What are the different types of wallboard materials?

Wallboards are an important building material that are employed for a variety of construction projects, from remodels to new construction. There are several different names for wallboard depending on the region, type, and specific use. The most common name for wallboard is drywall, but it is also known by several other names including:

Plasterboard

Drylining

Wallboard sheets

Rock

Gypsum boards

Buster board

Turtles board

Slap board

Custard board

Gypsum panel

Regardless of the name, wallboards are panels composed of calcium dihydrate sulfate (gypsum) that are combined with additives and extruded between thick facer and backer paper sheets. They are an affordable, lightweight, and easy-to-install material that makes them a popular choice among contractors and DIYers alike. Wallboards are also versatile and can be used in various applications like ceiling and wall installations, soundproofing, fire resistance, and moisture resistance. Understanding the various names of wallboard materials can help homeowners to better communicate with their contractors or suppliers when planning their remodeling or construction projects.

Types of Wallboard Materials

Wallboard is a versatile material used extensively in the construction industry to create walls, ceilings, and partitions in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. There are different types of wallboard materials to suit various applications, including: – Gypsum board: Also known as drywall or plasterboard, gypsum board is the most common type of wallboard used in construction projects. It is made of gypsum plaster sandwiched between two sheets of paper, and it is lightweight, strong, and easy to install. – Cement board: Cement board is a type of wallboard that is made of cement and reinforced with fibreglass mesh. It is highly durable, moisture-resistant, and used in areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. – Magnesium oxide board: Magnesium oxide board is a type of wallboard that is made of magnesium oxide chloride and perlite aggregates. It is fireproof, moisture-resistant, and mold-resistant, making it ideal for use in areas of high humidity.

Understanding the Composition of Wallboard

Wallboard is primarily made of gypsum, which is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in large deposits around the world. Gypsum is mined from quarries and ground into a fine powder, which is then mixed with water and other additives to create a paste that is extruded between two sheets of paper. The paper used in wallboard production is treated with additives that make it resistant to fire, moisture, and other hazards. The backer paper is designed to provide a smooth surface for the gypsum to adhere to, while the facer paper is the visible side of the wallboard that is finished with paint, wallpaper, or other decorative materials.

Different Names for Drywall

Drywall, also known as gypsum board or plasterboard, is referred to by different names depending on the region and country. Some of the common names for drywall include: – Wallboard – Sheetrock – Gyprock – Boardrock – Gypsboard – Gib board – LAGYP – Rock lath – Plasterboard These names are used interchangeably and refer to the same type of wallboard made of gypsum and paper.

Overview of Plasterboard and Gypsum Boards

Plasterboard and gypsum boards are similar types of wallboard that are composed of gypsum plaster sandwiched between two sheets of paper. While they are used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between the two. Plasterboard is made with a mixture of plaster and water, while gypsum board contains a mixture of gypsum and water. Plasterboard is commonly used in Europe and Australia, while gypsum board is more common in North America. Gypsum board is considered to be more fire-resistant and moisture-resistant than plasterboard and is more widely used in areas that are prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

How Wallboard Is Manufactured

Wallboard is manufactured in large production facilities that mix gypsum powder with water and other chemicals to create a slurry. The slurry is then poured onto a moving belt that carries it through the production line, where it is covered with two sheets of paper and pressed between rollers to form a solid panel. After the panels are cut to size, they are dried in a kiln and inspected for quality before being packaged for shipping. The entire production process is automated and closely monitored to ensure that the wallboard meets the required standards.

Additives Used in Wallboard Production

Various additives are used in wallboard production to enhance the strength, durability, and fire-resistance of the panels. Some of the common additives used include: – Fibreglass: Fibreglass is added to the paper sheets to increase the strength and flexibility of the panels. – Fire-resistant additives: Wallboard is treated with fire-resistant chemicals to prevent it from burning or transmitting flames. – Moisture-resistant additives: Wallboard is treated with moisture-resistant chemicals to prevent it from becoming damaged by water or humidity. – Soundproofing additives: Wallboard can be treated with soundproofing materials to reduce noise transmission between rooms. In conclusion, wallboard is a vital material in the construction industry that is used extensively to create walls, ceilings, and partitions. With its versatility and range of applications, wallboard is an essential component in building homes, offices, and industrial facilities. Understanding the different types of wallboard materials, their composition, and manufacturing process is crucial to selecting the most suitable material for a given application.