By Daxton Derek
When it comes to interior construction and design, there’s a key element that often goes unnoticed but plays a crucial role in shaping a space’s overall aesthetic and functionality – plasterboard. Plasterboard, also known as drywall or gypsum board, is a versatile building material for creating walls and ceilings. While the traditional method of attaching plasterboard directly to wooden studs has been widely practised, another option that is gaining popularity is hanging plasterboard on a metal frame. This article will explore the benefits of this alternative approach and why it might be the right choice for your next project.
Structural Stability & Durability
Metal frames, often made from galvanized steel, offer superior structural stability compared to traditional wooden studs. Metal is less susceptible to warping, shrinking, and rotting, common issues faced with wooden studs over time. The added stability makes walls less prone to cracking, ensuring a longer lifespan for your plasterboard installation.
Enhanced Fire Resistance
Safety is a paramount concern in construction. Metal-framed plasterboard walls provide improved fire resistance due to the non-combustible nature of steel. If a fire starts, steel framing studs will not fuel the flames like wooden studs. This extra layer of fire protection can be invaluable for residential and commercial spaces, giving occupants more time to evacuate safely and potentially minimising property damage.
Precision & Straightness
Metal frames are manufactured with precision, offering uniform dimensions and consistent straightness. This accuracy ensures that your plasterboard installation is smooth and even, eliminating the possibility of uneven surfaces that can be time-consuming to correct when using wooden studs. The straightness of metal frames also aids in achieving precise alignments of walls and ceilings, resulting in a professional finish.
Space Optimisation
One of the significant advantages of metal-framed plasterboard walls is their slimmer profile. Metal frames are narrower than traditional wooden studs, meaning you gain a few precious inches of floor space in each room. It can be especially valuable in smaller rooms where every inch counts, allowing you to maximise your available area without sacrificing structural integrity.
Reduced Sound Transmission
Metal-framed plasterboard walls are known for their superior sound insulation properties. The density of the metal frame combined with the plasterboard creates an effective barrier against sound transmission. It makes them an excellent choice for buildings where noise control is essential, such as offices, hotels, or multi-unit residences.
Ease Of Installation
Metal frames are designed to be user-friendly during installation. They often come with pre-punched holes and markings, making aligning, and attaching the plasterboard easier. This streamlined installation process can save time and labour costs, leading to a more efficient construction schedule.
Moisture Resistance
In environments prone to high humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens, metal-framed plasterboard walls offer an advantage due to their inherent moisture resistance. Metal does not absorb moisture like wood does, reducing the risk of mould growth and structural damage. This characteristic contributes to the longevity of your interior spaces and helps maintain a healthy living environment.
