The 3 Main Types of Drywall

Although there are various forms of drywall available on the market, all of which commonly used in various construction applications, there are 3 primary types to be familiar with. Continue reading to learn more about traditional drywall, gypsum board, and Chinese drywall, including which to choose for your intended project or remodel.

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Drywall

Drywall is a construction material made from thin panels of gypsum board. It is used to construct walls and ceilings in residential and commercial structures. Drywall is also called wallboard, gypsum board, and plasterboard. It is called “drywall” because water is not required to use it for wall and ceiling construction.

Gypsum Board

Gypsum board is a universal term used to describe a family of panel-type products that retain a non-combustible core. Gypsum comes from the Greek term, “gypsos”, meaning plaster. It is a naturally-occurring mineral found in sedimentary rock formations. To acquire it, gypsum must be mined. Millions of tons of gypsum are mined every year in North America, and most of it is to manufacture drywall products. Gypsum contains large amounts of water bound in crystalline form, making it less prone to combustion. These boards are layered with gypsum rock and specialty paper material.

Chinese Drywall

Chinese drywall is a term used to reference an environmental health situation involving defective drywall material manufactured in China and imported to the United States in 2001. Laboratory testing revealed that the defective drywall emitted sulfurous gasses, including carbon disulfide, carbonyl sulfide, and hydrogen sulfide.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began investigating the effects of Chinese drywall in 2009, and concluded that there are short-term health implications from exposure, including respiratory problems, asthma irritations, sore throats, chronic headaches, and more. Long-term exposure can have health implications like chronic fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, and more.

Do you need professional assistance or advice for your drywalling project? Contact Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for professional drywall services and custom drywall texture in Indianapolis, Indiana.

You Should Also Read:

FAQS About Drywall Repair and Installation
Should I Install Basement Drywall On My Own?
How to Spot Improper Drywall Installation

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors
Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319