Why Opt for Plasterboard Versus Drywall?
Many homeowners mistakenly think that plasterboard and drywall are the same product, since both are applied over the frame of a home to create walls. Drywall is actually gypsum sheets that are screwed into the wall studs, and drywall tape is put between the sheets to cover up the seams or gaps. Plasterboard refers to a plaster compound that is applied over a board piece, called blue board, and which then dries and hardens. Today's plasterboard is typically made from a cement-like substance, which makes it very durable. There are some reasons why many homeowners may choose plasterboard versus drywall for their new home construction or renovation, so note a few of its benefits so you can determine if it's the right choice for you.
1. Durability
Drywall is very easy to break, and anyone with holes in the walls of their home knows that already. It's even less durable if it get wet, as paper always gets softer and easier to tear when wet. This is why drywall often needs to be painted with a special watertight and mildew resistant paint when used in kitchens and bathrooms. Drywall can also hold moisture from a plumbing leak behind the walls and, in turn, mold and mildew may form.
Plaster is very durable, much more so than drywall. While drywall may last only a few decades before it begins to crumble and need replacement, plaster can last for literally centuries. It can also hold up better against moisture, impacts, scratches, and the like.
2. Healthier
Installing or making any changes to drywall usually involves large amounts of dust, as it typically needs to be cut and sanded for applications and repairs. This dust can be very unhealthy, especially for those with breathing disorders. Plaster doesn't involve dust when applied or repaired. Because plasterboard doesn't allow for mold or mildew growth, this, too, can mean a healthier environment when you choose plasterboard.
3. Appearance
Plasterboard has a certain texture to it that you cannot get with drywall. The surface of plasterboard can be applied so that your walls are perfectly smooth, but if you prefer texture, depth, ridges, pitting, and other such features on your walls, you can achieve this with plasterboard. It's also easier to match existing texture on walls with plasterboard than with drywall. If you own an older building or home that was originally made with plaster, you should consider using plasterboard for making repairs or renovations so that the texture matches more readily. For more information, contact a business such as Betaboard.
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