Sheetrock and Your Home
Sheetrock is a popular brand name for drywall that comes in a wide range of thickness. There are sheetrock panels that are made to be able to resist fire, preventing the occurrence of moisture in the area that usually causes wear on the walls.
Drywall first emerged in 1916 when the U.S. Gypsum Company (USG) sold it in the form of small, fireproof tiles. Originally, it was popular for the name “Sackett Board”, after USG’s subsidiary. After a couple of years, the company produced sheetrock in the form of paper sheets and multi-layer gypsum.
Uses of Sheetrock
Before it became the drywall we know today, builders were hesitant to use sheetrock because at the time, it was considered a cheap fix for shoddily constructed homes. However, the product became a huge hit when most of the United States’ work force was dragged into battle during the World War II.
At the time, those who wanted to build or repair their homes were forced to go for quick and inexpensive materials like sheetrock. This made products like sheetrock appear “patriotic” since they offer the citizens more time and money to devote to supporting the country during the war
Now, sheetrock has evolved into a fire-resistant protection that every house could definitely benefit from. Aside from that specific advantage, it is also seen as the perfect option for people who want to approximate plaster-and-lath construction in a cheaper and easier way.
Types of Sheetrock
There are seven types of sheetrock that you can use depending on the room you are working on.
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- Wallboard or Baseboard – This type of sheetrock is the most basic kind. It is the lightest among the kinds of sheetrock and measures at about ½ inch to 3/8 inch thickness. It is often used in ceilings but it can also be adequate for most walls.
- Water-resistant – A type of Sheetrock offers water-resistance which makes it perfect for laundry rooms, bathrooms and kitchens the walls are usually subjected to intense moisture. A standard sheetrock usually warps when used in these rooms. Molds are also not a problem with water-resistant sheetrock which is commonly referred to as the greenboard or blueboard depending on the color of its backing.
- Fire-resistant – As the name implies, this kind of sheetrock is non-combustible and can withstand being exposed to flames within 45 to 60 minutes depending on its thickness. Hotels, apartments and other buildings use this kind of sheetrock to minimize damage should there be a fire incident.
- Insulated – This type of sheetrock does not retain heat and thus, are perfect for rooms that are well-ventilated. It is made with a strong polyfoam-type core and can be cut as easily as the standard sheetrock. It is also useful for areas where extreme changes in humidity occur.
- Abuse-resistant – Sheetrock under this category can be considered extra durable compared to standard ones, making it the perfect choice for playrooms, hallways, basements, garages and any other part of the house with high traffic. It is usually ½ to 5/8 inch thick, and can withstand impact better than other kinds of sheetrock.
- Cement Board – As the name implies, cement board sheetrock is made with thin sheets of cement sandwiched between layers of polymer-coated, glass fiber mesh.
- Fiberglass – This type of sheetrock is made from a moisture-resistant gypsum core lined withfiberglass. Since it is glass, it is more resistant to water even than the water-resistant sheetrock and is very easy to work with. It is also considered the most popular type of sheetrock there is.
McKinney Flooring And Remodeling, TX offers professional sheetrock installation without the necessary hassle. Just tell them what you need and they’ll get it done for you, pronto!