Five reasons why dry lining is so important - Gyproc Tools Blog

Dry lining has become a preferred method to build internal walls and here’s five reasons why we love it.

There is always a need for speed in this business and getting a job done rapidly, and to a high standard, is the name of the game.

Dry lining is a skill that takes years to master and has many advantages – such as speedy installation with no cracks or drying period.

Traditionally, as you may know, surfaces were covered with a wet sand and cement render or plaster. Some prefer a plaster finish and some dry lining – it’s all about choice.

Dry lining refers mainly to covering internal walls and ceilings with plasterboard. The plasterboard is either stuck on the walls or fixed to a timber, or steel frame which is attached to the walls.

While a wet finish takes time to dry, dry lining or plasterboards can be installed much more quickly, especially in the case where it is stuck to the walls using a mix of plaster as adhesive (dot and dab). Dry lining can truly make a difference to the overall look and feel of a room – giving you a proud finish and keeping your all-important clients happy!

1/ Dry lining helps to improve insulation

Dry lining can provide a cost-effective way to keep a property warm and energy efficient with its ability to increase insulation and prevent condensation. Dry lining leaves a cavity that can be filled with insulation material. You’ll also find insulated plasterboard consists of a sheet of standard plasterboard with a sheet of insulated material. These can be found in various sizes, thicknesses and finishes. It can be used on internal walls to enhance thermal performance. They provide internal drylining and insulation in just one fixing operation, giving faster completion times.

2/ Dry lining boards: covering all purposes
Variety is the spice of life and when it comes to your dry lining projects you’ll come across a number of boards and finishing products. The future use of a room will determine which kind of boards or dry lining supplies to use.

Plasterboard is good for cutting down noise transmission such as speech and music. High performance acoustic plasterboards, such as Gyproc SoundBloc, can help to provide better insulation against sound.

Damp conditions, such as kitchens and bathrooms, require the use of specially designed moisture resistant plasterboard that contain water repellent additives. While standard plasterboard is ideal for most environments, it shouldn’t be used in high moisture conditions. For kitchens, bathrooms, shower cubicles a water-resistant board can be used.

Fire resistance performance is based on complete partition systems such as a wall, ceiling or floor, therefore plasterboard products cannot be considered in isolation in terms of fire resistance. Some plasterboards contain fire resistant additives which make them suitable for use where a more stringent fire performance is required.

Check out the Artex catalogue for plasterboard products

3/ Creates paint-ready surfaces

A smooth operator, that’s dry lining for you! Ready-made boards or plasterboards can be cut to size and attached with adhesive for masonry walls and on stud walls they are screwed to wood. Once in place, the screw holes are filled, and the joints taped to leave a smooth finish that is easy to decorate – painted or wall-papered immediately. It is an easy way to create a seamless, smooth look and feel, ready for finishing.

4/ Conceals unsightly pipes and wires

You can wave goodbye to exposed pipework and wiring, which will never be aesthetically pleasing but dry lining allows you to easily hide this.

5/ A lighter alternative to plaster

Dry wall is lighter than wet plaster so you’ll find the finished construction is lighter and less moisture can enter the building, plus it’s less likely to develop cracks compared with wet alternatives.