Gypsum fiber or gypsum plasterboard sheets: differences between gypsum plasterboard and gypsum plasterboard

Gypsum fiber sheet includes, of course, stucco, cellulosic waste paper and certain processing aids. Approximately 80% of the composition is precisely gypsum, 20% is cellulose. The main external difference between gypsum plasterboard and gypsum board is that it does not have an outer shell, the sheet is homogeneous. In this case, one side of the sheet is sanded, and the panel itself is impregnated with a water repellent, which acts as a primer and is used against chalking.

There is GOST R 51829-2001, which distinguishes the following types of gypsum fiber sheets:

• GVL and GVLV, that is, ordinary and moisture resistant. In this respect, gypsum fiber is similar to drywall, which is also divided into two similar types, intended for dry and wet rooms..
• Straight and folded edge.
• The standard length of GVL can be 1.5, 2, 2.5, 2.7 and 3 m. The standard width is 0.5, 1 and 1.2 m. The thickness is 10, 12.5, 15, 18 and 20 mm..

Gypsum-fiber sheets are marked as follows: GVLV-PK-2500x1200x10 GOST R 51829-2001, where PK, respectively, means a straight edge.

Technical characteristics of GVL:

• Density reaches 1250 kg / m³, which allows you to calmly hammer nails into gypsum fiber sheets, without fear that they will begin to crumble.
• The material is warm to the touch and has a low coefficient of thermal conductivity, that is, it can be used to warm a room from the inside.
• Sound insulation depending on the sheet thickness is 35-40 dB.
• GVL do not burn, belong to G1 flammability group, B1 flammability group and D1 group in smoke-generating ability.
• The material is not afraid of frost, so it can be used in rooms that are not heated, including when decorating balconies and loggias.

In terms of frost resistance, density, sound insulation, gypsum plasterboard is significantly superior..

Gypsum fiber boards are especially often used for installation of floors using dry technology. They are able to replace ordinary concrete, the room will have a more comfortable climate, and the installation process itself is much simpler and faster..

However, the scope of GVL does not end there, they can be used in the following cases:

• creation of suspended ceilings;
• wall cladding – in both cases, sheets with a folded edge are used;
• sheathing of various wooden structures, which are non-combustible sheets capable of protecting against fire;
• lining of attics, basements, balconies;
• construction of children’s playrooms, courts and other sports facilities.

The positive properties of gypsum fiber boards include environmental friendliness, which allows them to be used even in children’s rooms. In addition, they are more durable and wear-resistant, when cut, the edges do not crumble, like drywall. However, gypsum plasterboards weigh significantly more than gypsum boards, which is why they are more often used for floors and walls than for ceilings. Another disadvantage is the higher price – gypsum fiber costs about twice as much as drywall.