Dry lining, also known as plasterboard, is used to clad internal walls and ceilings. It can be used to prepare them for painting, or covering with wallpaper. Plasterboard is attached for smoothness.
Plastering is another similar process that is slower than dry lining. We will discuss dry lining later. Dry Lining is quicker and uses specialist materials which can save you time and money. Dry lining takes less water to make than plastering. That is why it is called dry lining.
This guide will give you more information about dry lining Manchester, including what it can be used for, where to use it, and why.
Why is dry lining necessary?
Dry lining is quicker than traditional plastering and gives you a wall or surface ready to be painted or covered. Dry lining is a plasterboard that can be used to conceal pipes and wires as well as create insulation space and soundboard.
Dry lining is suitable for many applications, as it can be applied to uneven or brickwork surfaces. It can also be used to create curved walls. This allows for creativity as well as the ability to manage smaller spaces.
For newer properties, stud walls can often be used to create separate living areas. Dry lining plasterboard may also be added to these walls to make the walls smooth, stable, and safer.
Which areas is dry lining applied?
Dry lining is possible on ceilings and walls as well as brick walls and uneven surfaces.
There are two standard thicknesses for plasterboard: 9.5mm and 12.5mm depending on the surface that plasterboard is being attached to. Dry lining is also possible around a door frame. There are specialist door kits to fit most standard door frames.
You can use dry insulation in bathrooms and kitchens. However you will need to be able to withstand moisture.
What materials can be used in dry-lining?
To create the smooth finish you need other materials than the plasterboard that is fixed to the wall. These materials include glues, nails, screws, and other fixing techniques.
For plasterboard attachment to internal walls, you can apply quick-drying adhesive directly using dabs. It will set up until that point. This is the ‘dob + dab’ method. Plasterboard is also possible to be attached using nails to metal or timber walls, a technique called tacking. A technique known as screwing is also possible, but plasterboard will be supported better by screws than nails.
Tape is needed to cover joints between plasterboard sheets. Also, if nails or screws protrude from plasterboard sheets, a powder with water can be applied to these areas to put a seal. You can smoothen the surface of the wet substance once it has dried.
What is the difference in dry lining and plastering?
Plastering covers walls with a damp substance called plaster. But plaster can be made from other materials depending on the finish you want. Once the plaster dries, you can paint it over or cover it with wallpaper. Because it’s wet, plastering a ceiling or wall takes much longer than using plasterboard and dry techniques. However, some older properties prefer to keep the style.
Plaster can be used in architectural mouldings like detailed cornices or ceiling roses.
Use of drywall has its advantages and disadvantages
There are downsides to every method. Let’s take a look at the many benefits of drylining.
Dry lining is generally quicker and easier to put in than wet plaster.
To help keep the cold out, specialist insulation can attach to the plasterboard back.
Dry lined walls are easy to change making buildings more flexible.
Drylining creates lightweight walls or ceilings. In general, this means that overall constructions are lighter.
Here are the down sides:
The technique of “dot & dab” has been condemned for leaving plasterboard behind, which can lead to air pockets and poor performance.
Dry lining has a lower load-carrying capacity than traditionally finished walls. This may pose a problem when fixing shelves or cabinets to the wall.
Dry lined walls are more difficult to damage.