Friday, July 5, 2013

What's Wallboard

Wallboard goes by a number of different names. Drywall, gypsum board and the brand name, Sheetrock, are all common names for wallboard. Easy to install and fairly inexpensive, wallboard has become the most common material for interior walls.


Definition of Wallboard


Wallboard, or drywall as it is more commonly called, is a construction product used as a finish for house and building interiors. Drywall has replaced plaster as the most common type of interior wall finish. It is much easier to work with and, unlike plaster, requires no special talent to put up.


Install Wallboard


Wallboard comes in sheets that are specifically cut to fit housing codes. These sheets are nailed to wall studs, a process called hanging the drywall. Drywall is easy to cut or score so fitting custom wall sizes is easy. Holes can be cut in drywall to accommodate light switches and outlets.


Drywall Finishes


After the drywall is hung, drywall tape is used to cover up the joints between sheets of drywall. The tape and nails holes are then covered with joint compound. The final step is to lightly sand the joint compound. The drywall is then ready for painting or skim-coating.


How it is Made


Drywall is made from gypsum. It manufactured by heating gypsum to remove part of the water. The stucco is re-hydrated creating a slurry. The slurry is poured onto a moving sheet of paper, and then another piece of paper is put on top. It is allow to harden, and cut into a panel size. The boards are than put in a kiln for a final drying.








Related posts



    Wallboard with joints taped and spackledTaping and spackling wallboard can be a frustrating job for beginners. Traditional paper tape must be applied smoothly with the right amount of spackle both...
    Gypsum wallboard, commonly known as drywall, is typically used in residential walls and ceilings because of its low cost and ease of use. While drywall is easy to install, the joints between two s...
    Choose a durable construction material when replacing bathroom walls.Wallboard in a bathroom comes in frequent contact with water and moisture. Many times, homeowners and bath contractors hung dry...
    Wallboard sheets should be stored flat to prevent warping.Wallboard is made from a compressed fiber and gypsum core lined with paper. Also known as drywall or Sheetrock, it is used to make the int...
    Use moisture resistant wallboard in the showerNo matter how you plan to finish your shower walls, the wallboard you use to cover the framing must be water resistant. Even tiles can leak, and moist...