When it comes to constructing or renovating commercial spaces, plasterboard (also known as drywall or gypsum board) is a fundamental building material. It’s used in walls and ceilings to create smooth, durable surfaces that can be painted, wallpapered, or finished in other ways. However, with so many types of plasterboard available, it can be difficult to know which one is best suited for your specific needs.
At Promurus, we specialize in commercial plastering services, providing expert guidance to help clients select the right plasterboard for their projects. In this article, we’ll walk you through the different types of plasterboard and their applications, so you can make an informed decision on which option is right for your construction or renovation project.
What is Plasterboard?
Plasterboard is made from a core of gypsum (a soft mineral) that is sandwiched between layers of paper. It's widely used in both residential and commercial construction because it’s cost-effective, easy to install, and highly versatile. However, not all plasterboards are the same. The right choice depends on factors such as moisture levels, fire resistance, sound insulation, and structural requirements.
1. Standard Plasterboard
Application: General-purpose use for walls and ceilings in dry, low-moisture environments.
Standard plasterboard is the most common type of plasterboard used in construction. It is suitable for most commercial and residential applications, such as offices, retail spaces, and residential properties. This type of plasterboard is inexpensive, easy to handle, and offers a smooth finish, making it ideal for areas that are not exposed to excessive moisture or fire hazards.
Best For: Basic internal wall and ceiling applications.
2. Moisture-Resistant Plasterboard (Green Board)
Application: Areas with higher humidity, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
Moisture-resistant plasterboard is designed for areas that experience higher humidity levels but aren’t exposed to direct water contact. It’s treated with a water-repellent additive, making it less susceptible to mold and mildew compared to standard plasterboard. While it’s not suitable for wet rooms like showers, it is perfect for spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, or other environments with high moisture levels.
Best For: Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements.
3. Fire-Resistant Plasterboard (Fireboard)
Application: Fire-rated partitions, ceilings, and walls where fire safety is a priority.
Fire-resistant plasterboard is specially designed to delay the spread of fire, offering valuable time for evacuation and minimizing damage. This plasterboard contains additives, such as glass fibers, which give it enhanced fire-resistance properties. Fire-resistant plasterboard is commonly used in commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and other high-risk areas where fire protection is crucial. Depending on the rating, it can provide anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours of fire protection.
Best For: Fire-rated walls, ceilings, and partitions in commercial and public buildings.
4. Soundproof Plasterboard
Application: Acoustic insulation in offices, studios, and multi-residential buildings.
Soundproof plasterboard, also known as acoustic plasterboard, is designed to reduce the transmission of sound between rooms. It is ideal for environments where soundproofing is critical, such as office spaces, music studios, hotels, or multi-residential buildings. The board typically contains a denser core or additional layers that absorb and block sound more effectively than standard plasterboard.
Best For: Offices, conference rooms, music studios, multi-family buildings, and hotels.
5. Thermal Insulated Plasterboard
Application: Energy-efficient insulation for walls and ceilings.
Thermal insulated plasterboard combines traditional plasterboard with an insulating layer, making it an excellent choice for improving energy efficiency. This type of plasterboard helps reduce heat loss and can be used in both residential and commercial applications. It’s particularly beneficial for buildings that need to meet stringent energy efficiency standards or those in colder climates.
Best For: Commercial buildings requiring high thermal performance, energy-efficient homes, and colder climates.
6. Impact-Resistant Plasterboard
Application: High-traffic areas where durability is required.
Impact-resistant plasterboard is reinforced to withstand physical damage. It’s commonly used in high-traffic commercial areas, such as corridors, schools, hospitals, or industrial settings, where walls are more likely to experience wear and tear. The board’s enhanced strength and resilience make it a preferred option for environments prone to accidental impacts.
Best For: High-traffic commercial spaces, schools, hospitals, and warehouses.
7. Lightweight Plasterboard
Application: Reducing the overall weight of partitions and ceilings.
Lightweight plasterboard is designed to offer all the benefits of standard plasterboard, but at a reduced weight. This makes it easier to handle and install, which can speed up project timelines and reduce labor costs. While it’s suitable for most applications, it’s especially useful in large-scale projects where weight and ease of installation are key considerations.
Best For: Large-scale commercial projects, especially when weight or installation speed is a concern.
How Promurus Assists in Choosing the Right Plasterboard for Your Needs
At Promurus, we understand that selecting the right plasterboard is critical to ensuring the success and longevity of your commercial project. With our expertise in commercial plastering services, we work closely with clients to assess their specific needs and recommend the most suitable plasterboard for their applications.
Our Process:
- Consultation: We begin by discussing your project requirements, including the space usage, environmental factors (such as moisture levels), and any specific performance requirements (fire rating, soundproofing, etc.).
- Material Selection: Based on the information gathered, we recommend the ideal plasterboard type for your project. Whether you need moisture-resistant boards for a bathroom or fire-rated plasterboard for a commercial office building, we’ll ensure that you select the right product.
- Supply & Installation: Once the appropriate plasterboard is selected, we assist with both the supply and professional installation, ensuring that the material is installed correctly for maximum performance and durability.
- Post-Installation Support: We provide ongoing support to ensure the long-term quality of the work, including any maintenance or modifications you might require down the line.