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Types Of Drywall Available: Applications & Uses

Drywall consists of a gypsum core covered by two layers of treated paper. The long sides are tapered for easy finishing with joint compound. The short or “butt” ends are not tapered

SPACE FOR SOCIALIZING

Whether you love hosting neighborhood barbecues or just enjoy sharing coffee with a close friend, a back porch is the perfect entertaining space. Porches offer shelter from bright sunlight and rain. Screened-in options also provide protection from mosquitoes and other summertime pests.

INCREASED PROPERTY VALUE

Porches are an in-demand feature for many house hunters, which makes your property more attractive when you decide to sell. In the long run, adding a porch can be an excellent investment. Buyers are more likely to make a higher offer on your listing when they see this feature.

A CLEANER HOUSE

Porches give your family and guests a place to take off their coats and shoes before coming into the house. A back porch can also serve as a mudroom, giving you a place to store outdoor gear. This keeps people from tracking dirt inside, which keeps the house cleaner.

STANDARD DRYWALL PROPERTIES

Drywall material comes in four thicknesses: 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch, and 5/8-inch. A single layer of 1/2-inch drywall covers most residential walls and ceilings.

For a stiffer wall and better sound deadening, use 5/8-inch drywall or a double layer of 1/2-inch drywall, with all joints staggered between layers and the second layer glued to the first for best performance.

The 3/8-inch panels are useful for covering existing walls and ceilings in remodeling. One quarter- inch board, installed in layers, is useful for curves. Special 1/4-inch bending-type drywall has the smallest bending radius.

FIRE-RESISTANT DRYWALL SPECIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE RATED DRYWALL BETWEEN OCCUPIED SPACE & GARAGE

Fire-code drywall has special additives, including glass fibers, to increase its fire resistance. Residential building codes typically require Type X 5/8-inch fire-code drywall with a one-hour rating for party walls, ceilings over furnaces, and common walls between living space and garages.

Watch out: For fire safety and inb compliance with model and local building codes, the ceiling of an attached garage and walls common with the occupied structure (private home, apartment, etc.) need to be covered with fire-rated drywall.

MOISTURE-RESISTANT DRYWALL

Moisture-resistant (MR) board, sometimes called “green board” because of its green paper facing, has limited water resistance from asphalt additives, and is recommended for high-humidity areas such as bathrooms and laundries.

The material is denser and less rigid than regular drywall, so it is prone to sag on ceilings unless the framing is 12 inches on-center or less. Also, it will fall apart, like regular drywall, if it gets soaked.

MOLD-RESISTANT DRYWALL

This is a relatively new product that uses an inorganic fiberglass matt instead of paper facing, since the paper facing readily supports mold growth. Panels are available with the fiberglass matt on one side or two.

Glass fibers in the gypsum core add strength as well.

Details about mold resistant drywall and an OPINION about its effectiveness are found.