Lets face it, talking about drywall is not the most exciting topic in the world but knowing the different applications is a great tool to have in your back pocket during construction.
For the common folk, drywall is just a white piece of board that is slapped on the wall separating 1 room from the next. Boy do they have something to learn! For those, this blog will be a great method to teach you of the different types of drywall and its application. For those that are already pros, this will be a great refresher.
Instead of explaining the boring old data pages and product descriptions lets bring in real life examples to explain where the different types of drywall can be used.
Setting the Scene
Billy has an office and is looking to do a few alterations within the space. He wants to add a few walls for more offices, a new janitors closet, update the bathroom with some new tile on the walls and add a shower, he also wants to remove a few exterior windows and fill them in.
Where is the best spot for Billy to use regular 1/2" Drywall?
His best practice is to use this regular 1/2" drywall on the new office walls and ceilings. 1/2" drywall is great for interior walls and ceilings that separate rooms. It is light
weight, cost effective and easier to install. Though, if Billy's codes identify he needs some of his office walls fire or smoke rated he will need to reconsider the type of drywall he uses.
Where is the best spot for Billy to use 5/8" Type "X" Drywall?
In his office, he should be using 5/8" type "X" drywall on all walls of the janitors closet. Why? inside the janitors closet there are flammable chemicals and products. In the event there is a fire within this closet you want to provide time for people to evacuate the office. We call rated walls 1hr, 2hr, 3hr etc. which identify the amount of time it will take the fire to get through these assemblies. This type of drywall should be used on any walls or ceilings that will provide a fire barrier.
Fun Fact: 1/2" Type "C" drywall is another rated drywall assembly that will do the same as 5/8" type "X" drywall. Do not confuse regular 1/2" drywall with 1/2" Type "C".
Where is the best spot for Billy to use Moisture Resistant Drywall?
Seems pretty self explanatory doesn't it? This kind of drywall should be used in the bathrooms or areas that water will be exposed. Billy doesn't want his drywall to become moldy or rot over time. This kind of drywall will help protect from the splashing and vapor particles of the shower. He has the choice of 1/2" or 5/8" but again, if the assembly is to be rated he will want to steer towards the 5/8" drywall. If you like color you will like moisture resistant drywall as it comes in blues and greens.
Where is the best spot for Billy to use Tile Backer Drywall?
Billy has identified he wants to put new tile on his bathroom walls. Tile adheres best to drywall that is designed for the mortar of tile. That kind of drywall is tile backer drywall or cement drywall. To do things properly, you will want to have the best adhesion possible for your tile to set to. In this case, a tile backer drywall should be used.
Where is the best spot for Billy to use exterior sheathing or exterior drywall?
Remember Billy asked to remove some exterior windows and fill them in? Well on the outside face of the building Billy will want to use an exterior drywall or plywood before the siding is placed on the wall. Why cant he use regular drywall? exterior sheathing is designed for superior mold and moisture resistance that regular drywall is not. This kind of drywall is designed specifically for the exterior of a building to protect against the weather.
If Billy follows these helpful tips, he will be able to sleep well at night knowing the correct drywall has been installed in his new office.
Takeaways:
There is not a 1 fit all type of drywall.
Avoid cutting corners and use the correct kind of drywall to avoid future headaches.
Watch out for your fire rated drywall requirements.
I hope you where able to learn something new in this article, or sharpen your existing drywall knowledge. Please feel free to share this article with those you think could use the helping hand and don't hesitate to reach out if you have further questions.
If you are wondering how Billy will mud and tape each type of drywall, follow this link:
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