Residential construction uses primarily gypsum drywall for interior walls.
If you live in a house built after 1950, chances are your walls are made of gypsum drywall. If you are remodeling or even tackling new construction, knowing what materials are used and how they are used can make the job easier.
History
The United States Gypsum Company offered the first commercially available gypsum drywall in 1917. After World War II, this kind of construction was used heavily as the demand for new houses increased dramatically. (see ref 1)
Uses
Before the invention of gypsum drywall, interior walls were constructed using slats of wood covered with plaster. Drywall made constructing walls quicker and easier.
Identification
A slurry is made from ground gypsum powder and water. The slurry is then spread between two pieces of heavy-duty paper. It is allowed to dry and the gypsum hardens making a firm and stable wallboard.
Manufacturing
Several manufacturers produce gypsum drywall, including the USG Corporation. The company's trademark name for it, "Sheetrock," has become a common way to refer to gypsum wallboard.
Fun Fact
Gypsum that is used in the mix for the wallboard is a by-product of the air cleaners in coal-powered facilities, such as power plants.
Related posts
Drywall contains gypsum plaster.The construction material called drywall is also called gypsum board because most drywall is made with gypsum plaster and thick paper. To finish interior walls, you...
Typical professional installation of drywall takes one to two days for most houses.Gypsum board is the most common type of drywall used to build walls and ceilings. Gypsum board is essentially cru...
Gypsum wallboard is a common material used to cover interior walls and ceilings.Gypsum wallboard is the most commonly used material to cover walls in interior projects. It has evolved into a versa...
What is Gypsum Ceiling?Homeowners today have many options when it comes to their ceilings and walls. In the past, the labor-intensive installation of plaster walls and ceilings was the only availa...
Drywall, also known as Sheetrock and plaster board, comes in a variety of thicknesses. Drywall thicker or thinner than standard drywall can be used in special situations. Installing drywall can be...
