Here you will find answers to some frequently asked questions about the installation processes of plasterboards. This guide is intended for anyone that is curious about several plasterboard types that are available and/or looking for information on which board would be best for their project.
There are a variety of plasterboard types and textures on the market that allow you to find the perfect one for your home. The type of plasterboard you use is also critical in minimising construction costs. This article will guide you through the selection process, helping you choose a board that meets your individual needs.
What is plasterboard?
Plasterboard is a material that consists of sheets of material used in construction. The process of creating plasterboard is called drywall or dry lining and the product that comes after you dry it is known as plasterboard. Wet plastering is one way to achieve a great finish.
It’s a reliable choice for all your interior walls and provides homeowners with many benefits. Plasterboard comes in many different forms, including lightweight boards, skin boards, and high performance boards.
Plasterboard types
This section expands on some of the various types of plasterboard. When selecting your plasterboard, you may decide to take advantage of plasterboard fixings. These fixings are used to support your choice of plasterboard.
1. Water resistant plasterboards
All types of water resistant plasterboard are commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms. You could also utilize this material in sheltered places, like under sofas or beds which are located in external areas. Water resistant drywall includes additives, which can be found in the core of the material.
Additionally, water resistant drywall contains additives which prevent moisture accumulation on the wall.
Doing the job incorrectly could end up with weakened and partially disintegrated walls. At this point, you would have to install the entire structure again by removing the plasterboard. Not only is this a massive inconvenience, but it is also quite expensive.
2. Insulated plasterboards
Also known as thermal plasterboards, this is a sheet that provides a thermal defense. It offers optimal protection against the cold, damp, and heat and is prevalent in a large number of settings ranging from homes, commercial spaces to industrial setups.
It also provides a cost-effective way to keep your home energy efficient.
3. Fire Resistant Plasterboard
It is a type of plasterboard that prevents flames from spreading through combustible material such as wood. However, the level of protection may vary depending on the product rating on each fire resistant plasterboard. These materials may last for up to two hours before catching flames.
The combination of the concrete board and plaster facing, which is sometimes reinforced with glass fibres or other additives, makes a kind of drywall that’s designed to resist both heat and flame for a certain amount of time.
4. Acoustic Plasterboard
Acoustic is a professional plaster board that keeps unwanted noise to a minimum. It has a thickness of about 12.5 mm which reduces the ability of noise to travel through the ceiling and walls.
They are most commonly used in the construction of recording studios, home theatres, and conference rooms. The best soundproof plasterboard is made from a mixture of concrete and recycled fibres.
5. Impact Resistant Plasterboard
The impact resistant plasterboard is a high density product that has superior durability, strength and load-bearing capacity. These features are the result of it being made of pure gypsum plasters which contain various additives such as limestone chippings and cement.
It is intended for use in construction to fill wall cavities. The durability is related to its density and the inclusion of various additives. There are specific standards of determining its quality which are measured by British Standard BS 5234.
What are the available plasterboard sizes?
The sizes of plasterboard vary depending on a variety of factors. Different sizes are used for ceilings and different walls. It is also determined by the type of plasterboard you’re using. It is useful to know what different sizes of plasterboard are available to ensure that you purchase the right sort for your needs.
Generally, plasterboard sheets range between 0.9 to 1.2 metres in width and between 1.8 to 3.6 metres in length.
The thickness of the plasterboards can vary based on the use cases as well. However, most common thickness for plasterboards are between 9.5mm or 12mm. In the case of fire resistant plasterboards, these can have a thickness of around 15mm whereas a standard wall will have around 12mm thickness and 12.5mm for drywall ceiling.
Additionally, you could use a plasterboard with a thickness of either 12mm or 12.5mm for a bathroom ceiling.
However, these can be customised and can vary based on the homeowner’s individual preferences too. Homeowners sometimes choose to build with additional plasterboard thickness if they need better insulation. In addition, plastered ceilings in rooms above garages or lofts may be necessary in order to reduce noise contamination between living spaces and mechanical rooms.
Best types of plasterboards for ceilings
For a standard domestic ceiling, water resistant plasterboard is recommended. Lightweight acoustic plasterboard is recommended for ceilings with light construction or wooden joists and sound insulation properties of the ceiling are not deemed important.
In certain circumstances, fire resistant or acoustic plasterboards may be specified; both of these can reduce unwanted noise throughout the room. For ceilings that are less than 7.5 inches in thickness, the standard wallboard should do. However, if you have a taller ceiling and want to ensure that it is as quiet as possible, we recommend using an acoustic plasterboard.
How to cut plasterboard?
Cutting plasterboard requires a sharp blade. Make sure to use a steel straight edge and a Stanley knife. If you need to cut shapes, you may use a wallboard saw as a plasterboard cutting machine but be aware of the special techniques required.
Proper safety equipment includes the right cut-resistant gloves. To cut plasterboard, carefully mark your intended cuts, then perform the cut through the drywall. You could tidy up imperfections with a rasp or plasterboard plane.
How long does it take to plaster a ceiling?
The time required to plaster a ceiling depends on its size and shape, and whether additional work such as shaping or molding is being done at the same time. Ceiling plastering is a long procedure that requires a professional and specially trained person to accomplish.
Working with plasterboard ceilings can be a messy process. If you are looking to get a small ceiling done, it will typically take 6-12 hours. For a medium ceiling, it will take around 8-12 hours. When doing a large ceiling, the job may take about 2-3 days to complete.
Final thoughts
If you’ve got patches of plaster on your ceiling that you’ve patched and painted over more than once, it’s probably time to call in the professionals. By introducing new plasterboard, you are able to create a clean and fresh finish that can transform your room.
Get in touch with our team and we will be more than happy to help.
