Being a homeowner is beneficial because you have a place for yourself and your family. However, it’s also a responsibility because a house is an investment you must protect from various problems, such as mould and mildew. There are many ways of doing this, but there’s no better way than installing drywall.
Drywall is a material made of gypsum plaster pressed between two thick sheets of paper. It’s generally used to create walls and ceilings, but it’s also used for other purposes, such as soundproofing or fireproofing. It’s an effective way to protect your home from mould and mildew because it doesn’t absorb moisture, preventing mould and mildew growth. However, few know how drywall came to be, so we’ll discuss the details in this article.
When Drywall Did Not Exist (Yet)
Before drywall was a thing, lath and plaster walls were once the norm in home construction. This process involves nailing thin strips of wood, or lath, to the wooden structure of a house. The lath then serves as a substrate for skilled tradespeople to apply plaster.
This process is time-consuming, but it results in strong and durable walls. Plaster walls are also very effective at insulating a home, which can save on energy costs. However, extra care must be done because plaster can crack over time, so you must monitor the condition of your walls and have any cracks repaired promptly.
Companies Start to Experiment
As time went by, many companies and individuals started experimenting with various methods of producing stiff, prefabricated plasterboards around the late 19th century. The Sackett Plaster Board company developed the first modern drywall called SackettBoard. It was made of alternating layers of plaster and wool felt paper. The United States Gypsum Corporation eventually bought out the Sackett operation and developed the product further. The product was introduced to the market as “Sheetrock.” It featured a layer of compressed gypsum powder between a layer of paper on either side.
Drywall is a construction material used to create walls and ceilings. It is made of panels of gypsum plaster that are pressed between two thick sheets of paper. Drywall is much faster to install than traditional lath and plaster and offers good fire resistance and strength. The material also made it possible for construction to keep going, unlike plaster, where you must wait for it to dry first. The only part of the plastering that must be done by hand was covering the joints between the boards. Quick and easy techniques were developed to make this process faster.
The Drawbacks of Drywall
While drywall is highly effective, it’s not without its faults. For one, drywall can still be susceptible to moisture damage, especially if there’s too much moisture. In turn, this can lead to mould or mildew growth. It’s also possible for drywall to sustain damage from termites and other pests.
The Future of Drywall
Drywall has been around for over a century and is still one of the most popular construction materials. It’s affordable, easy to install, and offers good fire resistance and strength. However, some drawbacks to drywall have led to the development of alternative materials. These materials include:
- Paperless drywall – As the name suggests, this type of drywall is made without paper, making it more resistant to mould and mildew.
- Green drywall – Green drywall is made with recycled materials and is more environmentally friendly than traditional drywall.
- Soundproof drywall – Designed to reduce noise levels in a room.
- Moisture-resistant drywall – treated to resist moisture and is often used in bathrooms and kitchens.
Conclusion
Drywall is a versatile material that can be used for various purposes. One must know the different types of drywall available and how they can be used to create the perfect space for your needs. When you do, you can rest assured that you have made the right choice for your home improvement project.