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The Rise of Drywall in the United States


The Rise of Drywall in the United States

A drywall is one of the figurative foundations of a home, but some people take it for granted. In this post, Universal Roofing and Exteriors, a drywall contractor ourselves, explains how we came to use drywall.

Rise of Drywall

The Early Years

Prior to War War I in 1916, a company called U.S. Gypsum (USG) manufactured the first ever drywall intended for houses and buildings. People at that time were relying on plaster, which requires wood backing and more time for labor, so drywall wasn’t given attention. Everyone was so busy investing on war materials that construction needed to be faster and cheaper.

It was only after the war when contractors noticed drywall and its benefits. People turned to using drywall and this marked the beginning of drywall industry, not only in US, but also in other countries. Initially sold under the name “Sheetrock”, it was composed of multiple layers of gypsum and heavy paper compressed together.

What Drywall Is

Unlike plaster, drywall is made without the use of water and requires less labor and wood. There will be no drying time and contractors can easily complete the installation in no time.

Aside from faster installation, drywall is fire-resistant and more flexible. It doesn’t crack easily and it comes in various types depending on its properties. It also offers sound control and can come in eco-friendly varieties. The sound control, in fact, depends on the method of installation. During installation, you may suggest using multiple layers of drywall, steel studs for framing, wider stud facing, double studding, and insulation.

Through the years, drywall has further evolved to address common issues. Some drywalls or “wallboards” now consist of gypsum that can withstand increased moisture. Others have materials that can resist dents. You may also find drywalls that are mold-resistant and those that are used for elevator shafts. Drywall painting has relatively improved, as paper on the drywall surface can now be directly painted without a skim coat of plaster.

Our Drywall Services

Since the rise of drywall in the country many contractors have offered drywall services in conjunction with other existing construction services. Not all contractors, however, are reliable in drywall installation, as this requires specialized skills and experience. At Universal Roofing and Exteriors, we are one of the contractors with experience in drywall installation, whether for residential and commercial properties. We have been in the business since 1986 and we take pride being passionate about our work.

Aside from painting, we also offer other services such as drywall repair, patching, and finishing. We require no down payment once hired and we guarantee that our services are performed by trained personnel. For a free quote and more information on drywall’s rich history, call us today at (317) 257-0779 . We serve the Northside of Indianapolis, Zionsville, and Fishers, IN.

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