Drywall has become a popular choice in construction, replacing traditional masonry walls. It offers speed in execution, structural lightness, and versatility that allows for the easy creation of customized projects. This material is widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial projects, meeting demands for practicality and efficiency. Its use reduces debris and environmental impacts, making it a sustainable solution for various applications. Originating in the USA in the early 20th century, it gained strength after World War II and expanded globally, including Brazil. What is drywall and what is it made of? Drywall is a dry construction system made up of drywall sheets fixed to metal structures. Unlike traditional brick and cement walls, drywall does not require mortar or long drying times, making its installation faster and establishing it as a sustainable material. The core of the sheets is made of gypsum, which may contain additives to improve its properties, such as moisture or fire resistance. The sheets are covered with special cardboard, providing a smooth surface ready for finishing. What are the types of drywall structures? Drywall can be installed in different ways, depending on the needs of the project. The main structures are: - Simple wall: composed of a single sheet on each side of the metal structure, suitable for internal partitions in areas with lower acoustic and structural demands. - Double wall: uses two sheets on each side of the structure, increasing mechanical resistance and acoustic insulation. Ideal for areas that need more privacy, such as offices and bedrooms. - Triple wall: a reinforced system with three sheets on each side, providing maximum resistance and insulation. Used in recording studios, cinemas, and places with high sound control. - Drywall ceiling: applied to the ceiling to create decorative effects, hide pipes, and embed lighting. - Masonry cladding: used to improve the finish of masonry walls, providing smoother and more leveled surfaces. What are the available thicknesses? Drywall is available in different thicknesses, depending on the type of application and structural needs. The most common sheet thicknesses are: - 6.5 mm: used in ceilings and coverings where there is no need for great structural resistance. - 12.5 mm: the most common for walls and internal partitions, offering a good balance between strength and lightness. - 15 mm: used in areas that require greater mechanical and acoustic resistance, such as commercial spaces. - 18 mm or more: used in special applications, such as studios, cinemas, and places that need high acoustic insulation and reinforced resistance. The drywall walls have three basic dimensions, varying according to the thickness of the profiles used: - Profiles with 48 mm + 12.5 mm on each face = 73 mm - Profiles with 70 mm + 12.5 mm on each face = 95 mm - Profiles with 90 mm + 12.5 mm on each face = 115 mm Main types of drywall Drywall comes in different types, each designed to meet specific needs. The main types are: - White board (ST): most common, suitable for dry projects, such as living rooms and bedrooms. - Green board (RU): moisture-resistant, ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and service areas. - Pink board (RF): has added fiberglass, providing greater fire resistance. Used in emergency exits and areas with fire risk. - Gray board (PR): reinforced for acoustic insulation, suitable for studios, offices, and cinemas. - Cement board: combines gypsum and cement, being water and impact resistant. Perfect for outdoor areas and facades. Complementary elements To improve drywall performance, several materials can be used, providing more comfort and safety: - Glass wool: increases thermal and acoustic insulation, reducing noise and temperature variations. - Rock wool: similar to glass wool, but with higher fire resistance, ideal for safety in commercial buildings. - Waterproof membrane: protects against moisture in bathrooms and kitchens, preventing infiltrations. - Double sheets: increase the mechanical and acoustic resistance of walls, being indicated for more robust partitions. - Acoustic blankets: reinforce sound insulation, especially in environments that demand more privacy and comfort. Advantages and disadvantages of drywall Drywall has several advantages: Advantages: - Quick installation: construction is completed faster than with traditional masonry. - Lightness: reduces the weight on the building's structure. - Sustainability: produces less debris and can be recycled. - Ease of maintenance: allows for easy access for electrical and plumbing maintenance. - Versatility: enables unique architectural forms, moldings, and details. Disadvantages: - Lower resistance to impacts: can suffer damage if subjected to high forces. - Low resistance for heavy items: shelves, cabinets, and TVs require structural reinforcements. - Sensitive to moisture without proper treatment: not suitable for areas exposed to water without specific protection. Other uses of drywall beyond walls Drywall extends far beyond walls, being widely employed in other architectural elements, such as: - Ceilings: widely used in lowered ceilings, allowing for recessed lighting and different finishes. - Movable partitions: allow for easy reconfiguration of commercial and corporate spaces. - Shelves and niches: create personalized solutions for decorating and organizing projects. - Decorative panels: provide sophisticated aesthetic effects, such as slats, reliefs, and different textures. - Planned furniture: replaces carpentry in some applications, providing modern design and integrated spaces. Masonry vs drywall The choice between drywall and masonry depends on the needs of the project and the characteristics desired for the projects. Drywall is a lighter, quicker to install, and more sustainable solution, ideal for constructions that require flexibility and lower environmental impact. Additionally, the ease of maintenance and aesthetic possibilities make this system an advantageous option. On the other hand, masonry still offers greater resistance, being ideal for structures. For outdoor areas or places subject to excessive moisture, masonry may be the better choice. For interiors, especially in renovations and personalization projects, drywall stands out for its practicality and efficiency.
