Everything You Need to Know About Dry Lining
If a customer wants internal walls or ceilings plastered and made paint ready fast, drylining is the solution the Logic Plastering team will reach for. What is dry lining? It’s a way of cladding internal surfaces as an alternative to plaster. The name has come about basically because there minimal water used in its installation – so there’s little or no drying time to factor in.
Dry Lining or Plastering, Which is Best?
If you have time on your side, and you are willing to invest in the traditional skills of a professional plasterer, you will be guaranteed superb results. Or, if you are renovating a period property with non-standard features, a plasterer will offer the best value for money.
If, however, convenience is what’s driving your project, we would certainly recommend employing a dry liner. The range of dry lining materials that are now available means that you can use this method for any room in the house, with peace of mind regarding heat retention and weatherproofing.
What is Dry Lining Made Of?
Dry lining panels are pre-cut pieces of plasterboard which are fitted directly onto the surface of interior walls or ceilings. The process is fast because the plasterboard can be cut to the exact dimensions of the surface it’s covering. The layer of plaster which sits at the core of a piece of plasterboard acts as an excellent insulator. You can also get water-resistant, or waxed plasterboard for dry lining systems in bathrooms.
The Key Benefits
There are 4 key benefits to using dry lining:
- Faster Application. Wet plaster has to be applied in layers, and drying time is required between each application. By contrast, dry lining panels can be pre-cut, installed fast, and ready to paint in a matter of hours rather than days.
- Flexible Installation. It’s much easier to change or adapt a dry lining wall than it is a plastered construction. It can be removed quickly and re-installed without a fuss, whereas knocking back plaster is a bigger job.
- Great Insulation. The use of plasterboard provides basic sound insulation and fire protection by default. This can be enhanced by applying additional insulation material between the board and the wall. It’s also possible to install a vapour barrier.
- Perfect for Refurbishment. Dry lining is used to create dropped/false ceilings and partition walls, as well as creating a smooth finish in preparation for papering or painting. The nature of the material means that the construction weighs less over all.
And the Disadvantages?
- It isn’t the ideal solution for non-standard spaces, as boards will need to be hand-cut.
- Taping and jointing is required to achieve a seamless surface – this is perfectly doable if you’re a confident DIYer, or you may need a professional.
What is Dry Lining Attached To, and How?
Plasterboard is a highly adaptable material to work with, and it can be fixed to brick walls and uneven surfaces. It can also be attached to stud walls which are generally used to separate internal space in new residential properties. Should you wish to organise your interior space to create discrete areas (for a home office, perhaps), dry lining partitions are an ideal solution.
Dry lining is attached in one of two ways. Either dabs of a strong adhesive are applied directly to the wall. Or a framework is created to which the plaster board is attached. There are two standard thicknesses to choose from: 9.5 mm and 12.5 mm. Large panels, such as those used for a ceiling installation, would normally use the thicker board to avoid sagging.
Finishing Dry Lining – Taping and Jointing
Once the plasterboard is installed it will need ‘taping and jointing’ before paint can be applied. This process ensures that the surface is a smooth as a traditional plaster finish. Jointing tape is applied to all the joints, and jointing compound is used to fill screw heads. The surface is then sanded and lightly skimmed. Your surfaces are then paint-ready.
DIY or Professional Application?
While DIY drylining might seem tempting, a professional’s experience guarantees a flawless finish that will stand the test of time. Mistakes in DIY projects can lead to unsightly cracks, uneven surfaces, and even damp issues down the line, resulting in costly repair bills. Invest in professional workmanship for a beautiful, durable wall, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with it.
Logic Plastering is a Dry Lining Contractor in Bedford
Logic Plastering is a local Bedford business, with a great reputation for professionalism and customer service. Our skilled tradesmen offer a range of dry lining services in Bedford and across Bedfordshire. We always provide a FREE no obligation quote on all the work we do, and we can be relied upon to turn up when we say we will, complete the work to deadline, and do a fantastic job!
We hope we’ve answered the question, ‘What is Dry Lining?’. If you would like to use our services in Bedford, contact the Logic Plastering team today on 07809 228328