Drywall may seem boring, but it’s actually quite interesting. There are five types of drywall available, depending on the purpose. Different types of drywall can be used in different areas of your house.
Drywall is known by many names, including those used by DIY-handymen and professionals. Drywall is also known as plasterboard or wallboard, gypsumboard, or Sheetrock. Sheetrock is a brand name for drywall but it is often used in a generic manner just like Band-Aid when someone needs a bandage. These are the things you should know about drywall when choosing drywall for your home.
Regular Drywall
This is the most popular standard-grade type drywall. This is the most familiar type of drywall. Regular drywall is made up of a gypsum layer sandwiched between two layers. It has a lighter gray face and can be found in a variety of thicknesses. These are usually 1/2-inch thick, 4’x8′ or 4’x12′. This is the cheapest type of drywall.
Green Board
Because the face side paper of green board is sea foam green, it is called “green board”. This color is used to identify the type of drywall. This type of drywall is unique because it is resistant to moisture. Its core is impregnated in water-resistant materials. It is often used in areas where moisture is a problem. It is often used in bathrooms, laundry rooms, or behind kitchen base cabinets. While green board is available in the same thickness and sizes as regular drywall, it can be up to 20% more expensive in some cases. Green board is not mold and water-resistant, but it is worth noting.
Purple Drywall
Purple drywall differs from green board because it has mold inhibitors and is water resistant. It is stronger than regular drywall and green board. It is resistant to scratches and dents and can be used in high-traffic areas because it is stronger than regular drywall or green board. It is often used in basements, where water problems could be a problem. It is usually 30 percent more expensive than regular drywall.
Drywall that resists fire
This is the name that identifies the major differences between this type of drywall. The drywall must be thicker than usual, usually 5/8 inches, and manufactured differently to be fire-resistant. The drywall is made with glass fibers and gypsum layers. It can be used in the same way as the other drywall and is used for common walls between multiple residences. These types of situations are required by most building codes to use fire-resistant drywall. This could be used between two apartments or condominium units that are adjacent, in common walls or ceilings. It can also be used between the living areas of a house or an attached garage. It is fire-resistant, but not fireproof. Type X is often referred to as fire-resistant drywall and can be more expensive than regular drywall by about 10%.
Sound Damping Drywall
Sound damping drywall usually has a thickness of 1/2 inch. It is the way it is made that makes it different. This type of drywall starts with a backing layer of paper, then a 1/4-inch layer gypsum. Next, a sound damping membrane is applied. Then, another 1/4-inch layer gypsum is added. Finally, another backing layer of paper is applied. Although sound damping drywall is easily used in home construction, its price tag can be much higher than that of the standard. It can be up to 400% more expensive so it is usually saved for soundproofing situations such as music studios and offices where noise might be an issue.
Sizes and other considerations
While the standard size for drywall is 4’x8′, it can also be ordered in different widths and lengths. The most common dimension difference is the length. Sheets can be purchased in sheets that are 8-, 10- and 12-foots long. You can buy sheets of drywall up to 4 1/2 feet long, as many homes are built with 9-foot ceilings. This allows drywall contractors to only have one seam per wall, which makes installation and mudding much easier.
Both green board and purple wallpaper are resistant to mold and water, but it’s not the gypsum which gives them their resistance. Gypsum is an organic compound and does not support mold growth. Both the product’s paper backing will allow mold to grow, as well as gypsum. If mold growth is suspected on any type drywall, it is important to inspect the backside.
Here’s the bottom line
All of these types of drywall are essential to home construction and remodeling. While open floor plans are very popular, it is no longer the norm to see bare wall studs. Plaster was once the only option, but today’s drywall options allow you to customize your home in any way you want.
Water damage can occur when you least expect. If you have water damage, it is important to have the right drywall. Mold can grow quickly in 24-48 hours after a flood.
