When planning a remodel or construction project, drywall is likely going to be the main material for your walls. However, you may have some questions about drywall that you’ll want the answers to before committing. That’s why, in this article, we’ve put together our most frequently asked questions and answers about drywall so you can make an informed decision.
What is drywall?
Drywall is gypsum board wall panels that are used in countless commercial and residential properties. Unlike plaster, there is no water when applying drywall, hence the name. It is one of the most commonly used materials for walls; in fact, there’s a chance that the room you are currently sitting in has walls made of drywall. Another common name for drywall is sheetrock.
What is gypsum?
Gypsum is a mineral in sedimentary rock formations that contains a large amount of water in a crystalline form, which makes it water resistant. It is the core of the gypsum boards used in drywall and is layered with specialty paper.
Why is drywall so popular in construction?
There are many advantages to using drywall when constructing walls and ceilings. It is a cost effective, affordable building material, making it easy to stay within a limited budget. Drywall is also easy to install, so it does not have a lengthy construction timeline. Sheetrock also has a smooth finish, so it’s perfect for adding wallpaper, paint, wall graphics, and other finishing touches to the walls. It’s also fire resistant and can help with soundproofing a building.
How thick is drywall?
There are three different standard thicknesses for drywall: 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch, and 5/8 inch. If drywall needs to be installed on a slightly curved wall, 1/4 inch is the standard drywall thickness. Most interior walls and ceilings have 1/2 inch drywall. For better soundproofing, 5/8 inch drywall is the most common; it is also commonly used in commercial construction projects.
What types of drywall are there?
There are nine different types of drywall available: White Board, Blue Board, Green Board, Purple Board, Paperless, Soundproof, Type C, Type X, and VOC-Absorbing Drywall.
Learn more: The Different Types of Drywall
Why does drywall crack?
Drywall can crack for several reasons:
- The building settled.
- The drywall was poorly installed.
- There is a leak in the pipes in the walls.
- The foundation is damaged.
- The building has been left vacant for too long.
How much does drywall weigh?
The weight of your gypsum boards will vary depending on the type of drywall, thickness, manufacturing, and other factors. But in general, they weigh:
- 1/4 inch = 1.1 – 1.2 lbs per sq. ft
- 1/2 inch = 1.3 – 1.6 lbs per sq. ft
- 5/8 inch = 1.6 – 2.2 lbs per sq. ft
Can I have different textures for my drywall finish?
Absolutely! While the most common drywall finishes are smooth and lightly textured, you can also get an orange peel style texture or a knockdown finish — which is a mottled finish.
Can you paint on drywall directly?
No, once the drywall is hung, mud and primer will need to be added to it. The primer will help the paint adhere to it.
Should I have my damaged drywall replaced or repaired?
It depends on how badly damaged your drywall is. If there is just a small crack in it, just having it repaired should be okay. If there is a big hole or water damage, it definitely needs to be replaced. If you are unsure, you can always ask a drywall expert what they think needs to be done with your drywall and go from there.
Can you remove mold from drywall?
If you have a water leak that causes your mold to grow on your walls, you need to act fast. The longer it’s there, the more damage it will cause. Depending on the extent of the damage, you can clean it to kill the mold and prevent future problems. For a mild case of mold, you can try mixing five parts of water with one part baking soda. For a worse case, one part bleach or vinegar mixed with three parts water can help kill the mold.
However, depending on the severity of your mold issue, it may be more prudent to replace the drywall with new panels and have a professional assess the framing to ensure the mold hasn’t spread.
Is drywall recyclable?
It is often recyclable, but not always. Whether or not drywall is recyclable depends on whether it contains asbestos, is moldy, or has lead paint on it.
Can I DIY drywall installation?
Technically, yes, drywall can be a DIY project, but a professional drywall team has spent years honing their skills, so they can give you a better quality installation than if you tried to DIY it. You want the walls in your commercial building to look great and stand out, and the best way to ensure that happens is by hiring a professional drywall contractor.
Let’s Get Started!
If you are ready to discuss your upcoming drywall project or have more questions about drywall, contact Magnum Drywall today! Our team can help you design your commercial building so that it is perfect for your business needs.