Drywall Company Las Vegas is one of the most common construction materials. It is inexpensive, easy to use and relatively forgiving if you make a mistake.
It also requires fewer skilled workers to install than plaster and helps speed up building projects. It may be especially useful in a wartime hurry-up housing project.
Drywall is the interior wall material most of us are familiar with, a fast and efficient replacement for plaster. Invented in 1916, drywall is now used in a wide range of homes and commercial buildings, providing strength, moisture resistance, fire retardation, and sound abatement. It is also a versatile product that supports a broad range of decorative and functional finishes. Plastering walls was once a common method for building, but it is labor intensive and requires multiple coats and long drying times. Today, drywall is the preferred choice for builders and homeowners alike.
Drywall panels are made by sandwiching a core layer of wet gypsum plaster between heavy paper or fiberglass surface sheets and then hardening them in drying chambers. Up to 10% of a panel’s composition is cellulose, which comes from the wood pulp in the paper surfaces. Depending on the type of drywall, other additives can be added to enhance the product’s functionality. For example, fire-rated drywall has glass fibers mixed with the gypsum to increase its resistance to fire. Other types of drywall have been developed to meet specific construction needs, including mold, mildew and impact resistant varieties.
During the late 2000s, low-quality Chinese-made drywall produced emissions that caused health and respiratory issues for thousands of consumers. These emissions also corroded pipes and electrical systems, and resulted in damage to buildings. Today, all major drywall manufacturers use paper face sheets that are free of sulfur and other toxic chemicals.
In addition to making the drywall less hazardous, these changes also reduce the amount of energy needed to manufacture the product. Additionally, recycled drywall is becoming more prevalent in the industry. Several companies now offer bin rentals for collecting drywall waste and selling it for recycling.
In addition to reducing landfill waste, recycled drywall can be used to make new drywall. It can also be crushed and used as an ingredient in Portland cement, or even as a soil amendment to add calcium and sulfur to agricultural soils. Finally, a growing number of drywall manufacturers have set up systems to recycle their own waste, as well as the waste from their customers.
Drywall Installation
Drywall installation is a common DIY project, but it requires some skill to get the job done right. First, it is important to choose the right drywall panels for your room. Sheets come in a variety of widths, from a quarter inch to 5/8 inches. A wider panel will reduce the number of seams and make for a smoother finish. A thinner sheet will work better for curved walls or ceilings, or to cover existing drywall.
The first step in hanging a new sheet is to mark the wallboard, using either a tape measure or a yardstick to determine how long your wall will be and how wide. You will also need to plan where any trim or wall outlet openings will go. Once the wall is marked, use a utility knife to score the face of the drywall. This will allow you to cut it with a razor blade. You should always wear protective eyewear when working with drywall. The dust is very fine and can easily irritate the eyes.
It is important to stagger the seams, as this will help prevent cracking down the line. It is also important to not line up a wall opening with the edge of the drywall, as this can create a weak spot that will eventually crack. It is best to install the drywall perpendicular to the joists, even if you have to cut around the edges of the window or door openings.
After the seams are taped, a thin layer of lightweight compound should be applied with a drywall knife. After the first coat of compound is dry, wait the recommended time on the package and apply a second. Finally, a skim coat should be applied all over to give the wall a clean, even surface.
It is important to recycle drywall when possible, as it contains gypsum, which is harmful to the environment. When gypsum is dumped in landfills, it releases hydrogen sulfide gas that smells like rotten eggs and can be fatal at high concentrations. The sulfates also leach into groundwater, contaminating water sources for humans and animals. Look for local drywall recycling programs and contact companies such as USA Gypsum to learn more about your options.
Drywall Repair
Like any material used for construction, drywall is subject to damage over time. This can result in holes or cracks that need to be repaired. Minor, isolated dents and holes in drywall are usually easy enough to fix with a little bit of spackle or joint compound. The key is to properly prepare the wall for your repair so that it looks flawless once it is done.
This includes making sure that all surfaces are smooth and free of any bumps or ridges that could show through your finish coating (like paint). It’s also important to be careful when using any tools for repairing drywall, as they can accidentally cut through the thin paper layer if not used correctly.
If you’re repairing an extremely small hole, you may be able to use a drywall patch kit that comes with a self-adhesive mesh patch that can stick right to the wall and cover the entire hole. It’s important to make sure that all surfaces are clean before applying your patch and sanding it down once it is dry so that you have a smooth surface to apply your finishing coat to.
For larger dents or holes, you will need to start with a drywall patch that is slightly bigger than the hole. Then, you can apply a lightweight joint compound over the patch and spread it out with a putty knife, feathering the edges of the patch so that it blends into the rest of the wall. After the patch is dry, you should sand it down to be smooth with ultra-fine grit.
Once the patch is fully sanded, it’s time to prime and paint the wall. Be sure to use a primer with a color that will easily blend in with your finishing paint. Also, be sure to touch up or repaint the entire wall so that your patched areas blend seamlessly into the existing color of the wall.
While drywall is very durable, it can still be damaged by moisture, insects, or other factors that can cause it to warp or crack. Larger cracks in drywall can often indicate a serious problem that needs to be fixed, such as a roof leak or a structural issue. When this occurs, it’s a good idea to call a professional who can investigate the issue and fix it before it becomes worse.
Drywall Replacement
Drywall is a very durable product but it can suffer from excessive moisture. Moisture problems can lead to mold, swelling or warping of drywall and other structural issues. These issues can be caused by condensation, leaking roofs or windows, improper ventilation, and even faulty plumbing. Regardless of the source, these problems must be dealt with promptly to protect the integrity of your home’s structure and avoid costly repairs.
If you notice that your drywall has significant water damage or is exhibiting other signs of moisture, it is time to consider replacing it. The first thing to do is to clear the area surrounding the damaged drywall so you can see and access the studs underneath. Using a stud finder you can locate the edges of the drywall that are attached to the studs and mark them for removal. When cutting drywall, always be sure not to cut into any pipes or wires that may be running behind it.
When installing new drywall, it is important to take the time to properly tape and mud all seams and joints. This will help to ensure that the resulting surface is smooth and ready for paint or other finishes. If your drywall is showing signs of wear, painting it or applying a textured finish may be necessary to hide the imperfections.
Homeowners who have the skills and equipment may choose to repair their own drywall instead of calling in a professional. Common reasons for repairing drywall include damage from moving furniture, removing or adding lighting fixtures, and tearing up old drywall to make way for new construction. It is also common for drywall to get dented or punctured from the impact of doors and people walking into walls. This type of damage is usually easy to fix and involves cutting the existing drywall to the correct size, then re-installing it with drywall mud and joint compound.
There are many different types of drywall available on the market, including standard, fire-rated and moisture-resistant. Standard drywall is made from gypsum which is mined from massive beds that look similar to white sand. It is mixed with fibers and additives to increase strength, reduce weight, and enhance durability and consistency. Moisture-resistant drywall is used in areas with high humidity or direct water exposure to prevent mold growth and deterioration. Other varieties of drywall include glass mat gypsum panels, green board (mold-preventative), and fire-rated partitions.