant without any additional treatments, but Type X drywall is known for being even more fireproof than other varieties because it is thicker and sometimes has additional fire treatments. It is not uncommon for building codes to require that Type X Drywall be used in place of other, less thick and less fire resistant varieties.
Purple Drywall
As the name implies, purple drywall usually comes in purple sheets. It is known for being moisture resistant and mold resistant. It is the preferred type of drywall for spaces that are wet, such as basements prone to leakage.
Green Board Drywall
Green Board Drywall is moisture resistant but less so than the purple variety (it is not recommended if the space will be directly wet). It is a favorite for bathrooms and kitchens, where it is often used underneath a titled service.
Blue Board Drywall
Blue Board is also known as plaster baseboard. It is a favorite type of drywall for veneer projects; as it is designed to make the process of veneer plastering easier with a special texture. Its surface is more absorbent than other types of drywall.
Soundproof Drywall
Soundproof drywall is popular among musicians. It can help keep a recording space quiet while keeping the sound of loud music out of the surrounding space. It is thicker than other varieties and consists of wood, gypsum, and polymers.
Drywall Installation
Don’t stress and try to do your drywall project by yourself, the experts at The Paint Manager can have your project completed in no time-and done right! Through January 5, 2017, we will be offering up to 50 percent off on our services. Don’t wait, contact the Paint Manager today!