Gypsum boards are popular building materials made primarily from a non-combustible gypsum core. They are very popular in interior design for structures in Bangladesh. Gypsum has different properties that make it suitable for various construction applications. It is good for plastering work and can also control the setting time of cement during manufacturing. This article will cover the properties, applications, advantages, and disadvantages, gypsum board price in Bangladesh.
What is Gypsum Board?
Gypsum is a soft substance made of calcium sulfate dehydrate. It is a common material for plaster of Paris and wallboards. The Gypsum boards are created to be used without plastering the walls and ceilings, giving a smooth surface finish. Gypsum boards are also called wallboard, plasterboard, or Drywall. All the Gypsum products in the market have Gypsum as the main material with other materials like fiberglass wrapping its surface.
Properties of Gypsum Board
Good Fire Resistant – Gypsum Board consists of fiberglass and fire-resistant components in its core reinforcing it with more strength and fire-resistant properties. It can give protection for up to 4 hours from fire. It is also easy and more efficient to install. Comprising of non-toxic and environmentally friendly components.
Non-Combustible Property of Gypsum – Heating gypsum products causes the water crystals in the gypsum material to heat up. This process, known as dehydration, forms a protective layer over the materials, preventing them from catching fire and helping nearby materials maintain a lower, safer temperature.
Acoustic Property – Gypsum plasterboard is good at absorb sound and decrease echo. The design of gypsum materials focuses on sound isolation. Masonry is another effective method, often used in thicker layers, and is equally important as gypsum. Enhancing acoustic performance can increase by adding an air gap between two solid gypsum walls, which prevents noise transmission.
Thermal properties – Gypsum can control humidity and temperature inside the house. The use of gypsum plasterboard or formwork in buildings enhances their insulation properties.
Types of Gypsum Board
In Bangladesh, the most common types of gypsum board you’ll find three main categories based on their special properties:
- Standard Gypsum Board
- Moisture-Resistant Gypsum Board (MR)
- Fire-Resistant Gypsum Board (FR)
Standard Gypsum Board – The Standard Gypsum Board is the most commonly type, perfect for interior walls and ceilings in dry areas. It comes in different thicknesses, such as 8mm, 9mm, 12mm, and 15mm, and standard lengths of 2440mm and 2700mm.
Moisture-Resistant Gypsum Board – This kind of board has substances that make it resistant to water. It is perfect for places that have some moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. However, it is not suitable for direct water contact or areas with constant high humidity.
Fire-Resistant Gypsum Board -Specially designed with fire-resistant additives to improve fire resistance. Sometimes necessary in particular building regulations for specific places such as stairwells and corridors. Might be slightly heavier than the standard gypsum board because of the additives.
Uses of Gypsum Board
Gypsum board is becoming increasingly popular in Bangladesh as a flexible and modern construction material, providing numerous benefits compared to traditional options such as bricks. Here are a few of its typical applications:
Interior walls and ceilings:
Residential buildings: Gypsum board is becoming more popular for interior walls and ceilings in houses, flats, and condos. Its light weight helps to decrease the load on the floor, making it perfect for tall buildings.
Offices and commercial buildings: Gypsum board is ideal for constructing partitions, conference rooms, and other office spaces due to its smooth finish and easy installation.
Hotels and hospitals: Hotels and hospitals greatly benefit from its ability to provide effective sound control due to its excellent acoustic insulation properties.
False ceilings and decorative elements:
Creating intricate designs: The Gypsum board is highly flexible, making it perfect for creating curved shapes and custom designs. This makes it an excellent choice for modern and fashionable false ceilings and decorative features.
Concealing utilities: It can effectively hide pipes, wires, and ducts, giving a neat and polished appearance.
Other applications:
Firewalls and partitions: A Fire-resistant gypsum board is good for construct firewalls and partitions that aid in confining the spread of fire during emergencies.
Renovations: Gypsum board is very popular for renovations because it is easy to install and can fit to existing structures.
Advantages of Gypsum Board
In Bangladesh, gypsum board has many advantages over traditional construction materials like bricks and mud:
Earthquake Resistance: Gypsum walls are lighter, reducing the weight of the building and making it more resilient to earthquakes. This provides greater safety for residents.
Faster Construction: Gypsum board installation is quicker and requires less water compared to brick walls. This means shorter construction times and earlier move-in for homeowners or business owners.
Cost-Effectiveness: Although the initial cost per square meter of gypsum board may be higher than bricks, it is more cost-effective in the long run. The quicker installation saves labor costs, and the lighter weight reduces foundation requirements, potentially lowering construction costs. Gypsum walls also require less maintenance, saving money over time.
Space Optimization: Gypsum walls are thinner, allowing for more usable floor space in the same area. This is especially important in densely areas like Bangladesh where maximizing living space is crucial.
Versatility and Design: Gypsum boards offer great flexibility in design. They can be easily curved, shaped, and used to create partitions, false ceilings, and other architectural elements. This allows for more creative and modern interior designs compared to traditional brick walls.
Fire Resistance: Gypsum boards are inherently fire-resistant, improving the overall fire safety of a building and potentially reducing insurance premiums. 7. Soundproofing: Certain types of gypsum boards offer good soundproofing, which is beneficial in controlling noise pollution in densely populated areas.
Environmentally Friendly: Gypsum board production often uses recycled materials and is less resource-intensive compared to brick production. Additionally, its light weight reduces transportation emissions.
Gypsum Board Price In Bangladesh
The price of gypsum board in Bangladesh can vary based on different factors. These factors include the type of board, thickness, brand, quantity, and location. Regular drywall, fire-rated, moisture-resistant, and soundproof boards all have different prices. Thicker boards will cost more than thinner ones. Different brands may have varying prices based on quality and reputation. Buying in bulk often comes with discounts. Prices may be slightly higher in remote areas compared to major cities like Dhaka. Here’s a rough estimate of gypsum board prices in Bangladesh:
– Regular drywall (8 ft × 4 ft × 12.5 mm): ৳350 – ৳450 per sheet
– Fire-rated drywall (8 ft × 4 ft × 12.5 mm): ৳400 – ৳500 per sheet
– Moisture-resistant drywall (8 ft × 4 ft × 12.5 mm): ৳450 – ৳550 per sheet
For more accurate pricing information, it is recommended to contact local building materials suppliers or check online retailers like Circle Interior Ltd. They often provide specific prices for different types and brands of gypsum board.
