The different types of plasterboard explained
The different types of plasterboard explained
Finding the right plasterboard from the start of any project is a must. In this blog, we will explore the types of boards and their applications.
Plasterboard forms your internal walls, ceilings, partitions, and floors. Plasterboard is an easy way to create a seamless, smooth look and feel, ready for final decoration. This material has increasingly become a popular and quicker alternative to traditional lath and plaster.
What is plasterboard made of?
Plasterboard is a panel made of calcium sulfate dehydrate (gypsum) and is also known as wallboard, or wall panels. Plasterboard generally comes in 1200mm wide sheets, designed to suit the standard 600mm stud spacing used in housing today. You’ll discover plasterboards with various performance benefits, and different thicknesses and sizes so where do you start?
Choosing plasterboard
Navigating the plethora of plasterboard on the market can be challenging. The future use of a room will determine which kind of plasterboard to use.
Gyproc® and Glasroc® plasterboards are versatile and innovative, giving a high-performance finish for all building interiors. Options include plasterboard linings with superior sound insulation, increased durability, improved fire-protection, better moisture resistance, more efficient thermal performance, and easier installation.
Gyproc® Standard Plasterboards
Gyproc® Wallboard Standard plasterboard is ideal for walls and ceilings to provide a great performance and a modern finish. It's a fast, simple, and effective way to line new and existing backgrounds in a wide range of buildings and applications.
Key facts
- Use in multiple layers for added performance.
- Provides a smooth surface ready for finishing.
- Fully recyclable.
- Quick and easy to install.
- Square and tapered edges available
- Sizes available: 9.5mm, 12.5mm, 15mm thickness
Gyproc® Performance Plasterboards
Performance plasterboards are solutions that can provide high levels of acoustic, fire, moisture, and impact resistance.
Acoustic plasterboard
Products such as the Gyproc SoundBloc 12.5mm plasterboard can help to provide better insulation against sound allowing occupants to enjoy quieter spaces. It also improves fire resistance, allowing for more time for the safe evacuation of a room.
Thermal plasterboard
Insulated plasterboards like British Gypsum’s Gyproc® ThermaLine PIR makes rooms more comfortable and cost-effective by keeping them warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Poorly insulated walls make spaces unwelcoming as well as expensive to heat and cool. PIR insulated plasterboard reduces heat transfer to help create ideal room temperatures without taking up too much space. At the same time, the board's double vapour barrier keeps walls dry and makes installation easier. It's an ideal choice for home extensions and improvements such as new room-in-the-roof spaces.
Fire protection plasterboards
Fire resistance performance is based on complete systems such as a partition, wall, ceiling membrane or floor, therefore plasterboard cannot be considered on its own in terms of fire resistance. Plasterboards, such as Gyproc FireLine (12.5mm thickness) contains glass fibre and other additives for extra fire protection and is ideal for lining walls and ceilings in commercial spaces like offices and shopping centres, as well as in low-rise housing and new build garages.
Durable plasterboards
Gyproc Habito resists damage in busy areas, saving you money on repairs in the long term. What's more, you can fix heavy objects like TVs and radiators exactly where you want them with no special fixings and only one screw per 15kg.
Glasroc Specialist Plasterboards
High moisture or high humidity areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, require the use of specially designed moisture-resistant plasterboard that repels water. While standard plasterboard is ideal for most environments, it shouldn't be used in constantly wet conditions. Glasroc H TileBacker (12.5mm) has a pre-primed water-resistant acrylic surface, which means you can tile straight away without worrying about moisture and mould issues further down the line. It’s ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and shower cubicles. The board is up to a third lighter than traditional cement boards, making it faster to fit without power tools, pre-drilling, or special fixings. It's also non-combustible and helps cut noise transmission.
Check out the Artex Trade Catalogue 2023 for the full range of plasterboard products.
Repairs to plasterboard needn’t be arduous – take a peek at this blog for the perfect solution.