Drywall is a construction material used to create walls and ceilings . ... Drywall is also used to add fire resistance at walls and ceilings, containing the spread of fire so people can evacuate safely during an emergency. Before drywall became widely used, building interiors were made of plaster.
Why do we use drywall instead of wood?
Drywall is more fire resistant than plywood – Often people are worried about the fire resistance in their home. This is why drywall is chosen. Drywall is much better than plywood when it comes to being fire resistant as it does not burn as fast or catch on fire as easily.
Why are American houses made of drywall?
Drywall was invented in 1916. The United States Gypsum Corporation, a company that vertically integrated 30 different gypsum and plaster manufacturing companies 14 years prior, created it to protect homes from urban fires , and marketed it as the poor man's answer to plaster walls.
Is it OK to use plywood instead of drywall?
Plywood is a viable alternative to drywall for walls and ceilings . If you are planning on redoing your walls or ceilings, the typical materials you'll use include Sheetrock or finished plywood. Each has its benefits as a building material and in some cases, finished plywood is the better alternative.
What is drywall used for in construction?
Drywall, also called wallboard, any of various large rigid sheets of finishing material used in drywall construction to face the interior walls of dwellings and other buildings . Drywall construction is the application of walls without the use of mortar or plaster.
What can I use instead of drywall?
- Wood Planks. Wood planks are an age-old drywall alternative that has certainly stood the test of time well. ...
- Veneer Plaster. ...
- Lath & Plaster. ...
- Plywood and Sheet Wood. ...
- Texture Wall Panels. ...
- Brick & Masonry. ...
- Exposed Concrete Block. ...
- Cement Board.
Is sheetrock the same as drywall?
Drywall is a flat panel made of gypsum plaster sandwiched in between two sheets of thick paper. It adheres to metal or wood studs using nails or screws. Sheetrock is a specific brand of drywall sheet . These terms are often used interchangeably.
Why are there no brick houses in America?
Mid-century consumers wanted suburban homes that looked distinct from their urban counterparts and newer building codes no longer required brick . That, meant less demand for both the material and the masons needed to install it. Seventy-five years later, the market for brick looks very different.
What do Americans use for walls?
Drywall (also known as plasterboard, wallboard, sheet rock, gypsum board, buster board, custard board, or gypsum panel) is a panel made of calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum), with or without additives, typically extruded between thick sheets of facer and backer paper, used in the construction of interior walls and ...
Is sheetrock toxic?
Cutting drywall and sanding dried joint compound can expose you to harmful chemicals in the dust . The dust can irritate your respiratory system and cause persistent coughing or difficulty breathing. If the drywall contains silica, long-term exposure can cause cancer or lung diseases.
Which is more soundproof drywall or plywood?
The short answer is that drywall will make your wall more soundproof than the other materials . This is because it has more mass, which is one the key factors for any sound proofing material. ... Plywood should be at the bottom of your list of options because sound travels really fast through wood.
What are the pros and cons of drywall?
- Drywall can be painted over.
- It doesn't require sanding.
- Drywall is more stable than plaster.
- The surface is easier to repair.
- Drywall is fire-resistant.
- Provide sound and temperature insulation.
- Variety of sizes and types to choose from.
- Less expensive to install.
Is drywall or plywood a better insulator?
Drywall offers superior fire resistance compared to plywood , making it the safer wall finish in most applications. ... This typically means covering studs with a 5/8-inch sheet of fire-rated drywall in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Most plywood cannot be used to meet this requirement.
Do termites eat drywall?
Drywall, also called sheetrock, is used for walls and ceilings in homes. Since drywall is partially made of cellulose, termites can readily feed on the paper in drywall and cause damage. ...
Is drywall waterproof?
Drywall can be primed and painted to be waterproof . Although water resistant drywall — commonly referred to as greenboard or blueboard because of its color — is available at most home improvement stores, you may find yourself needing to waterproof your current drywall.
Is drywall better than plaster?
For one thing, plaster is by nature a more durable finish than drywall , even high-level drywall finishes. In addition, plaster outperforms drywall in a number of key areas, including insulation, soundproofing, and fireproofing. One additional point in plaster's favor is that by nature, mold can't grow in plaster.
