Frequently Asked Questions & Answers About Drywall
What is Drywall?
The term ‘drywall’ is used to describe panels of gypsum board which are used in a wide variety of commercial and residential buildings. As there is no water used in the installation of this product, the name drywall is rather appropriate. This is one of the most common modern construction materials, and there is a good chance the room you are sitting in right now features drywall.
When Was Drywall Created?
This product has a long history in the construction world. Now dating back more than 100 years, drywall first became available in 1916. It did not take long for drywall to become extremely common in homes all across the country. In fact, as quickly as 1945, this was a product which was being used in an incredible number of construction projects.
What the Advantages of Drywall Construction?
There are many reasons why so many builders choose to use drywall in their projects. Among the biggest contributing factors to the popularity of this product include its affordable price tag, ease of repair, fire resistance, and durability. Also, drywall does a great job of mitigating noise, and it can be used in a wide range of settings. Overall, it is difficult to find anything bad to say about this material.
What is Gypsum Board?
As mentioned above, drywall is technically gypsum board. So what does that mean? Gypsum board is gypsum rock layered with a special paper to create a final product. This is a rock which is naturally-occurring and can be found in sedimentary rock formations.
What is Chinese Drywall?
More than a decade ago, drywall was imported to the United States from China. This product was found to be defective in a number of ways. It was seen during testing that these drywall products emitted a number of gasses such as carbon disulfide and hydrogen sulfide. After an investigation by the EPA, it was found that there could be both short and long-term side effects experienced as a result of using these products.
Can Drywall Be Installed as a DIY Project?
It is possible to install drywall on a DIY basis. You will not need very many specialized tools to handle the project, and if you are comfortable with basic carpentry skills, you may be able to do an acceptable job. However, professional drywall installers have skills which they have developed over years and many, many projects. If you are having a large room, or an entire home, drywalled, you will be better off leaving the work to the professionals. You want to make sure the work is done correctly the first time, and you may not be able to handle the various techniques needed to complete a large project.