What Is Drywall Made Of?
Drywall, also known as gypsum board, is a building material commonly used to create walls in homes and commercial spaces. It is a cheap and easy alternative to traditional plaster wall construction. Drywall panels are typically made of gypsum plaster, cellulose, or fiberglass.
Composition of Drywall
- Gypsum plaster: Gypsum, also known as calcium sulfate, is the main component of drywall, comprising between 70% and 90% of its composition. It is a fire-proof and sound-deadening material.
- Cellulose or fiberglass: Up to 10% of drywall is made up of cellulose, which is found in the paper facing on both sides of the panel. However, fiberglass is increasingly being used as a facing material due to its mold resistance.
- Additives: Drywall also contains various additives to improve its strength, speed the hardening, hinder mildew and mold, and provide other benefits. These additives include paper or fiberglass fibers, plasticizers, starch, finely ground mica crystal, EDTA, anti-mildew agents, wax emulsion, and potassium sulfate.
What Is Joint Compound Made Of?
Joint compound, also known as mud, is used to cover the tape sealing the joints between drywall panels. It is not a liquified gypsum material, but rather a mixture of:
- Calcium carbonate: This is the main mineral in drywall mud, also known as ground limestone.
- Talcum: Ultra-fine talcum powder is used in joint compound because its plate-shaped particles lie flat and resist cracking, making it easy to sand to a smooth finish.
Are There Harmful Chemicals in Drywall?
Drywall is generally safe when kept solid and stable. However, the fine dust it produces can contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and crystalline silica. These chemicals can be dangerous if inhaled.
Types of Drywall
There are different types of drywall available, each with its own specific用途：
- White board (regular drywall): The most common type of drywall, measuring 4 feet by 8 feet and ranging in thickness from 3/8-inch to 1-inch.
- Green board (waterproof drywall): Has a waxy, water-resistant coating and chemicals that resist moisture and mildew.
- Fire-rated drywall: Contains fiberglass and is designed to resist fire.
Benefits of Drywall
Drywall offers several advantages over traditional plaster wall construction:
- Cost-effective: Drywall is a relatively inexpensive material.
- Easy to install: Drywall panels are lightweight and easy to cut and install.
- Fire-resistant: Drywall is a fire-proof material, especially fire-rated drywall.
- Sound-deadening: Gypsum has sound-deadening properties, making drywall an effective material for reducing noise.
Health Hazards of Drywall Dust
When working with drywall, it is important to wear a mask to prevent inhaling the fine dust. This dust can contain harmful chemicals that can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
Environmental Concerns
Chinese-made drywall has been linked to various environmental concerns, including:
- Sulfur: Excessive levels of sulfur in Chinese drywall can corrode electrical wiring and plumbing pipes.
- Strontium: Chinese drywall contains higher concentrations of strontium than U.S.-made drywall.
- Mold and mildew agents: Some drywall products contain agents to fight mold and mildew, which can be harmful to sensitive individuals.