Building materials based on gypsum are widely used by the owners for the comfortable arrangement of apartments. Gypsum fiber sheets (GVL) and drywall (GKL) are popular solutions that are used in construction and repair. We invite you to conduct a comparative analysis of these materials, which will allow you to understand the difference between them and determine whose set of properties - GVL or GKL - is more preferable.
Drywall
GKL - plasterboard sheets - do not need extra promotion. This is a material that is one of the most demanded in the environment of repair and construction work. Its structure is:
- Gypsum layer (93%).
- Cardboard layer (6%).
- Organics (1%).
To create GKL, a layer of cardboard is glued onto the gypsum layer, and organic substances and moisturizers are also present in a small amount. The result is a durable material with a smooth surface, which gives it cardboard. Together, these properties make it possible to effectively use gypsum boards for various construction and repair needs.
Characteristic features of drywall
Drywall is distinguished by the following characteristics:
- the ability to absorb moisture when it is in excess and give it away when it is deficient;
- high soundproof properties;
- decent fire resistance (characteristic only for sheets marked GKLO);
- safety from an environmental point of view;
- the ability to create curvilinear shapes;
- moisture resistant drywall (GKLV) successfully used in wet areas.
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 is for many one of the most significant.
The relevance of the use of GKL
The material is used to create partitions, various structures, wall cladding. GKL is easy to install, so you can even implement various ideas in terms of interior design, achieve cosmetic cleanliness in a living room, and even introduce original building and finishing ideas on your own.
Thanks to drywall sheets, the owners can easily:
- eliminate surface irregularities in the apartment, hide corners or curved walls;
- re-plan by setting partitions;
- create exquisite design structures in the form of arches, niches, columns;
- complement the room with built-in lighting.
Gypsum fiber: features and scope
A material that, due to its properties, managed to compete with GKL. gypsum fiber characterized by high strength and weight, not subject to stretching or deformation. GKL and GVL have a similar composition, however, a sheet of gypsum fiber, consisting of cellulose fibers and pressed gypsum, is homogeneous in structure. The GVL surface is sanded and impregnated with special compounds that prevent gypsum dusting and moisture absorption.
As well as drywall, GVL is used for wall decoration, the 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 device. The Knauf company produces special sheets with a straight longitudinal edge for these purposes.
Distinguishing 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 these materials must satisfy.
Strength
Which is better, GKL or GVL, if you look at the strength of materials? Gypsum fiber is preferable to choose for rooms with higher requirements regarding impact protection. How important this is in relation to apartments is up to the owners to decide.
Drywall is easier to break through, its cardboard shell can be damaged, it can “limp” from moisture. Gypsum fiber is much stronger, you can hammer nails into it, it will not crumble.
Ease of operation
It is easier to work with homogeneous gypsum-fiber sheets in terms of ease of cutting them: 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 it is usually cut across or try to use solid sheets. But it weighs less, which is important for convenient work. A distinctive feature of GKL is also its ability to become plastic when soaked and restore its normal strength after drying.
Environmental friendliness
The destruction of the GVL sheet mass is excluded even over a long period of use due to its rigid structure. But GKL tends to gradually lose strength. This leads to the transformation 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 in order 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 a special marking - GKLO.
moisture resistance
Both GVL and GKL can be moisture resistant, however, experienced craftsmen say that it is undesirable to use drywall in the bathroom even in this version. Gypsum fiber is more tolerant of wet conditions, however it must also be protected from direct contact with water by primer and finish.
It is impossible to give an unambiguous answer to the question, in favor of which to make a choice - GVL or drywall sheets on the walls - it is impossible. It can only be noted, focusing on the properties of each of them, that in order to create decorative elements or lightweight structures, it is preferable to use GKL. This is a good choice, because this material is lightweight and affordable, it can be bent. GVL is appropriate to use in wet areas, it is also suitable for creating reliable and strong walls, but the price of gypsum fiber is higher.
