Plasterboard

Also known as “drywall”, plasterboard is a commonly used building material in the construction of walls, particular in new buildings, renovations and extensions. It is easy to install - typically attached to wall studs or with plasterboard adhesive directly to the masonry. A general use plasterboard is used where no specific properties are required, and is generally a more cost-effective choice for non-problem areas of the structure. Shop our great range of plasterboard from Knauf, British Gypsum, GTEC and more. 

Designed with noise-reducing properties, Acoustic plasterboard (or “soundproof” plasterboard)  is commonly applied in areas of a structure where the reduction and muffling of noise is a primary concern - such as shared and party walls, bathrooms, bedrooms and even soundproofing recording studios or rooms. They are helpful not only for reducing noise from outside but between rooms within the home, and as a result are often thicker or heavier to ensure that sound is appropriately dampened. 

Sometimes referred to as fireproof plasterboard, fire resistant plasterboard is often required by building regulations in certain areas for safety purposes. Though it is named fireproof / fire rated / fire resistant plasterboard, it is not completely impervious to fire, and it’s effectiveness depends greatly on where and how it is installed, but they contain additives such as glass fibres which are designed to slow the spread of fire in comparison to standard general-use plasterboard. 

Ideal for rooms with high humidity such as bathrooms and kitchens, moisture resistant plasterboard contains additives intended specifically to resist moisture and humidity. Though it is sometimes referred to colloquially as “waterproof” plasterboard, it is not completely waterproof and should not be used in extremely high-moisture settings such as swimming pools. 

Though the name is similar to moisture resistant plasterboard (and, oftentimes it’s composition is very similar too) there is a key difference between Vapour Resistant plasterboard and moisture resistant plasterboard. Vapour resistant plasterboard is foil backed or laminated, performing the function of both a plasterboard and a vapour control layer - negating the need for a separate installation of each. This is more common in new builds and extensions - to control the transfer of water vapour through the wall structure. As it is foil backed plasterboard, it also functions as a radiant barrier too, providing some thermal insulation both from heat escaping the building and from excessive heat from heating the building in summer. 

There are a range of insulated plasterboard types available, though one particularly popular type is PIR insulated plasterboard. It features a layer of PIR insulation bonded to a standard wallboard, which is often more practical than installing insulation separately to the drywall. A more cost effective option is EPS plasterboard, which is similar, but instead is insulated with EPS (expanded polystyrene) board bonded to a 9.5mm plasterboard sheet.