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.

Indianapolis Indiana Drywall Contractors
Indianapolis Indiana Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Hanging Drywall

Whether you are refinishing your basement, or simply need to fix a hole in the wall, drywall repair is not simple feat. It requires an ample amount of forethought, preparation, and in best case scenarios, experience. If you are planning on undertaking a drywall project but have little to no experience, you are likely filled with questions regarding the process, materials, best practices, and more.

To help get you started on the right track, review some frequently asked questions about hanging up drywall. This can give you the confidence you need to get the job done, or at least pick up the phone to hire a professional. Continue below to get started!

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319
Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Why Do I Need Drywall Tape?

Drywall tape has but one simple purpose, but it is a highly imperative one. It is used to make the drywall seams invisible. Without drywall tape, you will be able to see where each sheet of drywall connects, which is an eyesore. Do not skip the drywall tape, or you will regret it when the job is done!

Do I Need Sheetrock or Drywall?

Do you use cotton swabs, tissues, and adhesive bandages? These are commonly referred to as “Cutips®, Kleenex®, and Band-Aids®”, which are all actually brand names rather than item descriptions. The same principle applies to sheetrock and drywall. They are the same thing, with Sheetrock being a brand name like “Band-Aids®”, and drywall being the actual material description.

What Will I Need to Fix a Hole in the Wall?

To fix a small hole in the wall, you will need a long list of materials. These include, but are not limited to, drywall metal patch (for medium holes), painter’s putty, putty knife, blade knife, drywall compound, fine grain sanding blocks, trowel,  cloth rag, paint, and a paint roller/brush. For larger holes, you will need more material. See our blog, “Common Drywall Supplies and What They Do” to learn more.

What is the Difference between Drywall Spackle and Joint Compound?

Drywall joint compound has a lighter consistency than spackle, which means it is not well-suited for the same applications. It can be used to patch holes and cracks, but it takes longer to dry and shrinks more than spackling paste. Spackle is different from joint compound since it is mainly used to patch up holes and cracks in plaster and gypsum board. It has a thicker consistency, which is why it is also known as “drywall mud.”

Should I Hang Drywall Horizontally or Vertically?

This is actually a very common question among novice handymen. The answer depends on certain factors. Commercial properties must hang drywall vertically to be compliant with fire codes. In contrast, it is normal practice to and drywall horizontally in residential properties. In fact, walls that are 9 feet or higher benefit from horizontal drywall installation, including less seams, hidden uneven studs, easier finishing, and more.

Where Can I Find Trusted Drywall Repair?

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319
Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate for drywall repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of drywall services, for both residential and commercial properties, including new construction homes, remodels, repairs, metal stud framing, ceiling grids, and more. Request a free estimate, today.