GVL sheet: sizes, characteristics, application

GVL is a gypsum fiber sheet, which, like gypsum board, is used for interior decoration. These materials have a similar composition, but different properties and uses. In some cases, they are interchangeable, and in some successfully complement each other. Gypsum fiber is not as widespread as gypsum fiber, but according to its individual characteristics significantly exceeds it, so some masters abandon the usual drywall in favor of GVL Knauf.

Specifications

GVL: what is it and how does it differ from GKL? Gypsum fiber sheet got its name from the two materials from which it is made - gypsum and cellulose fibers. As a result of pressing this mixture, a high-strength building material is obtained.

GVL sheet specifications:

• Strength, viscosity and density (withstands up to 100 kg per 1 sq. cm).
• Excellent thermal insulation properties due to the low coefficient of thermal conductivity.
• Good soundproofing qualities that directly depend on the thickness of the sheet.
• Fire resistance. The material cannot ignite on its own and does not spread flame, therefore, in accordance with GOST it is often used for decoration of industrial premises and for fire protection constructions.
• Frost resistance. Thanks to this quality, it can be used to decorate an unheated loggia.
• Environmental friendliness. The material does not emit harmful substances; it is perfect for living quarters.
• Moisture resistant sheet GVL successfully used in the kitchen and in bathrooms.

With high humidity in the room, gypsum fiber absorbs its surplus, with a lack of moisture in the air, it can release it.

Several disadvantages of gypsum sheets:

• The main disadvantage of the material is its weight. Compared to drywall, it is heavy. GVL 10 and 12.5 mm thick weigh 36 and 45 kg, respectively.
• Gypsum fiber cannot be bent, it does not withstand such deformations.
• Material costs 2 times more than drywall.

Plaster sheets are produced by many foreign manufacturers, but Knauf products are most common on the Russian market. It has two types of sizes corresponding to GOST:

• Standard sheet - 2.5 × 1.2 m, thickness 10 or 12.5 mm.
• The small-format sheet is 1.5 × 1 m, the thickness is the same.

Sheet sizes are selected based on the purpose for which they will be used.

In addition to ordinary sheets, Knauf produces elements for the dry floor screed “KNAUF-super floor”, which have a size of 1.2 × 1.2 m and a thickness of 2 cm. They are plates obtained by gluing two sheets of GVLV with an offset, due to which folds of 5 cm wide are formed from two adjacent sides of each element.

Technical characteristics of gypsum fiber sheets and production technology must comply with the requirements of GOST R 51829-2001. When buying material, you need to make sure that this is not a fake: it must have a certificate of conformity, on each sheet there should be a marking that indicates the size, type of edge, GOST.

The difference from drywall

GVL has many advantages over drywall:

1. Much more durable. It does not deform under the weight of a man standing in heels, in unlike GKL. Drywall can be broken by the hand, with a gypsum-fiber sheet this will not work.
2. It does not crumble when cut, like drywall.
3. Moisture-resistant GVL is much better resistant to moisture than GKL with similar properties.
4. The noise and heat insulation properties of the gypsum board are higher than that of drywall, even without the use of additional materials.
5. GVL painlessly tolerates 15 cycles of freezing, GCR can begin to crack after 4 cycles.
6. The fire resistance of gypsum fiber is also much higher than that of drywall.

GVL plate has a more complex production technology than GKL. Therefore, its price is much higher. But the high cost is justified by excellent performance.

Wall application

GVL is used for walls in order to level the surface, noise and heat insulation. This material is mounted in two ways.

Frameless way

GVL is attached to the walls with special glue. Fastener Methods:

• With small surface flaws, gypsum glue is applied to the sheets and pressed against the wall.
• With large irregularities, special glue is applied to the sheets around the perimeter and in the center with dots every 30 cm. If then shelves and cabinets will be hung on the GVL, then the entire surface is lubricated with glue so that it can withstand the heavy weight of the hinged structures.
• If the wall irregularities are more than 4 cm, then narrow strips of GVL are glued to it at a distance of 50–70 from each other, and a whole sheet is glued to them.

Before gluing the GVL sheet, the material is kept in the room for 2-3 days, so that it adapts to humidity and temperature in the room.

You can see the detailed gluing technology in the photo.

The size of GVL is chosen based on the size of the room. Holes for outlets and wiring are cut out in the plates.

Wireframe method

For this method, a metal frame of solid galvanized profiles capable of withstanding heavy weight is first mounted. In this case, you can use glass wool or other material for insulation and sound insulation. GVL is attached to the profile with special double-thread self-tapping screws. Stages of work:

• Surface preparation.
• Marking a wall using a level.
• Installation of profiles.
• Fastening sheets.

The photo shows that it is necessary to start the installation of GVL from the corner of the room, from bottom to top. After installation, all joints are coated with putty.

The GVL partition will turn out to be strong and sound. Its manufacturing technology is the same as for the GKL partition.

Floor application

After installing the GVL on the walls, you can begin to finish the floor.

Stages of work:

• The floor level is marked.
• Steam insulation is laid.
• A foam tape is glued along the walls.
• Expanded clay backfill is placed on the prepared base, leveled.
• A rough floor is assembled from gypsum-fiber elements, seams are oiled with glue, the elements are fastened with self-tapping screws through the folds.
• The joints are putty.
• After that, on the GVL, you can lay the finishing material - tile or linoleum.

In the case of using a thin elastic coating, the manufacturer recommends pouring a leveling mixture with a layer of 2 mm or more over the gypsum-fiber coating.

It is impossible to make a complex curved design from gypsum fiber sheet. But you can be sure that it will not break during installation and during operation.

Now you know what GVL is and how to mount it. The reviews of the masters say that this is a reliable material for wall decoration in apartments. GOST assumes the absence of toxic substances harmful to humans, so you can not worry about your health. The only significant drawback is the high weight.