An overview of the types of drywall from various manufacturers and which of the analogues is better to choose. Technical characteristics of drywall and features of this material Drywall decorative types
Wall alignment hasn't been a problem since drywall came on the market. Gypsum board or GKL can be considered an ideal building material both in terms of properties, and in terms of the range of its application, and in terms of ease of use. The properties of the material and its types are described in this article.
What is drywall?
Gypsum board, as the name implies, consists of pressed gypsum, enclosed on both sides in thin and durable paper. Its surface is perfectly flat, the material itself is strong enough, withstands heavy loads, but at the same time it is easy and simple to work with it.
In addition to gypsum and paper bases, adhesives and foaming agents for gypsum are used in the production of drywall. Cardboard performs two functions: it is part of the reinforcing frame and at the same time an excellent basis for applying finishing finishing materials (decorative plaster, wallpaper, paint, etc.).
Drywall Properties
The material is safe for health and environmentally friendly, which is why it is so popular. Here are the main advantages of drywall:
- Perfectly flat surface
- Environmental friendliness, fire safety;
- The ability to absorb and release moisture;
- Good soundproofing properties;
- Cheapness;
- Ease of processing.
The drywall purchased in the store is completely ready for installation and operation, it does not need to be prepared and processed in any way, following complex instructions.
The disadvantages of GKL include its ability to soak and collapse from excess moisture. Drywall absorbs water, so it is not used for outdoor work.
The second minus is that the material crumbles, if you hammer a nail into it, then nothing heavy can be hung on such a nail - the fasteners will easily fall out.
How is drywall used?
The use of drywall in construction is the so-called "dry construction". Sometimes this material is also called "dry plaster", "wall plate". Masters find many different solutions to building problems with the help of this unique material, we list the main ones:
- Alignment of walls and ceilings, use as a "dry plaster";
- Ensuring heat and sound insulation;
- Creation of decorative elements, arches, two-level ceilings, etc.;
- Construction of partitions and internal structures.
In not so distant times, it was impossible to level the walls and ceiling without a master plasterer. The process was complex, slow and very "dirty". And the result is sometimes unpredictable if the building mixture is of poor quality or the specialist has “crooked hands”. With the advent of drywall, all the work came down to fixing perfectly flat sheets on the wall and sealing the seams between them.
Drywall is mounted on special guides. They are of different heights. In this way, a gap is provided between the wall and the sheets. This air gap provides thermal and sound insulation, and if this is not enough, layers of insulation can be laid.
The craftsmen invented technologies that make it possible to make a complex profile out of it and fix it in the right place, which is very useful in the construction of arches, boxes and other decorative elements.
The fastest way to make an internal partition is to fix two sheets of drywall on a special metal or wooden frame and put a sound absorber between them.
Types of drywall
The technical characteristics of GKL of various types and brands are different, you need to know the main characteristics in order not to make a mistake in choosing.
Some manufacturers have sheets of smaller lengths, but they are more expensive, although they are easier to work with. Such small sheets are best suited for ceiling work in small spaces such as toilet, bathroom, corridor, for example
Types of GKL edges
In addition to dividing into varieties, different types of drywall have different types of edges. Varieties by type of edge:
- PC - straight edge. Designed for "dry" installation, does not require laying joints. It is used when covering the surface in several layers, for internal layers.
- UK - edge with thinning. It is used when pasting with reinforcing tape, followed by puttying.
- ZK - rounded edge. It is used when using putty, but without reinforcing tape.
- PLC - edge, semicircular on the front side. It is used without reinforcing tape, with further putty.
- PLUK - an edge, semicircular and thinned on the front side. Requires the use of reinforcing tape and putty.
More often than others, types of drywall with beveled edges UK and PLUK are used, since they allow you to close the seams without the formation of protrusions.
Depending on the additives contained in the core, there are four types of drywall. How to choose the right material for different jobs, when you can save money and when not, today we are dealing with experts.
Drywall: types, specifications and prices
Drywall is a three-layer sheet material consisting of two cardboard facing layers that reinforce a core of compressed gypsum.
GKL in the interior can be used both for technical purposes (leveling the curvature of walls, the construction of false walls, partitions, flooring), and for decorative purposes (organization of suspended ceiling systems, multi-level wall structures, decorative volumetric elements).
Photo 1 - Gypsum board Volma moisture resistant 1200x3000x12.5mm GKL itself is a non-combustible material. The only element affected by the flame is the cardboard facing of the sheet. Due to the fact that the combustible cardboard and the heat-resistant core are butted, i.e. there is no air cushion between them, the cardboard will not burn either - only charring of this layer of material is possible.
IMPORTANT! Any type of GKL does not ignite, but do not confuse the usual heat-resistant GKL and fire-resistant GKL - a material reinforced with special additives. An ordinary drywall sheet from prolonged exposure to high temperatures will begin to collapse as soon as the water contained in the gypsum (about 17%) completely evaporates.
Photo 2 - Plasterboard GKL 12.5 * 1200 * 2500 Belgips How to choose drywall?
The choice of GKL should be based on its intended use: any type of work in the room will correspond to a certain type.
The choice of brand and sheet size are secondary tasks.
Photo 3 - GKL KNAUF (KNAUF) 12.5 mm (1.2x2.5m) Criterias of choice:
- type of work;
- sheet thickness and length;
- sheet weight;
- sheet edge type;
- trade mark/manufacturer;
- material price.
Photo 4 - Knauf moisture resistant 9.5 mm Types of drywall according to GOST 6266-97
IMPORTANT! Each type of GKL according to the standard has its own color.
- Standard GKL
It does not contain additives, it is intended for work in rooms where the humidity level does not exceed 70%: it is used for work on interior partitions, decorative and sound-absorbing structures, suspended ceilings (ceiling is distinguished). The color of the material is gray (rarely blue).
Any type of communications can be hidden behind the ceiling frame for hanging plasterboards. From the wall, you can make a false wall or partition of any type up to 10 m high.
Photo 5 - GKL Knauf 2500 * 1200 * 12.5mm Marking: GKL
Moisture-resistant GKL containing hydrophobic and fungicidal additives, suitable for work in wet areas. Waterproof can be used for wall cladding, ceilings in kitchens, bathrooms, toilets, used as a base for floors (special type - floor) and for sheathing window slopes. The color of the material is green.
IMPORTANT! The water-repellent properties of this type are enhanced by special impregnated cardboard, GKLV one way or another needs to be isolated from moisture: painted or tiled GKL in a humid room will feel much better.
Photo 6 - Magma ordinary GKL-A-UK Marking: GKLV
IMPORTANT! GKL for the floor is more often used in the "dry floor" technology: the floor is laid on a prepared base - a frame with a filler, then it is fixed with self-tapping screws. Quality products can be found at Knauf. An example of a branded floor gypsum board is Knauf Bodenplatte heavy-duty boards.
Fire-resistant contains a special reinforcing additive - glass fiber, which increases the resistance of the GCR to fire and prevents the possibility of ignition and destruction of the material under the influence of high temperatures, therefore the heat-resistant type can be used as passive fire protection.
Refractory GKL is used at facilities with stringent fire safety requirements, as well as in crowded places (stadiums, shopping and entertainment centers, railway stations). Color - red.
Photo 7 - GKLV Danogips 2500x1200x12.5mm Moisture resistant Marking: GKLO
Moisture resistant type with increased resistance to open flame. Produced by Knauf.
Photo 8 - Gyprock fire-resistant (GKLO) Marking: GKLVO
In addition to the main types, there are several more varieties:
- restoration - thinner drywall for cladding old structures and under a tree, easily bends, due to which it can be used when making figured elements;
- laminated (vinyl) - an ordinary drywall sheet of any type, industrially coated with a PVC film, due to which the sheets are immediately ready for finishing work upon installation (such a coating breathes poorly due to the film coating);
Photo 9 - Laminated Laspan - reinforced - drywall with fiberglass additives;
- acoustic perforated - a special soundproofing material for finishing lecture halls, cinema halls, recording studios and other similar premises that require additional soundproofing;
Photo 10 - GIPROK GKLA acoustic - arched - a thin-layer gypsum sheet, often having no more than 6.5 mm in thickness, due to this the material is quite flexible, it is easy to make curved elements such as an arch circle, sheathing figured ceiling elements from it;
IMPORTANT! Drywall also bends well, perforated on one side with a special spiked roller.
- gypsum fiber or GVL - the same GKL, but without cardboard sheathing, gypsum is reinforced through the use of fluffed cellulose waste paper and technological additives, which make GVL a stronger material than GKL (instead of drywall, it is better to make prefabricated floor bases and partitions from this material);
- tongue-and-groove slabs - gypsum is additionally subjected to firing, which gives the material additional strength (it is possible to build interior partitions from these plates and proceed to finishing without preparation).
Photo 11 - Grooved slabs (PGP) Volma (hollow) Drywall sheet size
The standard sheet must be rectangular:
- length - from 2,000 to 4,000 mm;
- width - from 600 to 1200 mm;
- thickness - from 6.0 to 12.5 mm.
Each application area has its own sheet standards: thin arched gypsum boards are often produced in sizes of 1200/2500/6 mm or 1200/3000/6 mm. A moisture-resistant sheet often has parameters of 1,200/2,500/12.5 mm (less often, with a thickness of 9 mm).
Photo 12 - Flexible, 6 mm (1200x2400 mm) arched As for the length of the sheet, the dimensional step is 500 mm: 2,000 mm, 2,500 mm, 3,000 mm, etc. A sheet with a length of 3 meters is one of the most popular, because. according to the technical recommendation, it is necessary to sew up the walls in full length (the height of the ceilings in a typical apartment is 2.5-2.85 m).
The standard sheet width is 1,200 mm.
Photo 13 - Single-layer cladding on a frame made of CW and UW profiles - workflow and material consumption Drywall thickness
The thickness of the gypsum board used in residential construction ranges from 6.5 mm to 12.5 mm. In this case, the thickness of the sheet varies depending on the purpose of the material.
IMPORTANT! The minimum GKL thickness of 6 mm is used only in sheets of arched drywall to improve the bending of the sheet.
Wall GKL with a thickness of 12.5 mm, ceiling - 9.5 mm (sometimes 12.5 mm with a mandatory increase in the frequency of installing the profile), moisture resistant and GKLO - 12.5 mm each.
Photo 14 - Knauf standard 9.5 mm Drywall weight
When working with a material, it is important to take into account its weight: in accordance with it, in one way or another, fasten the frame elements, select a fastening tool.
According to generally accepted standards:
- the weight of 1 m² with a thickness of 6.5 mm is 5 kg;
- weight 1 m² 9.5 mm thick - 7.5 kg;
- weight of 1 m² with a thickness of 12.5 mm - 9.5 kg.
Sheet edge type
There are several types of the longitudinal edge of the sheet (the diagram is shown below).
Photo 15 - Types of longitudinal edges On sale you can find GKL with edges such as PC (VR, KR), PRO, UK (AK), PLC (HRK), KS (VA), ZK (RK), PLUK (HRAK), VARIO, KPOS (gypsum fiber is produced with edges PC and FC).
| Type | Characteristic |
|---|---|
The longitudinal edge is rectangular. Such drywall is used for "dry" installation, i.e., the joints of the sheets after installation will not be laid. This type is most often used in floor slabs and standard GVL sheets. The sheet is suitable for internal layers when performing multi-layer sheathing or for forming packages from drywall sheets when filling internal cavities of partitions (double drywall). |
|
UK (lat. - AK) |
Longitudinal beveled edge. They are to be puttyed using a reinforcing surface seal tape. The sealing of seams at the joints of such sheets is carried out in at least three stages - the process is quite time-consuming. |
Modified beveled longitudinal edge with a slightly flattened shape (found only on sheets of drywall from Rigips). Connection of joints is made only with reinforcing tape |
|
Semicircular longitudinal edge. Reduces the complexity of the process of sealing seams. For this type of sheets, the use of reinforcing tape is also optional. Filling the joints with high-strength putty is performed in 2 layers. |
|
An analogue of the PRO edge from the companies Lafarge Gips (Lafarge Gips), as well as the Polish branch of this company - Lafarge Nida Gips. The joints are connected only with reinforcing tape. |
|
Slightly rounded longitudinal edge. This type of joints can be puttied without additional gluing of reinforcing tape. |
|
One of the flattened semi-circular beveled edges available only on Rigips drywall sheets. The sheets can be joined with putty mass with and without reinforcing tape. |
|
Seam longitudinal edge. This type of edge is mainly found only on gypsum boards. Reinforcement of the FK edge for plaster is made with paper tape (serpyanka). |
|
Half round slightly beveled edge (alternative to HRK edge). To seal the seams, the joint is sealed with reinforcing tape and puttied. This version of the gypsum board edge allows the use of jointing technology for AK edges, as well as the grouting technology of boards with HRK edges. |
Photo 16 - VOLMA moisture resistant 2500x1200x9.5 
Photo 17 - GKLV sheet 1200 * 2500 * 9.5mm MAGMA In home repairs, sheets with beveled edges are most often used on the front side of the sheet - these are edges such as UK and SHTUK
IMPORTANT! When cutting plates, a cut edge inevitably appears, while there is no protective layer of cardboard on the cut edge, therefore, before processing the seams of such sheets, a chamfer is made on the edges with a planer or knife. Next, use the putty mass, pasting the seam with reinforcing tape.
Photo 18 - Knauf restoration (GKLR) 2500x1200x6.5 mm Trademark and manufacturer
In terms of price / quality combination, the German company KNAUF remains the undisputed leader, holding up to 70% of the drywall and components market.
Among foreign manufacturers, one can single out the French company Compagnie de Saint-Gobain SA (it owns the trademarks Rigips (Rigips), Giproc (Giproc) and Nida Gips (Nida Gips) and the Scandinavian manufacturer
This material has become widespread in construction, sheets are used as a pre-finishing coating and their purpose is, ceilings, as well. Various structures are easily created in the same way. The canvas has different varieties that differ in technical characteristics, determining their area of \u200b\u200buse. Each subspecies is defined by its own symbols and markings.
A universal product on which tiles, wallpaper, panels are laid, painted and decorated with other coatings. It received recognition due to its practical qualities, the ability to quickly eliminate irregular geometric shapes and other wall defects at an affordable cost, as well as the simplicity and ease of installation. It is used in all rooms (, corridors, bedrooms), both in private houses and apartments, and in office and administrative buildings. In this article, we will consider popular types, weight, properties, composition, dimensions, technical characteristics and the possibility of exploiting drywall.
The name itself reveals the structure of the building material, it consists of two main elements, it is gypsum and a cardboard wrapper. In order to familiarize yourself in detail and understand the technical qualities, how harmful it is, its resistance to the environment, its service life and other properties, you will have to study the basic composition of drywall and its density.
The history of its origin goes back to the distant past, initially it was paper sheets pressed together, with a thin layer of gypsum. 
Gradually improved, it came to us in the form of a dense sheet, where the core of gypsum is wrapped in a cardboard sheet with the addition of certain components in the form of additives, affecting the behavior during operation. Passing the necessary processing acquires additional properties, such as; increased moisture resistance, strength, resistance to fire, long service life. The main material is contained in the core, in the form of gypsum, while gypsum is considered a natural non-toxic material, which in the state of powder is fired at high temperatures, and a sheet is created by pressing into cardboard.
Drywall is made from natural materials, is not harmful to health, and has no contraindications for use in residential premises.
Cardboard acts as a frame and form sheet, protecting the core, adding flexibility and strength to the product. We receive products with different types and qualities, let's move on to the study of diversity.
Types of drywall
From the whole variety of the studied material, we list the most frequently used ones, and divide them into four main groups.
GKL- considered a standard type, used in dry spaces, humidity limit up to 68%, perfect for decorating walls in office and commercial premises, in any type of room. The most common sheet due to the democratic price. Grey, blue markings.
GKLV- stands for moisture-resistant drywall, during production it is processed with a special anti-fungal compound, silicone additives and hydrophobic compounds.
This gives the material increased resistance to moisture, it can be used in rooms with an aggressive environment (baths, showers, dressing rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, it is also suitable in ordinary rooms), after which the correct lining with a finishing coating is required. The cost is higher than the standard canvas. It has a green tint, marked in blue.
GKLO - fire-resistant drywall, due to the special treatment of the core with reinforcing elements, does not ignite and does not support combustion, withstanding high temperatures and a long period of non-destruction up to 50-60 minutes in a fire.
Its scope is electrical panels, industrial premises, lining near stoves and fireplaces, places where increased fire safety is required. Let's admit in finishing of all types of rooms, including simple rooms. Refractory drywall is a fairly durable material, and is widely used for interior decoration in any buildings. High price. Grey, marked with red.
GKLVO - waterproof and fire-resistant drywall, combines both properties, of all types the most durable, resistant, is used more often in industrial buildings, in rooms with high humidity and requiring certain fire safety standards. Suitable for use in all types of premises.
The most expensive of all subspecies. Color green, marking red.
These are the main 4 classification groups of the material presented, each of these groups may include such additional varieties or be classified separately as:
Windproof.
Sound absorbing (perforated).
Moisture resistant reinforced.
Reinforced strength.
Designer (arched).
Laminated (finishing material).
Edge shape
Also, varieties of drywall are determined by the edge. The edge is the final part of the canvas, on which the method of puttying the joints will depend. Let's consider each of them:
straight edge- used for double application for the inner layer, does not require lubrication of the joints under the first layer. PC
Refined edge- the joints are sealed with the laying of a special tape and its puttying. UK
rounded edge– the connection can be puttied without tape. ZK
semicircular edge- puttying can be done without the use of tape. PLC
The edge of the sheet is semi-circular and refined- putty with the use of reinforcing tape. PLUK
Standard sizes
Manufacturers offer standard drywall sizes;
- in length 2500 mm and 3000 mm,
- width 1200 mm,
- thickness 6mm, 9mm, 12.5mm.,
and standard weight inclusive. You can order other sizes from the manufacturer with your own wishes, up to 4000 mm in length, and in various thicknesses. The density of drywall is determined by the thickness and fillers of the component, and the most durable are GKLV and GKLO., while maintaining the same weight.
- The thinnest sheets with a 6 mm interlayer are used to create arches, curved lines, on ceilings, due to good flexibility and thinness, and it is often called arched. They lend themselves better to deformation, during installation it is easier to cut and set the necessary shapes.
- For horizontal surfaces, ceilings, use 9 mm and 12.5 mm mainly.
- When leveling walls with drywall, experts advise using only 12.5 mm or greater thickness on request, due to their greater density they are stronger. When applied in two layers for wall decoration, it is appropriate to use canvases of 9 mm and 6 mm.
Weight
How much does drywall weigh? Its mass, of course, is affected by the thickness itself and the size parameters. Such knowledge is necessary to calculate the specific gravity of the structure, what pressure is created on the supporting base and frame, for the correct distribution of the weight load and the selection of additional fastening materials. It is also convenient for calculating the total weight of all purchased building materials, for the carriage of goods.
For example, the weight per square meter of canvas is:
- 12.5 mm equals 9.5 kg.,
- 9.5 mm weigh 7.5 kg.,
- 6.5 mm fall on 5 kg.
These guidelines for the weight of the sheets are derived with standard parameters, taking into account the thickness and length. In non-standard cases, since canvases can be produced in different sizes, a calculation formula is used, 1 kg for each mm of thickness.
Characteristics
The building material has a lot of positive properties and is widely used in construction. Like any coating, drywall has its own distinct advantages, but also some disadvantages:
Advantages
Higher heat-insulating and noise-insulating properties of drywall stand out, since an additional layer is created, in addition, the canvas itself has a sufficient interlayer thickness for this. With the possibility of laying insulation in the frame, increasing these figures.
Light and flexible, it is possible to create different shapes, necessary shelves, niches and arches, dividing walls and partitions, with decorative elements and recessed lighting fixtures.
Hiding communications (pipes, meters, wires). Of these, special boxes are assembled that cover the protruding parts.
They are used in all buildings and all types of premises, the presence of moisture-resistant and refractory materials significantly expand the scope of use.
disadvantages
With frame mounting, the useful area of \u200b\u200bthe room is reduced, and the structure is not suitable for hanging heavy objects, furniture, cabinets and shelves. For hanging objects, it is necessary to create special stands, a bar or reinforcement of the site.
Fragility, requires mandatory compliance with the installation technology, as well as further framing with finishing building materials. They have low strength to strong physical impacts.
The main purpose of the canvas is to correct incorrect geometric shapes, while offering a budget way to align them.
- Installation is carried out with the alignment of the frame of metal, wood and plastic profiles, which serves as a supporting structure and is able to correct significant distortions and surface irregularities.
- Or a direct overlay of sheets to the surface, without a core. This method is used for minor slopes of the walls, while maintaining useful centimeters of space, which is important for small rooms. It's cheaper and easier, because you don't have to buy additional materials and spend time building the skeleton.
Which drywall to choose?
Each type of gypsum material has a number of its own characteristics and its purpose during repair work. Manufacturers have taken care of providing a wide range to meet the needs of the buyer, offering material suitable for any base and any microclimate. Here the choice is determined by the climatic conditions of the room, individual characteristics, such as the finish of the fireplace, and the purpose of the far-fetched renovation. Knowing all the characteristics, you can easily choose the type you need.
- For example, moisture-resistant drywall is successfully used to level the surface in rooms with high humidity (even baths, swimming pools, basements, loggias and balconies). It is convenient for them to build boxes to hide pipes and other communications where wet condensates can occur.
- GLC standard is suitable for dry rooms, bedrooms, corridors, halls, children's rooms.
- Arched GLC, mainly 6 mm sheets, is used to form flexible lines, decorative arches and ledges. Also ceilings and double laying.
- Gypsum board is fireproof and moisture resistant, it is permissible to use it even for areas on the facade, in this case it is necessary to follow the correct installation technology, and also subsequently perform a competent application of the finish coat. Electrical panels, and similar areas are finished with a refractory sheet.
- All varieties successfully cope with temperature changes, and it is permissible to use the standard version in the kitchen.
- Pay attention to the edge, the method depends on it, which directly affects the appearance of cracks. The weakest point of the assembled structure from gypsum panels is the parts of the joints of the canvas, they are more prone to cracking.
- Drywall of different thickness is suitable for different occasions;
- Thinner sheets will be better suited for framing arches and similar decorative structures.
- Thick canvases, perfect for walls, boxes, dividing installations.
- Medium, more often used to level the ceiling.
When choosing any material, always study the technical specifications and follow the recommendations and instructions for use. Purchase products of well-known and trusted brands, and check for defects. If stored incorrectly, they become wavy, and the edges are destroyed.