Gypsum Board
Mined from gypsum rocks, gypsum board is used everywhere on walls and ceilings, in both residential and commercial settings. Gypsum can also have added modifications made so it can be more beneficial for meeting codes in different types of buildings.
01: Gypsum being mined
02: White walls in background made of gypsum
03: Gypsum Walls
Characteristics
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Gypsum has
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low thermal conductivity
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easy to install
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doesn’t add humidity to the air
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is attached to both sides of a stud wall
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different types of gypsum boards are used for different things, like moisture protection or fire resistance
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it is also fire resistant but attracts moisture
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Sustainability characteristics include:that it is a natural conductor, can be made from waste, can be recycled.
Production and Maintenence
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When it comes to production, gypsum is mined from gypsum rocks, which are then:
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grounded and heated to remove moisture
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Then aggregates can be added to the gypsum to add needed strength or stability
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From there, the mixture, called the slurry, is put between layers of recycled paper on a longboard machine.
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Gypsum can be made from pure gypsum rocks, or it can be made with by product.
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For maintenance, it's best to keep away from moisture when possible, and for repairing holes or dents, using joint compounds and smoothing or finishing to match the rest of what is there.
Environmental Impact
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Much of gypsum used now is synthetic, which means it comes from waste of coal fired power plants.
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In general the extraction and manufacturing of gypsum board has low environmental impacts
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Transporting the product does produce more impact than the extraction and manufacturing.
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Gypsum can be recycled and broken down and the paper can also be recycled as well.
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When installing and cutting gypsum board is when there is the most concern for air quality, but after installation, there is nothing that comes off of the product to impact air quality.
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Cost to install and construct are low and the lifetime is long
Application
One of the most common uses for gypsum board is walls
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Walls are installed after ceiling installation. The boards are attached to wood or metal studs, which depends on project site. Finishes on boards can depend on regional trends. In the northeast, they go for a smooth plaster finish, whereas in the midwest, a taped and bedded finish is normal.
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ASTM Standards:
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ASTM C1396/C1396M-17 Standard Specification for Gypsum Board
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ASTM C840-20 Standard Specification for Application and Finishing of Gypsum Board
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Organization: Gypsum Association (Non-Profit)
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Mission: To promote the use of gypsum while advancing the development, growth, and general welfare of the gypsum industry in the United States and Canada on behalf of its member companies.
04: White Gypsum Wall
