Gypcrete and drywall are two common building materials you may encounter on a construction site. Although they both serve as key materials for different applications, they have distinct features and properties. Here are some differences between gypcrete and drywall:
Composition
Drywall is composed of gypsum plaster sandwiched between two sheets of paper. It is a flat panel commonly used to cover walls and ceilings. Gypsum concrete, or gypcrete, is a mixture of gypsum, sand, and water poured onto a surface to create a level subfloor. Unlike drywall, gypsum concrete is not a finish material but a subflooring material that provides a smooth and level surface for other flooring materials.
Density
The density of a material affects its strength, durability, and other physical properties. Drywall is a relatively lightweight material that is easy to handle.
Gypcrete is much denser and harder to cut. It requires specialized equipment to pour and level, making it a more expensive material. It is commonly used as an underlayment for flooring systems, where its low weight helps reduce the overall load. Manufacturers make gypsum concrete by mixing a specially-formulated gypsum-based binder, sand or other aggregates, and water.
Installation
Drywall installation involves mounting the boards onto a framing made of wood or metal, which creates a surface for finishing with paint, texture, or wallpaper. The drywall installation process includes cutting the boards to fit the dimensions of the space, fastening them to the framing, and taping and applying joint compounds to the seams. The final step involves sanding and smoothing the surface to create a finished appearance.
Vendors install gypcrete as a continuous monolithic layer over concrete or wood subfloors. The installation involves mixing the gypsum concrete material with water, pouring it onto the subfloor, and spreading it evenly to the desired thickness. The surface is then finished with a trowel to create a smooth, level surface for the final flooring material.
Thickness
Drywall is a thin material. Gypsum concrete is much thicker, with panels typically several inches thick. The added thickness of gypsum concrete is advantageous for flooring, mainly when used in concrete slab applications.
The material acts as a self-leveling substrate that reinforces the floor’s structural integrity while offering insulation from sound and temperature variations. Drywall is ideal for interior walls and ceilings, where the material’s thinness makes it easy to install.
Soundproofing
Gypsum concrete has exceptional soundproofing capabilities, ideally suited for rooms such as recording studios and home theatres. The material’s thickness helps to absorb and isolate sound waves, preventing them from traveling between different floors and rooms. While still offering some soundproofing benefits, drywall is less effective than gypcrete, making it less suitable for sound-sensitive spaces.
Uses
Drywall is commonly used for interior walls and ceilings. Drywall is also compatible with a wide range of textures and wallpapers, making it a versatile option.
Gypsum concrete is commonly used as a floor underlayment material due to its lightweight nature and insulating properties. It goes over the subfloor to create a smooth, level surface to receive the final flooring material. Gypsum concrete is commonly used in multi-story buildings, where it can reduce the impact of noise and improve thermal insulation between floors.
You can also use gypsum concrete in radiant floor heating systems. It can serve as a thermal mass, retaining heat from the heating system and distributing it evenly throughout the room. Gypcrete’s thermal mass properties may help reduce heating costs and improve thermal comfort.
Find Reputable Gypcrete Suppliers Today
Gypcrete is a great building material that may help add value to any construction project. Source your gypsum concrete from reputable suppliers to confirm that you’re getting a quality product that meets your needs. By researching and choosing a reliable supplier, you can be confident that your gypsum concrete purchase can deliver the desired results.
