Marking and types of gypsum boards are not very diverse: there are nine main types of plasterboard sheets on the market, each with different properties. Detailed descriptions and sizes are below:
1. GKL (GKB)– a standard plasterboard sheet without any bells and whistles. Used for cladding rooms with low and normal humidity (walls, ceilings, niches, arches, openings, partitions). Currently, it is not particularly popular: often large “mass” construction supermarkets do not have it in stock at all.
At high humidity, gypsum plasterboard takes water from the surrounding space, and then releases it again, behaving similarly wooden partition. Thus, when used in wet rooms of this type, deformation of structures may occur, and when laying tiles in the bathroom, for example, peeling of the cardboard layer may occur.
2. GKLV (GKBI)– sheet for cladding in rooms with normal and high humidity(kitchens, bathrooms, bathrooms). Most popular among consumers large regions gypsum board type. Due to its universal properties and small difference in cost compared to ordinary gypsum plasterboard, it enjoys the greatest success.
3. GKLA (AKU-LINE)– acoustic plasterboard sheet, sometimes also called “soundproofing gypsum board”. This type of gypsum board has enhanced soundproofing properties and is intended for use in recording studios, cafes, offices and other similar premises.
The greatest soundproofing effect when using gypsum boards is achieved when used, where this type acts as one of the stages of sound insulation of the room.
4. GKLU (GEK 13)– reinforced plasterboard sheet. It is used for installing partitions, as well as covering walls in rooms with low and normal humidity. In St. Petersburg, the practice of sewing in two sheets is widespread, that is, cladding is done with ordinary gypsum board or gypsum board in two layers, and gypsum board is not used often, especially since this is rare in mass stores.
5. GKLVU (GRI 13)– a reinforced analogue of GKLV. Not too common. It is used similarly to GKLV and GKLU.
6. GKLO (GKF)– fire-resistant plasterboard sheet, sometimes called “fireproof”. GKLO is used for installation of partitions and wall cladding in rooms with increased requirements for fire resistance of structures, with low or normal humidity. Characteristic markings – blue sheets.
7. GKLVO (GKFI)– a waterproof analogue of gypsum plasterboard. The application is similar.
8. GKLZ (GTS 9)– windproof plasterboard sheet. GKLZ is used in external work, when installing windproof cladding of facades. Previously, when this type was not yet used, gypsum boards, often primed with undiluted Aquastop, were used as windproof panels.
9. GKLD (GN 6)– designer plasterboard sheet. It is used for arranging three-dimensional interior parts and for creating curved surfaces (arches, curves). In St. Petersburg in the late 90s and early 00s, due to the shortage and high cost of GKLD, or “repair gypsum board”, as some called it, gypsum board and gypsum board, cut with a segment knife from the wrong side, were successfully used in this capacity.
The types of edges of plasterboard sheets also differ - in fact, the well-known “boat” is not the only type. They are designated as follows:
1. PC– straight edge at 90°.
2.PLC– semicircular edge on the front side.
3. UK– thinned edge, or “boat”. The most popular and common type of gypsum board edge. In Russian, the word “thinned” sounds somewhat ridiculous, so they usually say “seam edge”, or “boat”. The term “thinned edge” is almost never used in everyday life.
4. PLUK– semicircular and thinned on the front side. An edge of this type makes it possible to seal seams between gypsum board sheets without the use of reinforcing tape (mesh), which somewhat simplifies the finishing of gypsum board.
5. ZK– rounded edge.
The marking is applied to the underside of the sheet, as well as to its long end. In addition, the marking code includes not only the type designation, but also an indication of the manufacturer, time and date of manufacture, indication of GOST and sheet size:
As you can see, remembering all this is quite easy. And if you take into account the fact that mainly only gypsum boards and gypsum boards are used in production, then it’s quite simple. By the way, I personally have long abandoned the use of non-waterproof drywall in principle, preferring to work with plasterboard.
Another important point in the marking of gypsum boards is its standard sizes. They are standard and their number is small, however right choice This type of size can play a big role in material consumption, and ultimately (for large volumes) the cost of the entire object. Plasterboard sheets have the following formats:
Nomenclature of gypsum boards produced by Gyproc
Nomenclature of gypsum boards produced by Knauf It is distinguished by great variety in terms of size: the length of the sheet is from 2 to 4 meters in increments of 5 centimeters, the width can be 0.6 or 1.2 meters. Thickness can be 6.5; 8.0; 9.5; 12.5; 14.0; 16.0; 18.0; 20.0; 24.0 mm. Another thing is that most of these sizes cannot be purchased in ordinary stores, as, in fact, gypsum board 3.3 meters.
In addition, some stores sell plasterboard sheets in various non-standard sizes. For example, this is GKLV-UK 1200 x 800 mm (was available at OBI in 2012, pictured below). It is not difficult to guess that this size was obtained by sawing a standard sheet of 2.4 x 1.2 meters, and it was not even sawed on a machine, but simply cut by migrant workers with a plasterboard knife, and then broken, and very carelessly. These are the sacrifices supermarkets make to expand demand and increase the range of goods!
Next, on the front side of the gypsum board the middle is clearly indicated: this is necessary so that you can easily screw the screw into the metal profile, which is installed either in the middle (at a step of 60) or at a distance of 20 cm from it (at a step of 40) . If you use step 40, it is optimal to measure the distances with a tape measure in order to accurately hit the profile, and not the edge of it - a little fiddling with the measurements will save a lot of time and nerves, which is especially important.
In general, as you can see, the marking of gypsum boards is simple and easy to understand. The most important thing is to correctly calculate the number of sheets according to the height and width of the room in order to optimally use all the scraps. However, despite the most accurate calculations, it is highly recommended to have at least 2 sheets in stock, and if the object is located in a hard-to-reach area, to which it is difficult to deliver materials, then you can take more - sometimes a penny saving can turn into large and unnecessary expenses. When working on a small volume, as a rule, one spare sheet is sufficient.
Also, in addition to ordinary gypsum plasterboard sheets, there are various sheets of other types: these are gypsum fiber sheets GVL/GVLV and flexible sheets GFL "Glasrok", which have various interesting properties and appearance. Also of interest is. These products are appropriately labeled and, I must say, cope with their tasks very well. The technology for their installation differs from the technology for installing conventional drywall, but is absolutely nothing complicated. In other publications we will examine this issue in detail.
Today, not a single renovation in a house or apartment is complete without the use of drywall. This universal material appeared relatively recently, but in a short time it was able to gain popularity and earned a high reputation among specialists offering finishing work.
Drywall is a sheet (plate) material that is used in finishing. It includes a mineral base and paper layers on both sides. This material has soundproofing and energy-saving properties, and can release and absorb moisture, creating a favorable climate in the house. Thanks to the paper layers, the internal tension of the gypsum is reduced during installation and operation of surfaces. In addition, the paper front layer is sufficiently resistant to abrasion.
Advantages of using plasterboard in finishing:
- ease of installation;
- environmental friendliness;
- thermal insulation;
- versatility;
- sound insulation, etc.
Drywall: types and characteristics
Today you can find several types of drywall on the market. Their choice largely depends on performance characteristics.
According to GOST, plasterboard is divided into:- GKL – classic version, which does not include any additives. The material is distinguished by its gray color (less often blue). Used to create decorative and sound-absorbing structures, interior partitions, suspended ceilings in rooms with small level humidity (no more than 70%). Do not confuse gypsum board with gypsum fiber board (gypsum fiber sheet). GVL contains special additives and gypsum, which is reinforced with cellulose fiber. Compared to gypsum board, it has a higher density.
- GKLV – moisture-resistant drywall with hydrophobic and fungicidal additives. Sheets of material are presented in green. It is used for covering the surfaces of ceilings and walls in rooms with high humidity (kitchens, bathrooms, bathrooms), for finishing slopes as a base for flooring. Despite the fact that such material is moisture resistant, it is recommended to cover it with water-repellent tiles or paint.
- KGLO is fire-resistant plasterboard, red in color. It contains a reinforcing additive that increases fire resistance. It can act as passive protection against fires. It is recommended to use it in premises with increased fire safety requirements.
- GKLVO – fire and moisture resistant plasterboard. Green color with red markings.
Main characteristics of drywall
In a standard sheet it has a rectangular shape. It can have the following dimensions:
- 600–1200 mm – width;
- 2000–4000 mm – length;
- 6.5–12.5 mm – thickness.
The choice of gypsum board sizes is determined by the area of its use. Ceiling plasterboard is used in the installation of ceilings, including multi-level ones. The high flexibility of the material allows you to create complex curved structures from it, install “waves”, sheathe the arcs of arches, etc. The thickness of the ceiling plasterboard is 9.5 mm.
Attention! Wall material is the most common due to its versatility and affordable price.
Wall plasterboard is used in the installation of niches, partitions, false walls, shelves, and less often in the installation of suspended ceilings. Its thickness is slightly larger than the ceiling - 12.5 mm. Arched can have characteristics of 1200x3000x6 mm or 1200x2500x6 mm. Due to its small thickness, this version of drywall is more plastic than moisture-resistant.
What types of gypsum board edges are there:- PC (SK) – straight. There is no need to seal seams during installation.
- UK (AK) – sophisticated. When processing joints, reinforcing tape is used, then putty is performed.
- ZK (RK) – rounded. The seams are puttied.
- PLC (HRK) – the semicircular edge is located on the front side. There is no need to use reinforcing tape; it is quite enough to putty.
- PLUK (HRAK) – a semicircular and thinned edge located on the front side. When sealing joints, reinforcing mesh is used, as well as putty.
Using drywall
Installation of plasterboard structures can be carried out in two ways - pre-installation installed frame or using special glue.
The choice of installation directly depends on production needs. It is preferable to gluing gypsum boards when finishing the walls, and only if there are only minor deviations from required level. With this type of installation, minor construction errors (no more than 3-4 cm) are corrected.
The adhesive is applied to the walls and surface in pointwise vertical rows, then the drywall is pressed against the wall using a rule or load-bearing profiles.For precise installation, you can use a beacon system. To do this, you need to drive in the dowels in four vertical rows and use a rack level to set the plane. After gluing the material, the main emphasis is on the dowels.
In case of significant curvature of the walls, a frame type of installation is used. Profiles are used to create suspended ceilings, niches, arches and other complex decorative products.
How to cut drywall correctly
Use solid gypsum boards. Cut the sheet to length so that the end of the sheet meets the joists, support beams, jambs or studs. In order to cut the sheet to the required length, it is necessary that its end protrudes beyond the edge for which you are going to lay the plasterboard covering. You can measure the length using a tape measure. Next, use a straight edge and mark the end and beginning of the cut on the drywall with a knife. Make a cut along the entire length of the gypsum board with a knife.
Slam one side of the plasterboard sheet, after which it will easily break along the cut you made. In this case, the paper covering the core from below will not tear. To make a cut for internal corner, first, secure a sheet of drywall where you are making the ceiling, and then use a knife to make the necessary hole.
Safety precautions when working with drywall
It is worth immediately noting that gypsum dust can cause irritation to the respiratory tract and eyes. You need to take care of protecting your lungs in advance. It is necessary to use special safety glasses, a respirator or mask, and ensure ventilation of the repair site. Carefully study the purpose of all tools and use such tools for the applications for which they are intended.
Unsharpened tools are dangerous and can interfere with your work. Always work with sharp blades. Always monitor your tools and store them in safe places. If you work in fire hazardous areas, do not forget to turn off the electricity. Be extremely careful when working on construction ladders. Please note that when installing construction stairs It is important that her feet are firmly planted on the ground.
Do not try to reach up or to the side when working on a ladder. Keep children away from the construction site and keep them away from construction materials and tools, solvents, etc., that are hazardous to their health. Do not allow waste and debris to accumulate on the construction site and keep the area clean.
Drywall is a very popular and versatile material for interior decoration of apartments, houses, and cottages. Used for finishing and leveling walls, creating multi-level ceilings, arches, boxes. Working with drywall is simple and at the initial stage does not require special skills or expensive tools. We have already made a comparison and made our own. In this article we will talk about all types, sizes, properties and purposes of gypsum boards.
To choose the right drywall for repairs, you need to have a good understanding of the following properties:
- Sheet color
- Marking color
- Edge shape
- Sheet sizes
- Purpose
After studying all the information, you can easily choose the material you need in the store.
History of the creation of drywall
Who invented drywall? The inventors of drywall can be considered three people- these are Augustin Sackett, Clarence Utsmann and Stefan Kelly. The material was first invented more than 130 years ago. His homeland is the USA. During this time, the gypsum board underwent some changes until it became a modern one. building material.
- 1881, USA. Augustine Sackett, a paper mill owner, received a patent for the first prototype of modern drywall. At that time, the sheet consisted not of two, but of ten layers of paper. The gypsum in such a sheet served more as a glue than as a durable core.
- 1917, England. Between 1910 and 1930, drywall evolved into its modern form. Now there are two layers of cardboard, and the layer of gypsum has been significantly increased. The second version of the gypsum board was patented by Clarence Utsmann and Stefan Kelly. They also came up with a folded edge made from cardboard. Production of this variant began at a factory in England in 1917.
Since then, only the composition of the gypsum has changed slightly, new additives have been introduced, but there have been no fundamental changes in the structure of the drywall.
What is drywall made of?
What is drywall? This is a building material in the form flat sheet 6 to 12mm thick, consisting of a gypsum base and wrapped in thick cardboard. It is also known as “dry gypsum plaster”, also known as “GKL” or “plasterboard sheet”, also known as “GSP” or “gypsum building board”, also known as “drywall” in English.
Widely used in interior, less often in exterior decoration. Designed for quickly leveling walls and for implementing various design solutions - multi-level ceilings, partitions, niches, columns.
Composition of drywall. The raw material for the production of gypsum panels is gypsum dihydrate, its chemical composition is CaSO 4 2H 2 O. After heating in a special oven to a temperature of 150-180 degrees Celsius, rehydration occurs and CaSO 4 0.5H 2 O is obtained, after which calcium sulfate hemihydrate crushed into powder.
By mixing calcium sulfate hemihydrate with water, we again obtain gypsum dihydrate. During hydration, the plaster can be molded into any shape. The sheet hardens in a few minutes - from 2 to 30, depending on the setting class. This is how the gypsum base of the future plasterboard sheet is formed. Next, the panel is covered with cardboard. That's it, the production process is completed.
Harmful or not? The environmental friendliness of finishing materials is of great importance, especially for residential premises. The issue of harm to health worries consumers no less than quality or price.
Let's immediately dispel all fears:
Drywall is not dangerous to human health.
But for this, products must be manufactured in accordance with GOST, tested in laboratories and have the necessary certificates. If any, then gypsum boards can be freely used when finishing residential apartments, commercial premises, as well as children's educational and medical institutions. If there are certificates, any type of drywall is absolutely safe; it does not emit harmful substances, there is no radiation emission.
To ensure the environmental friendliness of materials, ask for certificates and laboratory test reports from sellers or request them from the manufacturer.
We requested copies of documents from the drywall manufacturer Knauf. Click on the picture to view in full size.
You can find current copies of these and other documents on the official Knauf website.
Types of plasterboard sheets
Let's look at the main types of drywall used in interior decoration apartments and houses. There are only 4 types:
- Ordinary. GKL. The sheet is gray, the markings are blue.
- Water resistant. GKLV. The leaf is green, the markings are blue.
- Refractory. GKLO. The leaf is pink, the markings are red.
- Waterproof and fireproof. GKLVO. The leaf is green, the markings are red.
Waterproof and waterproof fireproof drywall have the same sheet color - green, but differ in the color of the markings. Waterproof is marked blue, while fireproof waterproof is marked red.
All other types of drywall are highly specialized and are rarely used in domestic construction. For example, this rare type includes façade plasterboard with yellow sheets. In Russia it is used very rarely; they treat it with distrust. But in other countries this material is used for exterior work; the main thing is to follow the technology when finishing walls.
Drywall sizes
When choosing the size of drywall, two parameters should be taken into account:
- Length and width
- Sheet thickness
Length and width. Standard width sheet of plasterboard of any thickness 1200mm. The length can vary from 1500mm to 3000mm. When choosing sizes, you should start from the finishing area. Work with the sheet that is most convenient for your space. For large premises choose the longest sheets, this will speed up finishing. In small rooms it is more convenient to work with small in size, since cutting and moving large sheets in cramped conditions will be problematic.
Sheet thickness. Depending on the thickness and application, plasterboard can be divided into three groups:
- Wall. The thickest sheet, 12.5 mm, is used for wall decoration. It is durable and can withstand various shelves, paintings and other interior attributes.
- Ceiling. 9mm sheet is intended for simple finishing of ceilings. It is convenient to finish large, flat areas with this material. The weight of the sheet is reduced due to the thickness, but the strength remains at a high level, eliminating sagging. A ceiling with such a sheet will look perfectly smooth.
- Arched. 6.5mm sheet is used for complex figured decoration of ceilings, arches, niches in walls, domes, columns and other design figures. It lends itself most easily to radial molding. At wet method The radius can be reduced to 300mm, with dry forming - up to 1000mm. You can't do this with thick sheets.
If there are no thin sheets, you can, of course, finish the ceiling and arches with plasterboard, but this will require additional time and putty.
Purpose of drywall
We figured out the technical characteristics of drywall - the color of the sheets and markings, properties and sizes. Now you need to understand where what type of drywall is used. Everything is simple here, since there are only four types - regular, waterproof, fireproof and waterproof fireproof, then their application is appropriate.
Ordinary. It is used in wall decoration and the construction of partitions. Sometimes used to finish the ceiling.
Water resistant. For finishing bathrooms, toilets, showers, saunas and any other room with high humidity. The cardboard layer is impregnated special composition, moisture resistant. But it is not enough; it is also necessary to use a special primer and putty; in case of direct contact with water on a wall with drywall, be sure to use waterproofing.
Refractory. It is a non-flammable material reinforced with fiberglass and clay. When cardboard burns, the gypsum layer remains unharmed and is able to withstand high temperatures for a long time, much longer than a regular sheet. Fire-resistant plasterboard is used in construction ventilation shafts, air ducts, ducts for electrical wiring, fireplace chimneys. Naturally, in places with an increased risk of fire, not only fire-resistant plasterboard is used, but also special fasteners, metal corners, fireproof mineral wool. Installation of sheets on wooden blocks, only for metal ones. Additional measures are also being taken fire safety.
Waterproof and fireproof. A hybrid that combines the properties of both fireproof and waterproof plasterboard. Used in places with high humidity and high temperatures, for example, when finishing saunas.
In addition to the different types of drywall sheet itself, its edge also differs. It comes in two types:
- Factory
- Homemade
Factory edge. Different brands of drywall may have different edges. We list all the options for the edges encountered:
- Straight. PC. Sealing of seams is not required.
- Refined. UK. To seal the seams, putty and reinforcing tape are used.
- Semicircular front. PLC. Only putty is used to seal seams.
- Semicircular face thinned. PLUCK. To seal the seams, putty and reinforcing tape are used.
- Rounded. ZK. Only putty is used to seal seams.
Which edge to choose? Depends on your task. In some cases, the edge does not make any difference, and in others, the wrong choice of edge will incur unexpected costs to correct errors.
To finish walls and ceilings, choose plasterboard with a semicircular thinned edge to create a smooth wall without joints. The edge area is puttied and this levels the surface of the wall. If everything is done according to technology, the wall will be perfectly smooth and will never crack.
Incorrect edge selection will result in cracks.
Why does drywall need an edge of a certain shape? They would produce a rectangular edge and would not complicate the process of repair and production of the material, and the joints can be puttied on sheets with rectangular edges. It is possible, but cracks will appear in such joints over time. The edge and its correct putty can eliminate cracks and subsequent reworking of the surface.
Homemade edge. In the case when you need to join the straight edge of a sheet, you must make the edge on the sheet yourself. This is done using a special plasterboard edge plane.
The tool is quite simple and effective. The edge, of course, can be done by hand. construction knife, but for large volumes it is much more convenient to use a plane.
In this article we have provided only a list of existing edges. We will tell you in detail how to choose the right drywall edge and putty it to prevent cracks from appearing at the joints in a separate article.
This article is an introductory article to a series of articles on drywall. In this series we will step by step consider the use of drywall in various structures. Articles in this series, and.
In this article we will look at what drywall is, what types of drywall there are, and what is their difference. Here are the main standard sizes plasterboard and dimensions of profiles for plasterboard.
Drywall definition
Drywall is a slab (sheet) finishing material consisting of a layer of mineral base - gypsum, and several layers of paper on both sides, which perform two functions:
- protective function: the paper on the front surface is abrasion resistant (everything is relative, of course);
- the paper works in tension and restrains the internal stress of the gypsum, which can arise during work with it, and during the use of ready-made surfaces.
Paper does not compress; we will use both of these properties when working with drywall.
Types of drywall
Ordinary drywall (gypsum plasterboard). It is intended for finishing walls, partitions and ceilings in dry heated rooms.
Moisture-resistant drywall (VGKL). The cardboard is treated with a water-repellent and anti-fungal treatment, and the core is designed using additives that significantly reduce moisture absorption. Suitable for wet rooms: bathrooms, kitchens, garages.
Fire-resistant plasterboard (GKlO). The inner part of such sheets contains mineral fibers and additives, which give increased fire resistance to the sheathing of such gypsum board. It is used in places with increased fire safety requirements.
Drywall sizes
The standard sizes of plasterboard sheets are as follows: the standard length is 2.5 and 3 m, width is 1.2 m, sheet thickness: 6 mm, 9 mm, 12.5 mm. Although most manufacturers usually offer a larger range. For example, compact sheets measuring 1200x600x12.5 mm are easier to work with, but they are a little more expensive and larger linear meters the joints will have to be sealed.
Important: The minimum thickness of wall cladding is 12.5 mm. Smaller thicknesses: 6 and 9 mm are available for arched, curved, radius surfaces. And, if you need to make, for example, a radius partition, then you need to use 9 mm sheets in 2 layers.
The common belief that 9 mm gypsum board is needed for ceilings is wrong; for ceilings it is also necessary to use 12.5 mm sheets. This is information provided by the manufacturer, and not by the seller in the store, who is unlikely to practice the use of gypsum boards.
Choosing drywall. What to look for when buying drywall and profiles
- They tried to sell me packing slips several times. This is an ordinary sheet of drywall, in principle exactly the same as all the sheets in the pack, but... The manufacturer releases ready-made sheets from the assembly line on large pallets in packs. These bundles are repeatedly slinged and lifted by trucks and other loading equipment. This causes the bottom sheet to break, and the manufacturer, knowing this, prints on this bottom sheet without the standard marking: “Packing list.” This sheet should not be sold, it should be thrown away as a defect, but more than once I had to explain to the sellers that I did not need a fight.
- The sheets must not have broken corners or torn paper; they must be stored horizontally in covered warehouses.
- When purchasing all components, pay attention to the thickness of the metal and the rigidity of the products.
Profiles for Civil Code: UD and CD
The CD profile should not be crushed by hand, and if you take the UD profile by the edge with one hand and lift it, the profile should not give the impression that it is about to break under its own weight. The strength of the entire structure depends on the thickness of the metal.
High-quality and low-quality profile
- Often, primed ends of profiles indicate poor galvanization or improper storage. Galvanization should shine evenly and there should be no white spots on it.
- CD and UD plasterboard profiles are standardly 3 and 4 m in length, although at the factory, upon pre-order, they can be made to any length. This may be justified if, for example, you need to sheathe walls higher than 4 meters, then you will not have to splice the CD lengthwise. But small volumes usually don’t leave much waste, because a lot of “short ones” are used.
In the next article we will cover the basics.
One of the most common and popular finishing materials is drywall. It can be used for a variety of purposes: from leveling walls to making multi-level ceiling structures. Let's take a closer look at the characteristics of this material and get acquainted with its features.
What is it?
Drywall is a building material that is a perfectly flat sheet consisting of two layers of special cardboard and a core. The second component consists of hard gypsum dough with the addition of various fillers. In addition, drywall contains adhesives and foaming agents designed specifically for gypsum.
Most often, this easy-to-work material is used for arranging even sheathing., light partitions and ceilings (single-level and multi-level). Various lighting fixtures are often installed in drywall, and this can be not only an ordinary spotlight, but also a full-fledged chandelier.
It is not recommended to hang too heavy and large devices on plasterboard bases, since they may not withstand impressive loads.
Peculiarities
Such a popular material as drywall is distinguished by its practicality. It can be used for various purposes: with the help of this pliable raw material you can make your own various designs, without spending large sums and without spending a lot of time on it.
Plasterboard sheets can be used not only for interior, but also for exterior finishing, for example, this could be the design of the facade of a private house, and with the help of high-quality waterproof plasterboard you can create a very beautiful and original composition, which will transform the exterior of the home.
Drywall has its pros and cons, which you should know about before purchasing it.
First, let's take a closer look at what advantages this finishing material can boast of.
- Drywall sheets have ideal flat surface, which is why they can be purchased for leveling rough foundations. This can be the floor, the ceiling, or the walls. The main thing is to carry out all the work correctly and qualitatively prepare the foundations for the installation of gypsum.
- Drywall has high thermal conductivity. For example, in a room with walls supplemented with gypsum board sheets, a comfortable microclimate will always be maintained and optimal temperature air.
- This finishing material can be used to make different designs.
- Another advantage of drywall is its environmental friendliness: it is absolutely safe for households, as it does not contain toxic compounds.
- Materials manufactured in accordance with GOST are fireproof (do not burn or support flames).
- Gypsum sheets have excellent soundproofing properties.
- This finishing material is also vapor permeable. Thanks to this characteristic, various bacteria do not multiply on its surface, and no traces of mold or mildew appear.
- Drywall is inexpensive, so almost every buyer can afford it.
- In the installation of this material, you can use not only the frame: it can be attached with glue and even construction foam.
- Drywall can be combined with insulation. In addition, there are types of panels that protect insulating sheets from negative external factors.
- Working with plasterboard sheets is very simple; you don’t need special expensive tools.
- With the help of drywall you can bring to life the most non-standard design ideas.
- This finishing material does not emit unpleasant and pungent odors.
- GCR is easy to process: it can be painted, finished with wallpaper, tiles and other popular materials.
- Drywall just purchased from the store can be immediately used in repair work: It does not require special training.
Despite the large number of advantages, drywall also has its weaknesses.
- This material is not recommended for installation in rooms with high level humidity. This is explained by the fact that drywall in such conditions will eventually become wet and collapse due to oversaturation with moisture. Even high quality sheets, which tolerate contact with water, begin to deform over time.
- The drywall may begin to crumble. It is not recommended to hang heavy objects (lamps, paintings, etc.) on a nail hammered into a plaster sheet. flower pots). Otherwise, the fasteners may simply fall out of their base.
- You should be careful not to damage the gypsum sheets, as they are not very durable.
- Plasterboard sheets have a rigid structure and therefore cannot withstand impacts or bends.
What types are there?
Few consumers know that there are several types of drywall on the market. Each of them has its own characteristics, as well as advantages and disadvantages. Let's look at them in more detail.
First of all, you should consider what categories of this material exist.
- GKL- this is simple drywall gray, which is universal. It can only be used in dry rooms with normal humidity levels. This material does not have protection from dampness and moisture, as well as fire-resistant characteristics.
- GKLV- these are plasterboard sheets that have green. They are highly resistant to moisture. This finishing material can be safely used in the kitchen, toilet or bathroom.
- GKLO– this abbreviation belongs to fire-resistant plasterboard, the characteristics of which we will consider below.
- GKLVO– this is the name given to plasterboard sheets that have increased resistance to moisture. They combine the useful characteristics of materials such as GKVL and GKLO.
Now let's look at the properties of all types of drywall in more detail.
Wall
Ceiling
Currently in great demand ceiling plasterboard. It is used to make beautiful and voluminous structures installed on ceiling. Using this material, you can form both a simple single-level and multi-level box.
Arched
The thinnest and lightest are arched plasterboard sheets. Thanks to such distinctive characteristics, materials can be bent without fear of cracks and other damage. Moreover, before the immediate installation work it does not need to be sprayed with water for additional plasticity.
Using this flexible finishing material you can make beautiful columns, interior arches, semi-arches, niches, as well as original walls of round or oval shape. The thickness of arched plasterboard is 6.5 mm, this figure is mediocre, so such sheets are most often installed in two layers.
Acoustic (GKLA)
This is a soundproofing and perforated material, which is quite rare. A special feature of acoustic sheets is that their surface has a large number of small holes. Their diameter is 1 cm, the back side of the sheet is supplemented with a soundproofing coating, such as spunbond.
This type of plasterboard is most often used in finishing floors and ceilings in recording studios, special music rooms, pump rooms and other spaces where high-quality sound insulation is necessary.
Fire resistant
GKLO (meaning fire-resistant gypsum fiber sheet) - this non-flammable material is also a facing material and is very wear-resistant. Such finishing materials are indispensable in places where there are increased requirements for fire safety. For example, similar plasterboard can be used to cover a chimney or fireplace.
In addition, fire-resistant gypsum is often used in lining mines. The core of such sheets contains a considerable number of fibers and special additives necessary for reinforcement.
Moisture resistant
This type of drywall is less capricious and more practical. It must be installed in rooms with high humidity levels. This material has a core and cardboard, characterized by an unusual composition, thanks to which it is not afraid of moisture.
In addition, the moisture-resistant fabric contains special antiseptic additives that protect it from the appearance of mold and mildew.
Moistureproof and fireproof
This type of drywall is one of the most practical and wear-resistant, since it combines the useful properties of both gypsum board and gypsum board. It is often used when cladding production areas with high levels of humidity and high fire safety requirements.
Laminated
Such drywall is considered finishing material new generation. It is manufactured using the latest technologies developed in Germany. The basis of laminated sheets is a special plasterboard on a woven base.
This high-tech material is characterized by wear resistance, ease of maintenance, quick and easy installation, and the absence of self-tapping screws.
Laminated drywall is also decorative, as it can imitate well various materials: wood, natural stone, brick, different types of fabric. A simple painted sheet cannot boast of a similar appearance.
Facade
Facade plasterboard panels do an excellent job not only of decorating the house, but also of insulating it, as well as protecting it from adverse external factors. For this purpose, such materials have an appropriate structure - the front layer facade panels impregnated with special hydrophobic agents. This treatment protects the base from moisture penetration.
Many consumers choose façade plasterboard, since it acts as an energy-saving coating that stops the loss of warm air and insulation fibers. This material is quite easy to install and is fireproof. It is inexpensive and does not require complex care.
Reinforced
This type of drywall is very often laid on the floor. It contains a special reinforcing layer consisting of fiberglass. Due to its composition, this material is also called gypsum fiber. In it, reinforcement occurs immediately on both sides of the cardboard layer, which ensures high strength of the panels.
The back and front sides of reinforced plasterboard are treated with a special substance - a water repellent, which makes the material moisture resistant and more durable.
Reinforced plasterboard can withstand impressive loads, as it is made specifically for the floor. It is also additionally sanded and coated with various impregnations that protect the material from chalking. However, the service life of these sheets largely depends on their correct installation.
Dimensions
Different types of gypsum boards have different technical characteristics and dimensional parameters:
- wall panels: width – 1.2 m, length – 2.3 m, 2.5 m, thickness – 12.5 mm;
- the ceiling material differs from the wall material only in thickness, amounting to 9.5 mm;
- moisture-resistant sheets can have a length of 2.3 m, 2.5 m, a width of 1.2 m, and a thickness of 12.5 mm;
- the parameters of fire-resistant plasterboard sheets can be: length - 2 m, 2.5 m, 3 m, the width and thickness of such materials remain standard and are 1.2 m or 12.5 mm;
- arched plasterboard has a very small thickness - 6.5 mm.
For the manufacture of interior partitions, it is recommended to use plasterboard sheets with a large thickness - 14-21 mm. Such materials have high noise insulation. They are not afraid of impressive loads and mechanical damage.
Of course, the plasterboard sheet may have a different length, different from the parameters indicated above. Thus, some modern companies produce shorter panels. They cost a little more standard options, but working with them is much easier. Such sheets are most often used to decorate the ceiling in a toilet, bathroom, hallway or corridor.
Most manufacturers still adhere to three basic size standards in the production of drywall:
- 3000x1200 mm;
- 2500x1200 mm;
- 2000x1200 mm.
Colors
Each type of drywall has its own color:
- standard drywall is gray;
- moisture resistant - green, and the markings are applied to it in blue;
- fire-resistant material is painted pink or light gray with red markings;
- moisture-resistant and fireproof plasterboard is green and red marked.
Necessary tools and components
When working with drywall, it is necessary to use various components; even the simplest repair work cannot be done without them. One of the most important are metal profiles; using them, a strong and reliable frame is assembled, which is then covered with gypsum panels.
These necessary elements can be divided into three types:
- for cladding walls and partitions;
- ceiling;
- special guides.
Metal profiles designed for finishing walls and partitions come in guides and racks.
- Guide varieties have a special UD marking. Such parts are used for high-quality fastening of racks and guide rails of the frame under drywall.
- The drain profile plays the role of the main rail for installing plasterboard sheets, to which the entire sheathing is fastened. Such elements are marked CD.
Special guides are more narrowly targeted. For example, there are special racks designed only for doorways, to which entire entrance systems are subsequently attached.
There are also special arched options that can be adjusted to the desired configuration.
A combination of all of the above components, held together special material, resulting in a fairly strong and reliable frame. A well-made structure will easily withstand significant loads, as well as the weight of the entire gypsum cladding. As a rule, the guides are treated with zinc, which protects them from corrosion and slow destruction, which makes the finishing frame almost eternal.
To work with drywall, you should stock up on other necessary components.
- Direct hangers. They are the main elements of the frame for gypsum sheets and represent a plate rectangular shape. These parts are necessary to connect the frame racks to the load-bearing floors.
- Connectors for CD guides(another name is “crabs”). This element is necessary to connect the ends of the profile in a single-level plane.
- Two-level connectors. They are necessary for connecting the frame slats crosswise.
- Anchor hangers. These parts are needed for the base for drywall. As a rule, they are used when finishing the ceiling. The main task anchor suspensions is the connection of the base directly to the ceiling.
- Profile extensions. These elements make the frame slats a little longer. They need to be installed into the inside of the profiles and fixed with self-tapping screws.
- Corner connectors. These parts may also have T-shape. Such elements should be addressed if you are making a perpendicular joining of the profile to another rail.
To work with plasterboard sheets you will need various tools:
- screwdriver- with its help you can fix the frame, for example, on the wall;
- hammer drill- this tool is necessary for more reliable fastening of the frame to the wall, ceiling or floor; it must have sufficient power for such work;
- electric drill;
- Bulgarian useful for cutting profile parts and cutting off excess parts of the resulting structure;
- circular saw or electric jigsaw useful for cutting drywall;
- electric scissors indispensable for cutting metal if you need to build a large structure with plasterboard panels;
- mounting gas gun needed for automatic fastening of self-tapping screws, which saves time on installation of the structure.
From hand tools When working with drywall you will need:
- special knife for drywall;
- knife-saw for drywall;
- hammer;
- pliers for fastening profiles;
- profile punch;
- plane;
- edge plane;
- needle roller.
When working with GLK sheets, you may need other devices that will significantly simplify and speed up the installation process:
- a device for resting on the ceiling, which is a special lever with a lock, with its help you can hold the panel in the correct vertical position;
- carrying handles - curved steel handles necessary for safer carrying of plasterboard sheets;
- tape measure, which requires accurate measurements;
- building level;
- mounting belt;
- lift for plasterboard sheets;
- special beating cords;
- runners or leveling boards metal profile;
- corner and pencil or marker;
- sealing tape;
- Putty for puttying drywall corners.
All tools and components must be of high quality and reliable, otherwise the structure will not last long and may become deformed.
Do not forget that one of the main roles in a high-quality and attractive plaster finish is played by a strong and reliable frame, so all components must be selected especially responsibly.
DIY selection and finishing
Finishing a particular base with plasterboard can be done with your own hands. All the necessary tools and components have been listed above, so you just have to be smart about choosing the gypsum sheets themselves.
The choice of suitable panels mainly depends on the conditions in which they will be located.
- For a bathroom, swimming pool or toilet, it is recommended to purchase exclusively moisture-resistant material, since ordinary drywall in such conditions will quickly fail.
- For the kitchen, it is worth choosing more expensive slabs that are both moisture-resistant and fire-resistant.
- You can also use simple drywall in the bedroom or living room. You need to handle it as carefully as possible, since it is quite fragile, but it is inexpensive and lasts as long as possible.
- Both regular and moisture-resistant materials are used in the hallway and corridor. It all depends on how these areas are used in your house or apartment.
It is recommended to buy the material only from a trusted and well-known manufacturer: do not look for cheap plasterboard sheets, since this material is already inexpensive. Too low a price may indicate low quality goods, such sheets will not last long and will quickly become unusable, so you should avoid unnecessary savings.
To ensure that the plasterboard finish lasts as long as possible and looks aesthetically pleasing, you should adhere to the following: step by step instructions. Let's look at the installation stages using wall finishing as an example.
First you need to mark the walls using a level and a special pencil or marker. It is necessary to draw lines intended for fastening the metal profile. As for the sizes, they should be taken using a tape measure or a large ruler.
Experienced craftsmen advise sticking special rubber strips on the profiles before their installation, these parts are otherwise called soles. In this case, they will play the role of seals. Based on the pre-drawn lines, you need to attach the frame. To do this, you need to drill holes in the ceiling and floor. the right size. In profiles, these actions do not need to be performed, since the necessary holes must be present in them initially.
Vertical profiles must be fastened using brackets or ordinary self-tapping screws in the guides, which should already be installed on the ceiling and floor. Installation of vertical parts should be done in increments of 0.5-1 cm. The profiles need to be fixed as firmly and securely as possible, as this will affect the quality of fastening of the plasterboard sheet. Often laying drywall is carried out on various insulation materials or soundproofing sheets, such as polystyrene foam or mineral wool.
Using drywall, you can not only effectively level the walls, but also hide unsightly wires and various communications behind the wall. The layout must be carried out before installing the sheets themselves, otherwise they will have to be dismantled.
After proper preparation and installation of the frame, you can proceed directly to the installation of plasterboard panels. For high-quality and reliable fastening, you should use a screwdriver; working with this tool will take much less time and require less effort. Installation of gypsum surfaces should begin with their leveling. Keep in mind that for this you need to pre-cut holes for socket boxes and places for installing light bulbs.
To make the edges of gypsum sheets smoother and neater, each edge can be processed electric jigsaw or a plane.
After carefully leveling, the drywall sheets can be installed on the frame. It is better to fix them using screws; these parts should be fastened in increments of 20-25 cm. If there is a window or door on the ceiling to be finished, then a sheet of drywall should be fixed along the edge sections of these elements. This is necessary so that the sheet is attached to the base neatly and correctly.
Many home craftsmen wonder how long it will take to install drywall on a frame. First of all, it all depends on the area of the room in which you are doing the finishing work. If we are talking about a very spacious room, then it may take 2-3 days to install GLK sheets.
After installing and securing all the drywall sheets, you should proceed to installing small things such as sockets, switches and lighting fixtures.
When all the most difficult and time-consuming things are left behind, you can move on to finishing; the most difficult moment, as a rule, is hiding the joints between the sheets. To do this, it is recommended to use putty, but before doing this, you should attach a special reinforcing strip to unsightly elements.
When all the joints become invisible, you can proceed directly to finishing the drywall: everything here depends solely on your desires and preferences. This material can be painted, wallpapered, and decorated with decorative stone, brick and many other decorative coatings.
In the bathroom and toilet
Installation of drywall can be done in both the bathroom and toilet. Certainly, To do this, you should choose moisture-resistant slabs that are not afraid of dampness and moisture.
- In such rooms, you should first prepare the walls for installing drywall.
- If we are talking about installing sheets without load-bearing sheathing, then first you will need to get rid of all the potholes and cracks on the walls. Regular cement will help you with this.
- After this, the bases should be treated with a disinfectant composition and a primer mixture (moisture-resistant).
- Then you need to apply the glue with a roller to the walls and plasterboard sheets.
- All seams and joints between parts should be thoroughly waterproofed.
- After gluing, go over the finish with a finishing waterproof putty.
How to install plasterboard sheets on metal frames, we have already looked at earlier.
However, plasterboard can be used in the bathroom not only for finishing walls or ceilings - it can also be used to make:
- masking box hiding pipes;
- decorative box or screen for the bath;
- preparing a bathtub with plaster for future cladding - you can glue tiles or ceramic tiles onto the plasterboard;
- sealing the window separating the bathroom and kitchen.
In addition, a dressing table, sink and cabinet with a mirror can be mounted on plasterboard walls in the bathroom. Of course, it is recommended to choose lighter items for this.
For the hallway
Drywall is a universal material, so it can be safely used in the hallway, Most often in this room the owners equip a functional dressing room.
- To make such a structure, you will need to attach guides to the walls, floor, and ceiling.
- Then you need to secure the racks to which the plasterboard sheets will be attached. There must be a distance of at least 60 cm between these elements.
- Don't forget to mark the areas of the doorway.
- The design requires reinforcement of the racks on which the doors will be attached. This is necessary so that the frame does not deform under their weight.
- Next, one side of the structure should be sheathed with plasterboard. At this stage, foam plastic can be installed in the inside or on the doors, which will act as a soundproofing sheet. After installing the cladding on one side, move on to the second. Having finished it, we can consider that the work is almost complete.
- Now you can move on to puttying and decorating the dressing room.
Bedroom
Plasterboard structures are very common in bedrooms. With their help, you can create not only multi-level ceiling, but also a convenient window sill of the optimal size or make a neat hidden cornice especially for curtains. So, for the latter, it is necessary to determine the depth and width of the niche in which the curtains and curtains will be located, and also measure the position of these parts in the upper and lower planes.
Using the marked markers on the wall and ceiling, you need to mark two lines (using special coated threads). An indentation of 20-25 cm should be maintained. After this, adhering to the markings, you need to install guide profiles for the frame; screws and plastic dowels should be used as fasteners. After this, you can proceed to the direct fastening of the frame parts: you need to insert a wider profile into the inside of the box. It must be secured along the outer side with hangers attached to the ceiling with self-tapping screws.
Now you need to drill several holes along the broken line and insert plastic dowels into them in order to install the hangers and attach the second wide profile to them.
If you have installed all the necessary frame elements, you can proceed to covering them with plasterboard. To do this, screw a strip of plaster onto self-tapping screws through the frame itself. However, do not forget about the preliminary preparation of the necessary recesses in areas of dry plaster. They need to be made on the floors where the vertical sections of the profile are installed. It is recommended to screw in screws in increments of 20 cm.
To install vertical stripes You will need a base to which the drywall will be attached. These parts should be collected based on the depth of the niche. So, for example, if this parameter is 10 cm, then it will be quite enough to connect the sides of the guide and ceiling profile. Leave the ends of the guide protruding 20-30 cm beyond the ends of the profile. Of course, the dimensions of the niches can be absolutely any: for each option you can select profiles of suitable sizes.
Next, you should begin assembling the niche wall. The plasterboard strip must be screwed to a pre-prepared base. It is more convenient to do this on the floor, since there will be very little free space between the wall and the assembly site, which will prevent the use of a tool such as a screwdriver. The gypsum strip should be sawed off, leaving a small margin of width, since then the ceiling plinth will also be glued to it.
Now you can proceed directly to the installation of the resulting wall. The piece just assembled on the floor should be installed along the edge of the horizontally attached drywall. In a similar way, you need to assemble the side parts of the niche, for which the profile alone (without a guide) is sufficient. These elements should also be attached to the plasterboard structure.
The final stage of work will be finishing the resulting box. It is necessary to putty the corner parts, as well as areas where the gypsum sheathing was secured with self-tapping screws. After this, you can assemble the frame and make it single or multi-level.
Attic
Drywall is often used for lining the attic. In this case, much depends on technical condition roofs of the house. If it leaves much to be desired, then wall decoration With the first rain, noticeable smudges will appear. This is why any damage to the roof must be repaired before installing drywall.
Beams and rafters also play an important role. They need to be checked for reliability and strength, and also to make sure that they do not begin to rot or dry out. Don't forget everything wooden parts treat with antiseptic agents.
In this case, plasterboard panels can also be installed on a classic aluminum frame.
- First you need to measure the room in which you are going to install drywall. Calculate everything and buy all the necessary elements.
- The sheathing should be installed starting from the walls. Marking future design should also be transferred to the ceiling and floor.
- Now frame guides should be installed around the perimeter. All profile sections must be secured to at least 3 points. The largest distance between fasteners is a meter.
- Now you should install the racks in the guides using metal screws, and then fix the crossbars. At this stage, communications should be carried out.
- Next, insulation should be installed in the frame cells.
- After this, you can proceed to installing plasterboard slabs in increments of 20-25 cm. Finally, finishing material according to the traditional scheme.
When purchasing drywall sheets, always consider the microclimate in your home, as well as the type of surface on which you are going to install them. This will determine exactly what materials you need - moisture-resistant, fire-resistant or ordinary. Pay special attention to the manufacture of the frame for drywall, its stability and reliability affects the service life of the finish and its aesthetic characteristics.
Even thick drywall should be handled carefully to avoid damaging or breaking it. In most cases, it is impossible to repair damaged parts.
After purchase, drywall should be stored in a dry and warm room, which is better to close. The room temperature should not fall below 10 degrees. However, it is not recommended to place this material too close to heaters or radiators. The surface on which the drywall will be stored must be perfectly flat.
Manufacturers and reviews
Among large quantity Drywall manufacturers include the following companies.
- Gyproc. Consumers choose this company's products because of their affordable cost, practicality and light weight. Among the disadvantages of this supplier's drywall, people highlight its fragility and thinness.
- Danogips. Drywall from this manufacturer is very popular. Buyers talk about its flexibility and ease of installation. This material makes beautiful arches that are not afraid of moisture.
- Knauf.