Drywall or partitioning
We've all come across the term, but what exactly is this product and how can we use it effectively in our homes?
Here in South Africa, partition or drywall is more easily recognisable as Rhinowall. Firstly, drywall is the process of installation of indoor walls without the use of bricks and mortar, making it very quick to install. With the use of gypsum boards, a recycled paper covered panel of compressed gypsum used as the primary wall covering in almost all homes, drywall offers quick erection and a cost effective building alternative that can be finished to look like a plaster wall.
Drywall is not a new product and is used extensively as a construction material in the U.S. Drywall has a number of advantages over plaster, ease of installation being the most obvious. Any reasonably handy person can refinish a room with drywall, and you don't have to have any training to do it. For home improvements or adding architectural elements to a home drywall is ideal. It can be curved, arched, shaped and moulded according to your specific design requirements. It can be used to section off areas for additional rooms.
How is this product installed?
Steel frames are set in place and form the foundation for fixing the boards. These are easily cut and shaped. Once the steel framework is in place, boards are fixed with a range of fasteners that are readily available for use with this product.
Where can drywall be installed?
Because the product is moisture resistant, drywall (Rhino MR Board) can be used almost anywhere in the home, including:
Bathrooms
Kitchens
Steam rooms
Indoor swimming pool areas
Sculleries and Laundries
What are the benefits of drywall?
Since this product is manufactured using Gypsum, it has the ability to insulate and maintain a constant room temperature. The excellent non-conductive properties of drywall insulate against heat during the summer months and retain warmth during the winter months. By using drywall you will reduce your energy bills in both winter and summer.
Acoustical properties:
Drywall (HiSpec) can be used in areas that require absolute sound insulation and a 2-hour fire rating:
Study and Home Office
Home Theatre and TV room
Television Rooms
Music and Games Room
Recreation Rooms and Home Gym
Architectural details:
Drywall can be arched and shaped to create unique features in your home. The product offers complete flexibility for creating recessed and niche walls. Drywall is undoubtedly an excellent building method. It is relatively inexpensive, it performs well in most applications, it is easy to install and it looks great when finished and painted properly.
Why is drywall cost effective?
When using drywall for the addition of internal walls, no foundations or brickwork is required, there is less inconvenience, less mess and less time required for the construction - and these are just a few of the reasons why drywall is great for internal renovations and improvements. Although the installation of drywall is fairly simple, taping the joints between panels and plastering on a smooth finish requires some practice. Some do-it-yourselfers install the drywall themselves, then call an experienced drywall taper to finish the job.