Hal Major © 2009
BobVila.com
One of the tasks you will probably encounter during your home remodeling project is adding or replacing drywall. According to Tim Carter from
AskTheBuilder.com, drywall is the standard wall covering material used in new homes today. There are several options when it comes to choosing the right drywall. Drywall is not a "one size fits all" product. Choosing the correct type can mean the difference between a successful job and a "do over" job. Let�s look at the drywall options available to you or your contractor.
Fire Resistant
Fire resistant drywall looks pretty much like regular drywall. However, the panels have glass fibers and other non-combustible materials fused to the gypsum core. The glass fibers keep the board from falling apart and keep the fire from spreading more rapidly. Most building codes require the use of fire resistant drywall for furnace and utility rooms, attached garages, ceilings and walls in condominiums and apartment building.
Moisture/Mold Resistant
Standard drywall used in areas with high moisture exposure can allow mold to grow. Mold needs a food source to grow and the paper covering on standard drywall is ideal. The mold resistant drywall products use a glass-matted covering, a chemically treated paper that inhibits the growth or a core material that does not need a covering to remain rigid. Mold resistant drywall should be used in bathrooms, basements and pool houses. Although the cost of mold resistant drywall is a slightly more than the standard grade it is less expensive than mold removal and remediation operations.
A waterproof drywall does not exist at this time. The moisture and mold resistant board is simply resistant to moisture and mold. It is not waterproof and is unsuitable for use in showers and tub surrounds.
Standard
Standard drywall was first used in home construction in 1955. It is now the standard for new construction and remodeling. It's available in lengths of 8', 12' and 16' and thicknesses of 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8" and 3/4". Standard drywall is to be used on walls and ceilings in rooms that do not have exposure to high moisture or that present an extra fire or explosion hazard. You should use the thicker panels on the ceiling to reduce potential sagging. This is especially important if you are adding a decorative coating that increases the ceiling�s weight.
Standard drywall for walls is usually the 1/2" unless a building code calls for the thicker 5/8" or 3/4" panels. The 1/4" drywall is handy when you want to cover a curved service. Keep in mind that the thicker the panel the more soundproofing it provides and the longer it will withstand fire.
Drywall installation and finishing the seams takes experience for the finished work to look smooth and joint free. We recommend that you hire an experienced and reputable drywall installer and finisher. The time and effort saved and potential trouble avoided, by using a good drywall contractor, easily offsets the cost of the contractor's work.
