Plasterboard is typically used in residential construction and home renovations to create walls and ceiling linings. Plasterboard is both cost and time efficient while allowing for a high-quality finish.
However, because there are many varieties of plasterboard available, this can make the decision of what type to use challenging.
Each different style of plasterboard is great for accomplishing different solutions in the home and can be a relatively cheap material and easy to install if you decided to install it yourself.
All plasterboard is fixed in the same manner using a combination of plasterboard screws and a special adhesive. Make sure to before carrying out any work to ensure the job is completed to an acceptable standard.
Now., let’s take a look at the different types of plasterboard on the market, what the benefits are of each and why they may be suitable for your home.
Soundproof or acoustic plasterboard
Soundproof or acoustic plasterboard is efficient in stopping sound waves from passing between spaces by preventing external noise from entering but also internal noise from escaping. This is ideal if you want to improve sound quality within a room in your home or if you live in a particularly noisy neighbourhood.
This works the same for others that live near you or within your building – if you expect to be a noisy household, utilise sound-proof plasterboard to make sure that their lives are unaffected as much as possible.
Fire-resistant plasterboard
Fire-resistant plasterboard is often easy to spot as it is pink in colour and is designed to burn slowly in the case of a fire. This is perfect for areas where safety is a concern and there is a risk of fire, such as the kitchen, as it can help . It tends to contain unique additives that lead to a greater resistance to fire, meaning you have increased protection from any fumes or smoke. They can still be easily painted over to match the style and colour of your home.
Moisture-resistant plasterboard
These are great for humid areas like the bathroom or anywhere that may be exposed to water. They are specifically designed to deal with moist and damp conditions without becoming damaged over time, preventing the growth of mould or mildew that can typically transpire.
This type of plasterboard can usually last longer than other types of wall finishing due to its unique core that propels water. If need be, you can always paint over the top or add tiling to achieve your own desired look.
Vapour-resistant plasterboard
This type of plasterboard is perfect for use in roofs, walls and decks due to its powerful barrier that minimises moisture diffusion and the development of damp. Typically the boards are coated in a thin foil backing, which provides excellent resistance against vapours.
Thermally-insulated plasterboard
Thermally plasterboards are typically used to line internal walls, providing both insulation and dry lining. They have a vapour layer installed, which can prevent moisture from becoming trapped in your walls or within the board – meaning they are less likely to facilitate the growth of mould.
They are ideal if you have an area of your home that you would like to prevent hot air from escaping and any draughts from entering the home. This can increase overall energy efficiency, which not only will reduce your energy bills but also your carbon footprint.
Dense plasterboard
Plasterboards higher in density are ideal for regions that are more likely to take damage and so need to be impact-resistant to some degree. You are less likely to find this type of plasterboard in the home – it is usually used in schools, airports, hospitals, or any other space where a high proportion of people are likely to congregate.
External plasterboard
Water-resistant plasterboard can be utilised to improve efficiency on the outside of a building. With the addition of a robust external sheathing board, the material can withstand almost every weather type, protecting the foundations of the building.
Plank plasterboard
Plank plasterboard is more suitable for dry lining internal surfaces, like hallways or stairwells, where the thickness of the wall is not the main concern. Because of its additional thickness, it provides offers improved acoustic performance and can also provide fairly decent fire protection, due to its non-combustible gypsum core.
Eco-friendly plasterboard
Several environmental impacts arise from the production, transportation and disposal of plasterboard, which is why there have been efforts to reduce the quantity of material being sent to landfill. Gypsum-fibre panels have been increasing in popularity due to their natural origin and high performance in recycling.
These types of plasterboard are typically similar in thickness but are heavier, enabling better thermal and acoustic insulation. This means that in the event of a fire, it burns slowly without producing noxious fumes. A further advantage of this material is that it has the capacity to absorb volatile organic chemicals – essentially, it can process domestic pollutants and sanitise the air.
Mixed variation plasterboard
You can also find mixed-feature plasterboards that incorporate elements of the different types of plasterboard, such as fire-acoustic dry lining plasterboards – this provides protection against fire whilst delivering efficient sound insulation. Additives can be added to change the properties of the material; for example, you can increase the strength of the plasterboard whilst reducing its weight.
The process of installing plasterboards can also be made easier through the shape and design of the board. Taper-edge plasterboards can make assembling a large wall much easier compared to straight-edge boards, which need to be cut in accordance with the shape of the wall.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is a varied selection of plasterboard available that can help to transform your living space and produce a fresh and innovative look. It is important to consider what types of plasterboard are best suited to your needs and will deliver the end result you are expecting.
In some cases, such as shared spaces, you may be required by law to install fire-resistant boards, which is why the planning stage is imperative to the success of your project. You can always consult with an expert if you are unsure or need a second opinion.
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