1. Fire Resistant
Gypsum board is one of the best fire-resistive building materials available. Gypsum board is fire resistant because it has a noncombustible core containing almost 21 percent of chemically combined water. Under high heat, this chemically combined water releases into the air as steam.
Under typical atmospheric pressure, steam does not exceed 212 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why this characteristic of gypsum board effectively halts the transfer of heat and keeps the fire from spreading any further. Once all the water releases as steam, the gypsum board continues to serve as a heat barrier.áTests also show that gypsum board has a low smoke-density index and low flame-spread index.
2. Durable
Gypsum board offers both durability and stability. Walls and ceilings constructed of gypsum board are strong and offer outstanding dimensional stability, as well as durability. The surfaces that are created using gypsum boards are easy to refinish and decorate.
3. Soundproof
Gypsum board prevents the transfer of sound from one area to another. For example, this soundproofing is especially helpful in cases where a building houses numerous office spaces adjacent to a physical therapy facility. Gypsum board effectively controls the transmission of sound when used for the construction of the walls and ceilings in a building
4. Economical
Gypsum board is an economical choice for wall surfacing. Because gypsum board is easy to install, labor costs associated with its installation are significantly lower than the labor costs associated with the majority of alternate systems.
Several characteristics make gypsum boards easy to install:
When compared to other building materials in the same category, gypsum board panels are fairly large. Panels are available in 48? and 54? wide sheets with lengths of 8?, 10? or 12?. These large panels allow for quick coverage of walls and ceilings.
When installing gypsum board, very few tools are needed. A variety of saws or a utility knife can quickly cut gypsum board.áAttaching gypsum board is also easy.
This lightweight material can be installed using an assortment of fasteners, including:
- Nails
- Screws
- Staples
- Adhesives
Due to the lightweight characteristic of gypsum board panels, just two gypsum board installers are necessary to complete a job.
Finishing a gypsum board is easy, only requiring some hand tools or somewhat modest machines.
5. Versatile
Gypsum board can be used for a variety of architectural designs. Its availability, performance, ease of application and ability to adapt to any form of decoration make gypsum board one of the top surfacing products available on the market.
New technologies continue to develop gypsum board products to satisfy specific applications. A variety of gypsum board products are designed for use with specific applications.
These specially designed products include gypsum board as a:
- Base for plastic, ceramic and metal tile on walls and ceilings.
- Surface layer for interior ceilings.
- Surface layer for interior walls.
- Fire wall separator between residential/commercial units.
- Fire-resistant layer for structural elements.
- Base for veneer plaster.
The standard sizes of gypsum boards are 48? wide by 8?, 10?, 12? or 14? in length. The 48? width is well suited for use with standard framing methods.
Various Thicknesses of Gypsum Board are Available
The thickness of the gypsum board typically determines its use:
- 3/4? and 1? thick gypsum boards are used in the construction of stairwells, shaft walls, interior partitions, corridor ceilings and area separation firewalls.á
- 5/8? thick gypsum board is used in quality single- and double-layer systems. The additional thickness offers higher rigidity, better resistance to impact and extra resistance to fire.
- 1/2? thick board is used in a single layer for ceilings and walls in residential work, whereas double-layer systems are used to provide greater fire ratings and sound barriers.
- The 3/8? thick gypsum board is usually applied over wood framing in a double-layer system. This thickness is also ideal as a face layer when remodeling or repairing interior walls and ceilings.
- Gypsum board that is 5/16? thick is a specialty product. This thickness is primarily used during the production of manufactured housing. A modified version of this thickness is also used in the construction of special sound control panels.
- The 1/4? thick gypsum board serves as the base in a multiple layer application aimed to improve sound control. The 1/4? thick gypsum board is also used to cover existing ceilings and walls, as well as when remodeling and creating curved surfaces.
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Sources:
http://archrecord.construction.com/resources/conteduc/archives/0303gypsum-1.asp
http://www.astm.org/Standards/C1396.htm
http://www.home-repair-central.com/drywall-sizes-and-thickness.html