GVL or Drywall on the walls: which is better, what are the differences, what to choose?

Plaster-based building materials are widely used by the owners for a comfortable arrangement of apartments. Gypsum-fiber sheets (GVL) and drywall (GKL) are popular solutions that are used in construction and repair. We suggest that you conduct a comparative analysis of these materials, which will allow you to understand what the difference is between them and determine whose set of properties - GVL or GKL - is more preferable.

Drywall

GKL - gypsum plasterboards - do not need excessive popularization. This material, which is one of the most popular in the environment of repair and construction work. Its structure is made up of:

1. Plaster of gypsum (93%).
2. Cardboard layer (6%).
3. Organics (1%).

To create gypsum plasterboard, a layer of cardboard is glued onto the gypsum layer; organic substances and moisturizers are also present in a small amount. The result is a durable material with a flat surface, which gives it cardboard. In the complex, these properties allow the efficient use of GCR for various construction and repair needs.

Characteristics of drywall

Drywall is distinguished by the following characteristics:

• the ability to absorb moisture when it is surplus and give away - with a lack;
• high soundproof properties;
• decent fire resistance (typical only for sheets marked with GKLO);
• safety from an environmental point of view;
• the ability to create curved shapes;
• moisture resistant drywall (GKLV) It is successfully applied in damp rooms.

The cost of one square meter of drywall is about 150 rubles, which is 2–2.5 times less than the cost of gypsum fiber. The difference in price between these materials for many is one of the most significant.

The relevance of the application of GCR

The material is used to create partitions, various designs, wall cladding. GKL is easy to install, so implement various ideas in terms of interior design, achieve cosmetic cleanliness in the living room, as well as introduce original construction and finishing ideas, you can even by yourself.

Thanks to the drywall sheets, the owners can easily:

• eliminate surface irregularities in the apartment, hide corners or curved walls;
• redevelop by setting partitions;
• create exquisite design structures in the form of arches, niches, columns;
• add room with built-in lighting.

Gypsum fiber: features and scope

The material, which due to its properties was able to compete with the GCR. Gypsum fiber Differs in high durability and weight, is not subject to stretching or deformation. GCR and GVL have a similar composition, but the gypsum fiber sheet, consisting of cellulose fibers and pressed gypsum, is uniform in structure. The surface of the gypsum fiber base is sanded and impregnated with special compounds that prevent dusting of gypsum and moisture absorption.

As well as drywall, gypsum plasterboard is used for wall decoration, construction of interior partitions. Moisture-resistant type of gypsum fiber Suitable for use in damp areas such as bathrooms.

A unique feature of gypsum fiber, which distinguishes it from drywall, is the ability to use it for a dry floor screed. The Knauf company produces special sheets with a straight longitudinal edge for these purposes.

Distinctive properties

The material is characterized by a number of features:

• environmental safety, there are no formaldehydes and resins in the composition;
• moisture resistance (refers to GVLV) and increased fire resistance;
• excellent heat and sound insulation properties;
• frost resistance;
• high density.

One square meter of sheet gypsum fiber costs 300-400 rubles.

What to choose?

It all depends on the specific requirements that must meet the specified materials.

Strength

Which is better, GKL or GVL, if you look at the strength of materials? Gypsum fiber is preferred for rooms with higher requirements for protection against impact. How important this is for apartments is for the owners to decide.

Drywall is easier to pierce, its cardboard cover can be damaged, it can "become sour" from moisture. Gypsum fiber is much stronger, you can hammer nails into it, it will not crumble.

Simplicity of work

It is easier to work with homogeneous gypsum-fiber sheets in terms of the simplicity of their sawing: the material does not crumble, so it can be cut even into very small pieces. However, due to the large mass, the sheet should not be mounted on the wall alone: ​​it can break under its own weight.

Drywall is less durable, so usually it is cut across or try to use solid sheets. But it weighs less, which is important for convenient work. A distinctive feature of GCR is its ability to become plastic when soaking and restore normal strength after drying.

Environmental friendliness

The destruction of the massif of the GVL sheet is ruled out even for a long period of use due to its rigid structure. But GKL tends to gradually lose strength. This leads to the conversion of gypsum into dust, unsafe for the human body.

Fire resistance

GVL is not prone to fire and is even used for fire protection of structures, while to achieve similar properties GKL must be protected with a special composition.

Important! Drywall sheets that can withstand fire are distinguished by the presence of special markings - GKLO.

Moisture resistance

Both GVL and GKL can be moisture resistant, however, experienced masters argue that it is undesirable to use drywall in the bathroom even in this version. Gypsum fiber tolerates wet conditions better, however, it also needs to be protected from direct contact with water with a primer and finish.

It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question in favor of what to make a choice - gypsum fiberboard or sheets of drywall on the walls. It can only be noted, focusing on the properties of each of them, that in order to create decorative elements or lightweight constructions, it is preferable to use GCR. This is a good choice, because this material is low weight and affordable cost, it can be bent. GVL is appropriate to use in damp rooms, it is also suitable for creating reliable and strong walls, but the price of gypsum fiber is higher.