Whether you’re hoping to start a new DIY project, or if there are a few things around your house that need a little improvement, it’s essential that you know what items are available to you for use. Because construction supply stores can be crowded with products, reading up on the things that you find in there will help you make better decisions to ensure that what you get is what you need. One of the things that confuse a lot of novice builders is dyrwall and Sheetrock. What exactly do these two things have in common and how do they differ? Can they be used in the same way? End the random guesses and make sound choices at the shop – read on to find out the difference between drywall and Sheetrock.
What is Drywall?
Drywall is a panel material that is made up of gypsum plaster which is sandwiched between two sheets of very thick paper-like material. When you visit the shop, keep in mind that drywall can also be referred to as wallboard, gyprock, plasterboard, or gypsum board. Common uses for drywall are for interior walls and ceilings. Usually, drywall is used in place of traditional lath and plaster.
What is Sheetrock?
Many believe that Sheetrock is a completely different material from drywall, but that’s not actually the case. The truth is Sheetrock is drywall, and the only difference is that drywall is a generic name for the material, while Sheetrock is a brand name – like Kleenex is a brand of tissue. That said, the uses are practically the same. The only reason why Sheetrock is sometimes confused to be a different material is because the name has become so prominent in the construction industry that some believe it’s a different item all together.
How They’re Made
Sheetrock is made with the same process as other drywall variants. The gypsum core is sandwiched between two sheets of thick paper like material and is then left to harden and dry out. The central plaster is made of strong fiber, gypsum crystals, and a foaming agent and other additives to achieve the thick, strong, however lightweight trait. Some drywall variants use fiberglass mats in place of the paper, which offers extra strength to the entire construction.
Different Types
There are lots of different types of drywall, and each of them offers stability and resistance to damage at differing levels. Traditionally, drywall can be purchased in ¼ inch to ¾ inch thickness variants, but thicker panels are available.
There are some additives that can be made part of the panel to provide specific resistance. Some are fire resistant, others with green paper with an oil-based additive are moisture resistant. Then there are blue paper variants that are water and mould resistant. Boards with wood components are for better sound conduction, while those with damping polymers resist and contain sound flowing through.
Sheetrock also comes in these varieties, except that the manufacturers have also developed a few other variants that are exclusive to the brand, such as the Fiberock panel. Among the different brands of drywall, however, Sheetrock is seen as one of the best and most durable, which is why it has gained such popularity through the years.
Uses of Drywall or Sheetrock
For many, drywall and Sheetrock are used as wall paneling for inside houses. While they are quite sturdy, they’re not ideal for use on supporting walls that need extra strength and stability in order to hold up a house. Ideally, drywall is used to create separations within the house to create rooms. Some drywall brands aren’t ideal for use outside of the house structure because they’re not made to withstand the onslaught of the elements, but because Sheetrock is made with higher standards, many have used it for exterior ceilings and walls without much of a problem.
Why Choose Sheetrock?
There are lots of different brands of drywall, but none of them are quite as popular as the Sheetrock brand. While they are all used the same way, Sheetrock offers much greater resistance of the elements and is much stronger, ideal for structures that are made to withstand wear, tear, and time. Another thing to consider is that non-Sheetrock brands have been said to emit harmful chemicals and fumes into the surrounding areas, making them unsafe for use especially in homes with small children and elderly occupants.
What’s more, non-Sheetrock variants are easier to destroy and corrode, necessitating frequent replacement through just a few years of use. This is particularly why construction specialists and DIY enthusiasts choose Sheetrock above all other brands.
Sheetrock vs Drywall
When it comes right down to it, there really is no difference between drywall and Sheetrock. Simply put, Sheetrock is a premium brand of drywall which many have used and patronized throughout the years because of its exceptional strength and durability.
