Answers to Commonly Asked Questions About Plasterboard
Plasterboard is much like drywall in that it has an inner layer of what is called gypsum, which is covered by a layer of paper. You install plasterboard as you would drywall, and the outer paper layer becomes a smooth surface to hold paint for your walls and ceilings. If you're thinking about using plasterboard in your home renovation or construction project, note a few questions you might have about its overall use and design.
Is plasterboard good for every room of the home?
The gypsum in the middle of the paper makes it a poor choice for rooms with constant humidity and moisture, such as a kitchen and bathroom, as it may absorb this moisture. However, some types of plasterboard may come with an added silicone or other such material that makes the plasterboard more resistant to moisture collection and condensation, and the resultant risk of mold growth. If you want to put plasterboard in a kitchen, bath, laundry room, and the like, look for those types specially designed for such rooms.
Is plasterboard soundproof?
The inner layer of gypsum in plasterboard is made from materials that may actually absorb more sound than any other material, so plasterboard is more soundproof than drywall and other such wall materials. Some types of plasterboard may also have materials added to the center core of gypsum to absorb even more sound than usual, so the material might be used in a noisy office, school, or child's room, or any room where you want more sound absorption.
Can you put wallpaper over plasterboard?
Plasterboard will hold wallpaper adhesive like any other similar material, but note that the adhesive may be absorbed by the paper lining of the plasterboard. It's good to put a coating of sealer on the plasterboard to keep this from happening, so you can more readily strip the wallpaper when you want to remove it without damaging the outer layer of the plasterboard itself.
Is plasterboard fireproof?
Gypsum has a certain amount of water as part of its makeup and this water is driven off or evaporated with a fire, so that the plasterboard actually keeps the fire cooler and keeps it from spreading. While gypsum or plasterboard should not be counted on to actually stop a fire the way concrete or steel would, it can be a better choice than drywall and other materials without this moisture content when it comes to high fire risk areas.