Dry Wall Technology in House Construction

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Drywall is a panel made up of gypsum material pressed between two thick sheets of paper. It can be used as alternative over conventional brick/stone walls. It widely used for construction of partition walls, false ceiling, special interior walls, etc. In commercial, industrial, residential, hospitals spaces.

Gypsum Board IS Code Specification

Gypsum board material used should confirm to specifications as per IS 2095 (part 1) : 2011

Components of Drywall

  • Ceiling Channel
  • Gypsum board
  • Studs (metal/wood)
  • Acoustic material (as per requirement)
  • Fasteners
  • Floor channels
  • Screws of different sizes

Procedure for Drywall Construction

  • Planning of job on paper as per actual dimensions.
  • Deciding placing of gypsum board horizontally or vertically on studs so that least number of joints are obtained on surface.
  • Cutting of boards as per measurements and considering the electrical points.
  • Preparing T- braces and fixing of channels on floor and ceiling with the help of fasteners placed at c/c distance 600 mm.
  • Cutting and fixing of studs and then fixing noggin channels.
  • Placing of gypsum board from top to bottom of surface.

Finishing Process for Drywall Construction

  • Preparing compound for filling joints.
  • Spreading of fine paste on joints and screws. Surface should be made smooth after drying.
  • Applying tape on joints.
  • Application of 2nd coat wider than 1st Let dry for 12 hours.
  • Application of 3rd coat wider than 2nd Let dry for 12 hours.
  • Making surface smooth and removal of dust.
  • Surface ready for decorative treatment.

Material for finishing :- tape, mud/compound, sandpaper, sander, 6/8/1/12 inch drywall knives, corner trowel.

Precautions while Installing Drywalls

  • Workers and labour should be well trained before commencement of work. Safety measures should be strictly followed while working on heights.
  • In case of ceiling and wall work, gypsum boards should be placed firstly on ceiling and then on the wall (from top to bottom part).
  • Site should be dust free as much as possible.
  • Dry wall should have minimum number of joints. No joints should be located above door and windows.
  • Filling of compound at corner joints should be done with extra care.

Advantages of Drywall

  • Easy to install.
  • Consumes less time compared to traditional brick walls.
  • Easy installation of electrical and plumbing material.
  • Low in weight.
  • Economic material.
  • Free from normal shrinkage and creep.
  • Easily available.
  • Fire resistant.
  • Sound /heat insulation.
  • Smooth finish.
  • Modification is possible as per requirement.

Disadvantages of Drywall

  • Prone to water damage if not properly installed.
  • Low resistance to vibrations.
  • More suitable to interior wall than exterior walls.

Sizes of Gypsum board available in Market

4’×6’

4’×8’

4’×12’

Thickness :- 9mm, 12mm, 15mm