Gypsum wallboard is a type of sheathing used for interior walls. Gypsum boards comprises primarily of gypsum core, with a paper surfacing covering the face, back and long edges.

The plaster core, which is made hydrous calcium sulfate, is sandwiched between two layers of heavy paper. A slurry of calcined gypsum (and other additives) and water is inserted within an envelope, of wallboard paper, which then hardens. The excess water is removed in a high-temperature dryer by evaporating through the pores of the paper.

Common names : Dry wall, wall board, Gyp board, plaster board, Sheet rock

Gypsum ceiling panels are available with various options – preprinted/unpainted/laminated with a PVC film/perforated boards.

Features and Advantages:

Fire resistance: Its core contains chemically combined water which, under high heat, is slowly released as steam, effectively retarding heat transfer.

Sound isolation: effectively help control sound transmission.

Durability: excellent dimensional stability. Surfaces are easily decorated and finished.

Economy: least expensive, readily available, easy to apply

Versatility: adaptability to different types of decoration,

Lightweight, flexible, versatile in nature.

Aesthetics

Edge Types:

• Rounded
• Square
• Tapered edges
• Beveled edge
• Tongue and groove

Sizes:

• Common thickness used – 1/4″,3/8″,3/4″,1/2″,5/8″
• Standard Gypsum boards are 4′ feet wide and 8,10,12, or 14 ft. long. Generally available in 600mmx600mm tiles.
• Width compatible with the standard framing of studs spaced.

Types of Gypsum boards

Different types and names are available as they vary depending on the manufacturer, location, its use etc. Most common are:

Regular Gypsum boards/Plain boards:

• Covered with Grey face paper on one side and brown paper on the backside.
• Thickness ranging from 3/8″ to 1″
• Ideal where seamless finish is required.

Moisture resistant boards:

• Covered with green face paper and green/brown backwards.
• Contains aerated gypsum core with water repellent additives.
• Suitable for areas which are prone to moisture.

Fire-resistant boards:

• It is covered with pink face paper and brown on reverse side.
• Consists glass fibers and other fire resistive additives.
• suitable for areas where fire protection is required.

Fire and moisture resistant boards:

• It is covered with pink face paper and green on reverse side.
• Consists glass fibers and other fire resistive additives.
• Ideal for areas where there is requirement of fire protection and also for areas which are to be protected from moisture.

Gypsum core board

• Available as 1″ thick solid core board or as factory laminated board composed of two 1/2″ boards.
• Used in shaft walls and laminated gypsum partitions with additional layers of gypsum applied to the cardboard to complete the wall assembly.

Gypsum sheathing

• Used as a protective, fire resistive membrane under exterior wall surfacing materials such as wood siding, masonry veneer, stucco and shingles.
• It provides protection against the passage of water and wind.

Application of Gypsum board

Panels can be applied over any base – wood or metal framing or furrying. Can be applied to masonry and concrete surfaces either directly or to wood or to metal furrying strips.

Single Ply Application

Single gypsum layer used in light residential and commercial construction.

Multi-Ply Application

Multiply systems have two or more gypsum boards and increase sound isolation and fire resistive performance.

Sustainable Considerations

The embodied energy required to manufacture gypsum wallboards is very high.

The face paper is made from recycled cardboard, newsprint, and other postconsumer paper.

Published by The Arch Space

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