The Role of Drywall in Sustainable Construction
One of the most pressing concerns in modern construction is being eco-friendly while maintaining quality, with many builders trying to make their projects as environmentally sustainable as possible. Therefor it is extremely important to choose materials that are sustainable during building to have a low environmental footprint. In today’s blog we will be looking at the role of drywall in sustainable construction.
Energy Efficiency
Drywall can help with insulation as the gypsum used in its construction slows heat transfer, which reduces lost heat during the winter and helps keep heat out in the summer. This can help decrease the amount of energy needed to run a home’s climate control systems thus improving the overall sustainability and energy efficiency of that home.
Sustainable Materials
A great deal of drywall products make use of recycled materials including gypsum, which can be sourced from industrial byproducts and paper which can also be easily obtained from sustainable sources. The process of making drywall is also less toxic and less energy intensive than similar wall products like cement board or plaster. There is also a robust recycling system in place for used drywall so as little of the material as possible goes to waste.
Long Lasting and Easy to Maintain
When installed correctly drywall has a long lifespan comparable to and even exceeding similar construction options. This means that little replacement will be necessary, leading to a lower environmental impact overall. Drywall is also easy to clean and maintain as you can easily restore its appearance with a fresh coat of paint. Furthermore, you can make use of moisture resistant drywall in rooms like washrooms and kitchens to further reduce maintenance costs and reduce the need for replacement materials.
We hope we have been able to show how drywall is one of the most sustainable materials you can use in construction. If you have any questions about using drywall in your construction project, please feel free to contact us.
Turner Bros Contractors Ltd. has been providing steel-stud framing, drywall, and acoustic ceiling services for residential and commercial applications in the Vancouver area since 1932. The company is family-run with four generations of the family represented in the business.
If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about your residential or commercial project, please call us at (604) 532-1991 or email us at info@turnerbros.ca.
