What is Dry Lining and Why Use It?
If a customer wants internal walls or ceilings plastered and made paint ready fast, dry lining is the solution the Logic Plastering team will reach for. What is it? Dry lining, also known as ‘drywalling’, is a way of cladding internal surfaces as an alternative to plaster. It’s acquired its name basically because there minimal water used in its installation – so there’s little or no drying time to factor in.
Why Use Dry Lining?
First and foremost, dry lining offers a similar finish to plaster but it can be applied in a fraction of the time. This plasterboard finish is also a great solution if you have pipes or wires that you wish to conceal. The Logic Plastering team use drywall where the finish on the original wall is uneven, or where the client wants to change the shape or dimensions of a room.
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 of Dry Lining
There are 4 clear benefits to using dry lining rather than plaster:
- 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. Dry lining 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.
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
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.
Logic Plastering is a Drywall Contractor in Bedford
Logic Plastering is a local drywall contractor in Bedford, with a great reputation for professionalism and customer service. Our skilled tradesmen offer a range of dry lining services in Bedford and across the county. 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 dry lining services in Bedford, contact the Logic Plastering team today on 07809 228328