Kelowna Home Repairs: Learning About Different Types of Drywall!

How many types of drywall can you name? If you are like most people looking for drywall services in Kelowna, you may have thought that all drywall is the same. However, there are at least six different varieties, each with different properties. Before you start remodelling, it is helpful to educate yourself about the different kinds available. Here is a rundown of the six types of drywall and the home repairs for which each is most suitable.

1. Regular Drywall

Regular drywall is the type most people have heard of. You may also know it by the names whiteboard or sheetrock. It consists of a one-half-inch thick layer of calcium sulphate beneath a coating of tough paper on each side. The inner material is gypsum, the same substance as sidewalk chalk. Construction workers use long, rectangular-shaped pieces of it to create indoor walls and ceilings. It is much more affordable than plywood and less likely to crack than plaster.

2. Mould-Resistant Drywall

No walls are 100% mould-proof, but those made of mould-resistant drywall come close. Its fungus-fighting properties are primarily due to a waxy coating on the backing paper that keeps moisture from seeping into the center. While it is not heavy-duty enough for the inside of a shower, it is a great choice for the rest of a bathroom’s walls and ceilings. Another option in this category is paperless panels that instead use fibreglass on the front and back.

3. Fire-Resistant Drywall

Regular drywall is not flammable because its primary ingredient releases water when heated. However, once high temperatures have depleted all the moisture inside, a sheet of drywall will eventually crumble and allow flames to pass into adjoining rooms. For this reason, some people choose one of two types of fire-resistant drywall. Type X contains fibreglass and can contain a fire for up to one hour. Type C offers better fire protection because it also contains vermiculite.

4. Sound-Dampening Drywall

Sound-dampening drywall contains other ingredients besides gypsum that are better at absorbing sound waves. Using it is a good idea for homes with ceramic tile and high ceilings where sounds tend to echo. You might like to use it for rooms where the following activities would disturb people in the rest of the house:

• Playing video games.

• Practicing musical instruments.

• Listening to loud music.

• Entertaining guests.

5. Chemical-Absorbing Drywall

A new product in the realm of green building materials is drywall which actually improves indoor air quality. It does so by capturing volatile organic compounds such as aldehydes, turning them into harmless molecules, and storing them inside for up to 75 years. This type of drywall is more expensive, but many homeowners consider the price worth improving air quality, especially for families with chemically sensitive individuals.

6. Plasterboard

Many people use the terms drywall and plasterboard interchangeably, but the words actually refer to two slightly different products. They both consist of a gypsum interior coated with paper on each side. The paper facing the plasterboard is blue, giving it a third name the blue board. Plasterboard, as the name implies, is best suited for a finishing coat of plaster before painting. Plastering a room gives it a more old-fashioned appearance, makes it quieter and improves insulation.

Handyman Connection of Kelowna

Don’t feel bad if some of the types of drywall were new to you. Most homeowners only know that they want their walls to look good. You can trust our professional drywallers at Handyman Connection to help you choose the most suitable type of drywall for your project and install it professionally. Contact a friendly member of our team to discuss what kind of drywall repairs or installation we can help you with today.