There are many variables to consider when planning the construction or refurbishment of any building, whether it is commercial or residential. A key component of any set of plans generated by an architect is the floorplan and how the build or refit will effectively divide the available space. In any home or commercial construction, a popular choice is dry lining a wall, which is faster and more cost-effective than more traditional wet plastering. This process uses specialised types of Plasterboard to create a firm base that can then be decorated or enable the fixing of light fittings or window spaces. This short article will detail the different types of Plasterboard available, highlight their qualities, and they might work in various construction situations.
The Different Types of Plasterboard
There are four or five main types of Plasterboard currently in use in today’s commercial construction, from the standard solid wallboard that does an excellent job to the more specialised plasterboards. The specialised boards can cover multiple applications with features focusing on specific performance types, whether acoustic protection, moisture control or fire rating.
The main options when considering which Plasterboard to use are –
- Standard Plasterboard – normal wallboards are sandwiched layers of gypsum and lining paper; they are a fantastic eco-friendly and fully recyclable option for any building project.
- Fire Resistant Plasterboard – this is consistently the choice when looking to ensure a building meets all the current fire safety regulations in both homes and workplaces. It uses glass fibres to reinforce the gypsum core in a manufacturing process that enhances the board’s fire-resistant qualities.
- Acoustic Plasterboard – this type of Plasterboard is perfect for busy offices or other spaces struggling with noise, like call centres or hotels. It differs from standard wallboard by using a different production process to create a board with a higher density. This density can lead to a reduction of around forty decibels and create a quieter overall environment.
- Insulated Plasterboard – a popular eco-friendly choice in new homes looking to be thermally efficient, this type of board uses a layer of gypsum sandwiched between two layers of heavier-duty paper. They are also a great choice in kitchens and bathrooms where moisture control and humidity are issues.
- Vapour Control Plasterboard – this type of board is used when a high degree of performance is required to control the movement of warm, moist air. It is produced with an additional layer of protection in the form of a metallised polyester film liner on the back of a standard wallboard. This film provides a barrier that prevents warm air containing moisture from travelling through the board; this process then, in turn, prevents condensation.
These are the four main types of Plasterboard currently in use, but there is also the option to choose between tapered edge and square edge boards. Both are very common; the tapered boards are great when skimming or jointing, while the square-edged boards are better when planning a textured finish.
If you are planning a new build, an office refurbishment, or a simple home improvement, your local construction supplier will have all of these different plasterboards ready for your perusal. Give them a call today.
