Exploring the Different Types of Plasterboard
Types of plasterboard are more varied and specialised than one might initially think. In the world of construction and home renovation, plasterboard, also known as drywall, has emerged as a versatile cornerstone of contemporary construction practices.
As is the case with any material, the choice of plasterboard you opt for wields considerable influence over the final outcome in terms of aesthetics, functionality, and safety.
Offering a quicker alternative to wet plastering, it boasts an extensive variety of types, each possessing unique properties which cater to a diverse spectrum of needs.
Let’s explore some key types of plasterboard below.
Fire Resistant Plasterboard
In contexts where fire safety takes centre stage, the dependable fire-resistant plasterboard steps in as the ultimate solution.
Crafted to withstand elevated temperatures, this variant furnishes an additional layer of protection and fire resistance, boasting glass fibres and additives in its central gypsum layer.
This robust glass fibre composition renders fire boards ideal for spaces rife with potential fire hazards.
Moisture Resistant Plasterboard
For areas susceptible to dampness or humidity, moisture-resistant plasterboard emerges as an impervious shield against moisture-induced predicaments like mould growth and material decay.
Both bathrooms and kitchens, characterised by heightened moisture levels, reap substantial benefits from this type.
Acoustic Plasterboard
Establishing a harmonious soundscape is pivotal for cultivating a comfortable environment, especially within communal spaces.
Acoustic plasterboard, armed with advanced sound insulation attributes, diminishes sound transmission, rendering it indispensable for domiciles, workplaces, and locations where noise mitigation is paramount.
Insulated Plasterboard
In the pursuit of energy efficiency, insulated plasterboard assumes centre stage. Converging thermal efficiency with insulation, this variant typically comprises an insulation later of expanded polystyrene or polyurethane foam and is specifically designed with thermal efficiency in mind.
Its application contributes to sustaining optimal indoor temperatures, curbing energy consumption, and elevating comfort.
Insulated plasterboard finds its application in cladding exterior walls and interior walls, typically brick walls, offering both dry-lining and insulation benefits.
It is commonly affixed to dry existing plaster or masonry surfaces.
Impact Resistant Plasterboard
High-traffic locales or spaces susceptible to physical impact reap the rewards of impact-resistant plasterboard.
Engineered to endure collisions and jolts with a very dense core, it safeguards the integrity of interiors, even in the face of inadvertent impacts.
Waterproof Plasterboard
As its moniker implies, waterproof plasterboard is engineered to withstand direct exposure to water. An indispensable choice for wet environments and locales vulnerable to sporadic splashes, its resilience remains unmatched.
Flexible Plasterboard
Spaces marked by curved surfaces or intricate designs necessitate the adaptability of flexible plasterboard.
Its supple disposition empowers it to conform to unconventional contours sans compromising structural integrity.
Deconstructing the Composition
Standard plasterboard sheets traditionally comprise a trilayer arrangement: an ivory-facing surface, a central gypsum core, embraced by dual layers of paper. The paper on the front surface of the board is crafted to accommodate skim plaster.
However, the composition varies when looking at different types of plasterboard. For instance, water-resistant plasterboard is fortified with moisture-resistant additives that further bolster its durability and moisture resistance in moisture-prone settings.
All in all, performance boards employ supplementary additives to achieve their distinct attributes.
Customisation for Niche Scenarios
Distinct plasterboard iterations address specific scenarios.
For example, fire-resistant plasterboards stand as non-negotiable in augmenting fire safety in both residential and commercial domains.
Acoustic plasterboards carve their niche within venues prioritising sound attenuation, spanning theatres and recording studios.
Moisture-resistant plasterboards, an imperative in bathrooms and kitchens, extend their protective shield to zones vulnerable to moisture infiltration.
Smart Financial Choices
When choosing a type of plasterboard, it’s important to balance your needs with your budget.
Sometimes, standard plasterboards perform well without breaking the bank. Other times, specific situations might require specialised options.
We stock plasterboard in various thicknesses and a tapered edge variant from reputable brands such British Gypsum, Knauf, and Siniat.
Opt for the tapered variant if you intend to fill and tape the joints. Either variant works if your intention is to apply a layer of gypsum plaster, just ensure the tapered edges are oriented inwards.
Cutting & Installing Plasterboard
Not sure how to cut plasterboard? Find out how to cut and fix plasterboard with our helpful on-site guides.
Conclusion
From fire-resistant to moisture-resistant, acoustic to insulated, every archetype is an embodiment of meticulous design, calibrated to elevate safety, practicality, and aesthetics.
By delving into the distinctive attributes and merits of diverse plasterboard breeds, you empower yourself to make judicious determinations, ensuring optimal fruition across the canvas of your construction endeavours.
