Ten Interesting Facts About Modern Plasterboard

Ten Interesting Facts About Modern Plasterboard

Since its invention in the 1880’s plasterboard or drywall has been a building material used in millions of homes all across the world. It consists of two layers of paperboard that sandwich a material called gypsum which is a powdery sulphate mineral mined in various countries. Gypsum plasterboard remains a popular building material because it is both non-combustible, cheaper, and lighter than other materials such as solid wood and plaster. Modern plasterboards improve upon early examples by using different manufacturing techniques and adding specialised materials. If you are considering using a modern plasterboard in a home improvement project, the following facts may direct you to the correct type of board for the job at hand.

Find Out About Plasterboard

  1. Today’s fire-rated plasterboard and pir insulation boards are reinforced with glass fibres and go through a specialised manufacturing process to ensure it is fire-resistant. The wallboard has to have a thirty-minute fire rating to be considered a fireboard.
  2. Acoustic plasterboard also uses a manufacturing process to increase the density of the board; this creates an insulating barrier that can significantly reduce noise levels. It is especially popular in office buildings and other noisy environments.
  3. The first plasterboard factory opened in the UK around 1888, and Augustine Sackett created the Sackett board in 1894; this was a combination of layered plaster and wool felt paper.
  4. Moisture-resistant plasterboards use a water-repelling additive to create a product perfect for use in kitchens and bathrooms where dampness, rot and mould can create difficult and sometimes dangerous problems.
  5. Insulated plasterboard is an excellent option when looking to keep the heat in a room or building; it uses an additional foil layer to improve thermal efficiency and lower energy costs in the long run.
  6. Tapered edge plasterboard is used when planning to use filler to create a smooth and level finish without having to plaster. It is a popular choice in many residential building projects as it allows the project to move on quickly to the decorating phase.
  7. Recent technology developments mean that most of Today’s plasterboard is fully recyclable; it is broken down and made into various products such as compost, soil additives and paper.
  8. Plank plasterboard is a recent development and is a board in strip form which enables quick and easy installation in internal walls within a building project. Plank boards are available with an increased fire rating and also have a great level of acoustic performance.
  9. Square edge plasterboard is another type of common wallboard; these edges create an excellent base for a skim layer of plaster prior to painting. They are consistently used in new properties and offices as they are very easy to use.
  10. Although expensive, it is now possible to use four—in-one plasterboards that provide excellent protection against fire, Moisture, sound, and impact. These boards represent the peak of current plasterboard technology.

Hopefully, this mixture of facts regarding plasterboard has highlighted the type of board that will suit your planned building project perfectly. For more information, find your local plasterboard supplier Today.