Types of Plasterboard to Choose From

Plasterboard is a popular building product used in the construction of ceilings and interior walls. Installation of plasterboard on interior surfaces of buildings is relatively simple, fast and cost-effective. Once installation is complete, it can be finished using various plasterboard accessories and treatments such as wallpapers, paint and tiles among others. There are various types of plasterboard to choose from depending on their different features. These include the following.

Acoustic plasterboards

This type of plasterboard is suitable for its sound insulation properties. It is designed with a high density core that is suitable for sound insulation in ceilings and buildings with thin walls. Plasterboard accessories such as mineral wool are used to prevent transmission of vibrations from the wall to the plasterboard for efficient soundproofing properties.

Moisture-resistant boards

These boards are made using moisture repellent agents in the core and in most cases are usually not plastered since plaster soaks up moisture quickly. They are commonly used as tiles on walls and ceilings of moisture-prone areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, showers and around the sinks where it is likely to come into contact with moisture.

Fire resistant plasterboards

These boards are designed with glass fibre and fireproof additives in the core to offer increased protection against fire. There are standard fire-resistant boards that offer only a degree of fire resistance while the fire resistant boards offer an enhanced barrier effect against fire in buildings. This makes the fire resistant plasterboards preferable to the standard ones.

Insulated plasterboards

Insulated boards are plasterboards that come with a layer of insulating foam that is attached to the rear side. This provides thermal insulation properties, preventing loss of heat through the walls of the building, especially during the cold season.

Standard plasterboard

A standard plasterboard is installed on a wall or ceiling of a building which offers fire resistance, sound insulation, thermal insulation and moisture resistant properties. In this case, the plasterboard is used to enhance these properties that are already in place. For enhanced sound and thermal insulation, thicker plasterboards can be used.

Installation of plasterboards requires the use of plasterboard accessories that enhance the attachment of the board to the wall or enhance its curb appeal. Some of the commonly used accessories include picture-frame hangers installed with a hook or anchor for a picture. There are different types of bolts used to support loads on the plasterboard. These include toggle bolts, molly bolts and hollow-core bolts, all of which can hold light to heavy loads on the plasterboards.