If you are planning an addition or renovation to your home You may have thought of the possibility of drywall as an automatic. It is often referred to as Gypsum boards or Sheetrock (the brand name for a large drywall business) This material is among the most well-known construction materials for ceilings and walls. But there are some disadvantages to drywall and other alternatives you might want to think about.
The disadvantages of Drywall
Although it isn’t expensive, drywall has several flaws that can make it less than perfect. For certain people, the sound when you hit it could be frightening, and others do not like the lack of shape or texture. If you’ve worked on drywall, you be aware of the amount of dust produced during the process of installation and how challenging it is to set up. Drywall is also prone to damage from water, which makes it an ideal source of food for mold and other bacteria. Additionally, drywall often gets dumped into landfills when taken away, which makes it an unsuitable choice for those who are concerned about the environment.
The most frequent complaint from homeowners as well as professionals is the fragility in the construction material. It is easily damaged and damages must be covered by plaster. This makes drywall an unsuitable option in areas with high traffic as well as in homes or rooms with children where the possibility of damage is greater. If work has to be carried out on the other side of the wall you aren’t able to just remove and replace a section or panel. That means your plumber or exterminator or any other professional might have more task to do when dealing with a problem.
Solutions to Drywall Walls
Drywall is affordable and simple to put up, however its disadvantages can make it a less appealing option. The alternatives listed below aren’t necessarily cheap or simple to install however they do not have the numerous flaws that drywall is plagued by.
Brick and Masonry
Both brick and stone add to the appearance of the space they can also increase the value of your home. It is possible to leave them unfinished or paint them over or on top of the brickwork or stone. Although costly the walls will last for a long time and the materials utilized can be recycled.
It is possible to create other wall designs look like brick or stone using facing. They are small pieces of masonry that could be put on top of an existing flat surface with mortar to create the appearance of a real masonry wall. While it’s still costly however, it’s a lot less than buying bricks in full stones.
Cement Board
More expensive and heavier than the drywall, cement boards have some distinct advantages. It is ideal in areas that have excessive moisture levels because it is resistant to water and mold. It’s also much more durable than drywall.
Lath and Plaster
The lath system made of wood is now much faster and simpler to set up over time. Lath is a set of slats of wood that runs horizontally , creating walls’ backbone. Gypsum plaster is applied to the lathe and driven through the cracks, acting like a bonding material referred to as the key. An extensive layer of the plaster will be then applied to form the wall’s area. A few thinner layers could be applied to further refine the appearance, however each layer needs to be allowed to dry completely.
This technique is durable however it isn’t suitable for DIY projects due to the expertise required to achieve a desired impact. It is still employed in industrial and commercial environments, but the use for residential purposes has become less popular. Older houses that are being restored or renovations with an older-style style in mind will benefit from a lath and a plaster system.
Lath with Woodchip-Clay
It is a variation on the lath system that provides more soundproofing. Lath frames are filled with a well-mixed mixture with bark-free chips of wood as well as clay. Then, it is covered with plaster. You could use this method to lower noise or to construct an even more solid wall that the standard lath and plaster gives.
Veneer Plaster
This kind of wall uses half-inch of drywall and uses it as a foundation for a sturdy plaster wall. The drywall is connected directly to the wall’s studs and an extremely thin layer of plaster is layered over it. In contrast to a lath and a plaster wall, the plaster dries quickly and the effort is significantly diminished. In addition, this option can last longer than walls by itself and small dents or scratches are much easier to fix. It is worth noting that the Minnesota Lath & Plaster Bureau offers more details on the veneer plaster walls in addition to other options for walls made of plaster.
Wood
There are two primary reasons to use wood in walls. They can be utilized as a substitute for the drywall for a strong and appealing wall, however the price can be prohibitive. One of the most popular uses for wall panels made of wood is for closets in which cedar gives off a pleasing scent. The type of wood used and board size play an important part in the final price.
The other use of wood is to cover for a different wall. You can buy boards in sections or as individual pieces to cover the wall, or just a part for contrast, or even make a faux-Tudor look by putting some thought into.
Solutions to Drywall Ceilings
Drywall presents a new set of challenges when it comes to ceilings. It is heavy and awkward to move It takes two people to put up the drywall and the final appearance is very basic. Also, it is not soundproofed and is a bad alternative in general. Below are a few options you might not have thought of.
Ceiling Planks
Although they are more costly ceiling planks can be more expensive, they are an attractive option to make your ceiling look more elegant. They come in a range of sizes, colors along with wood grain styles. Planks typically offer the option of installing tongue-and-groove as well as being installed on ceilings that are already surface-mounted.
Drop Ceilings
If you imagine drop ceilings you may be thinking of dull white squares encased in brackets made of metal. But modern drop ceilings are diverse. In addition to the flat panel there are now fluted, textured, coffered or raised tiles in a variety of designs. There are tiles available in black, whereas white remains the traditional. White tiles are easy to paint and allows you to blend your ceiling and wall colours. Additionally drop ceilings are simple to set up, and give an easy access to the space above and can be replaced for a less cost than replacing the drywall.
