The term drywall refers to large sheets of finishing material used for drywall construction. These sheets usually face the interior walls of dwellings and other buildings.
Drywall construction doesn’t need the use of mortar or plaster. There are many types of drywall panels on the market, each made of different materials. There are seven main types of drywall, and some do contain drywall.
In this article, we’ll be covering the different types of drywall, what they’re made of, and whether or not they contain fiberglass.
Types of Drywall
There are seven main types of drywall. Each type has a different composition and application. Despite their different compositions, though, all drywalls contain calcium sulfate (gypsum) as their main component.
Some drywall panels make use of fiberglass, including paperless drywalls and Type C drywalls, whereas others rely merely on gypsum and paper.
Other materials drywall panels may incorporate include:
- Plasticizers
- Starch
- Mica crystal
- Chelating agents (like EDTA)
- Anti-mildew agents (like Boric acid)
- Wax emulsion
- Potassium sulfate
Let’s go over each type for deeper insight.
Regular Drywall
In regular drywall, the gypsum is placed between one white paper panel and another brown paper panel. This type is usually purchased as 4×8 foot sheets with a thickness range of 3/8-1 inch.
It’s the most common type of drywall in both residential and commercial buildings because it’s the most affordable.
Green Board
For areas where moisture is common, like kitchens or bathrooms, a mold-resistant drywall is needed.
For best results, drywall mud, also known as joint compound, and green drywall boards are used to combat mold. Green board costs 20% more than regular drywall.
It’s important to note that this drywall is not waterproof and shouldn’t be in contact with water. Most of the time it’s used as a tile backer.
Blue Board
If you need highly moisture-resistant drywall, then blue board drywall is the answer. It’s both mold and water-resistant and is used for veneer plastering. This type of blue board has some noise-canceling properties.
Paperless Drywall
When the gypsum is in between two sheets of fiberglass, it’s referred to as paperless drywall. This type of drywall is mostly used in bathrooms because it’s very resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew.
Despite being much more sturdy than regular drywall, it’s easier to cut. However, a joint compound is applied to give a smooth finish to the wall because it has a slight texture.
Type X Drywall
Using layers of Type X drywall can lead to greater fire resistance. Using this type of drywall is required by building codes. It’s used for apartment buildings and garages.
Normally, it’s sold as 5/8-inch thick sheets. Since it’s thick and installed in layers, it flaunts improved soundproofing characteristics. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to cut and work with.
Type C Drywall
Type C is very similar to type X. The main difference is that there is more glass fiber in Type C. This type of drywall also has anti-shrinkage properties.
Soundproof Drywall Board
Soundproof drywall is similar in thickness to regular drywall. However, it has a characteristic gypsum layering. The two layers of paper have a quarter-inch layer of gypsum between them. There is also an additional membrane and layer of gypsum of the same size.
This layering technique produces a noise-canceling effect. This type of gypsum is great for home theaters and recording studios.
These panels are installed the same way as any other drywall. However, they are four times as expensive as regular drywall panels.
Fiberglass Tape
Sometimes drywall can become damaged. Damage can be due to excess moisture, shrinkage, or excessive force against the drywall.
Rather than replacing the whole drywall, which can be time-consuming and expensive, some people decide to patch their walls.
Patching your wall can be done using either paper tape or fiberglass mesh tape. Since the paper tape is difficult to work with, most DIYers opt for fiberglass mesh tape. It’s also a convenient method for covering up cracks in the wall.
How to Patch Up Your Walls Using Fiberglass Tape
If the hole is more than 1/4-inch wide, fill it using small panels of drywall first. You could also use a ready-mixed compound. However, this might need a long drying time, which may cause some delays.
After filling the larger holes, patching up the cracks or small holes is an easy process. However, be sure to purchase adhesive fiberglass tape.
First, put on some gloves to protect your fingers. Then, center the tape along the crack or seam of the drywall and press it down.
After applying the required length of mesh tape, cut off the excess. Cutting the mesh can be done using scissors or a sharp utility knife.
At the corners, you should overlap the mesh slightly. The overlap will strengthen the mesh. However, areas with an overlap will require additional drywall compounds (mud) due to the extra thickness.
The fiberglass adhesive will allow it to stick to the drywall, but not for long. It’s important to immediately apply the first layer of drywall mud to the tape. The first layer should be thin since its primary purpose is to ensure that the tape stays in place.
You may need multiple layers of mud to cover up the mesh. The number of layers required may vary.
It should be noted that much like the actual drywall panels, fiberglass mesh tape comes in a variety of types. For example, a green fiberglass mesh tape is mold-resistant.
How to Store Mesh Tape
You can extend the lifetime of drywall mesh tape by protecting it from drywall dust and moisture. This is done by storing it in an airtight plastic bag. This will ensure that the adhesive remains sticky for longer.
Conclusion
Drywall has evolved to the point that it’s suitable for almost any renovation you might have in mind. Each type caters to different needs.
Some drywall have fiberglass in them. This includes paperless drywall and Type C drywall. However, some drywall doesn’t use fiberglass and are made of gypsum and paper.
For the best results, you need to know the properties of each drywall and whether or not it’s suited to your needs.
