Different Kinds of Drywall Materials

Many people have heard about drywall and they know that this is somehow connected to the structure and finishing of a building. In reality, it is a material that is used to finish the surface of a room or area. It is usually found on walls and ceilings and it comes in different varieties, depending on the needs and preferences of the area. There are also differences in the measurement for this building material. These come in sheets of varying sizes.

Types
The drywall is usually measured by the amount of space that it can cover and its thickness. The regular kind is somewhere around eight by four feet and can cover about thirty-two square feet. It comes in ½ thickness and may be considered the regular type. It is commonly used to cover ceiling and walls but there are times when other types are used. More common areas where the regular material is used are living rooms and bedrooms.

Another kind is called a green board and it is resistant to moisture. Many contractors recommend this for use in bathrooms and kitchens or wherever water or any other liquid may be used more often. It resists absorbing the moisture, making it a better alternative to the ordinary kind, which can absorb wetness. The absorption can actually compromise the drywall if it were not the special green board kind. Constant exposure to moisture can compromise the integrity of the material causing it to become soft and rot in just a short time. Molds can also form in the ordinary kind if it were constantly exposed to moisture. Molds, in great quantities, can be highly dangerous to human beings so it is advisable to use the special one that resists moisture.

Fire shield is another type that is resistant to flames. It is a great asset to have in the house especially in the kitchen, unless it is close to the sink where green board is better. It resists fire for a longer period of time and has the ability to control or manage the temperature of the area where it is completely used. There are some states that have building codes that actually require the use of the 5/8 fire shield type of drywall.

The last type is the flex form, which is highly recommended for areas of the building that has curves not angles in its wall or ceiling surfaces. Rounded rooms and other areas of the building that have curves can be dry walled with the use of the flex form. It has the characteristics of the regular material except more flexible.

These are the more common types of drywall material that are usually used for houses and buildings. Many contractors, home rebuilders, and renovators have a good idea when to tear down and replace this material instead of just trying to patch things up. If there is too much damage or presence of mold, then it is better to just take the old one off and replace it. This is applicable to both walls and ceilings.