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Drywall

Also called plasterboard, dry lining, sheet rock...

  • made of calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum) aka "plaster", also used as fertilizer
  • extruded between sheets of paper
  • the plaster is mixed with paper or glass wool + plasticizer foaming agent + additives to reduce mildew, flammability, and water absorption

Colored drywall is moisture resistant (green/purple/blue) and is generally used in bathrooms

  • Blue/purple is better than green cause it has antimold concrobium in itr
  • Add redguard for more waterproofing

Dry wall characteristics:

  • invented in 1916, and became commonplace by 1950s
  • Wood and plaster are heavier, more expensive, and might not be fire retardant
  • the firerated drywall has fiberglass mixed in w/ the gypsum

Stud finder

  • works better if on edge across stud
    • else will find first edge, but overshoot the second edge
  • studs are typically 16" apart
  • Drywall panels are either 4 or 5.5ft, so you can measure 4 ft from bottom or corner for estimate
  • studs are on one side of an electrical outlet
  • you can happer a small nail above baseboard to see if resistance of stud

Lath + Plaster

Used to use lath + plaster, where narrow strips of wood (lath) stacked with plaster

  • plaster - made of lime+sand+water
  • plaster also known as stucco if used on exterior instead of interior
    • or mortar if used w/ bricks/stone/concrete

Advantages/disadvantages:

  • takes days/weeks to dry completely
  • can crack overtime
  • advantage for round corners or extra soundproofing over gypsum

Sizes:

  • Some use a 1/4" or 3/8" drywall on top of lath/paster
  • 1/4" is also good for curves (easily bendable by hand)

Common sizes

  • 1/2 inch (used on walls comes in 4ft or 54inch width)
    • Comes in 8, 9, 10, 12 ft
  • 5/8 inch (used on ceilings)
    • Also better for soundproofing

The thicker the drywall, the longer it can hold without requiring a stud/joist backing

Repair

Purchaseable

Quick Fixes:

  • elmer's glue (PVA - polyvinyl acetate) + backing soda
  • soak paper in glue and shove thru hole

Texture wall:

  • Flick joint compound off of brush onto wall
  • or, texture spray
  • knockdown finish - flatten w/ drywall knife

Steps

  1. Patch
  2. Sanding
  3. Primer
  4. Paint

Mounting onto drywall

Dry wall anchors - harbor freight - $4

Citations