Gypsum fiber boards for walls: parameters and installation options

GFBs, or gypsum fiber boards, are a common option for wall finishing in both commercial and residential settings. These boards, which are well-known for their durability and adaptability, are a great substitute for conventional drywall, particularly in spaces that demand more strength.

Gypsum fiber boards have several advantages, two of which are their resistance to fire and soundproofing. Because GFBs are reinforced with cellulose fibers rather than just drywall, they are more durable and less prone to damage. They are therefore perfect for rooms or high-traffic areas where extra security is required.

Gypsum fiber boards are relatively easy to work with when it comes to installation. They offer flexibility in terms of design and application because they can be glued, screwed, or cut into position. Whether you want to add an extra layer of insulation or create smooth, even walls, GFBs offer a workable solution that combines dependability and simplicity of use.

Features of gypsum fiber boards

Plasterboard and GVL are often mistakenly placed on the same technical footing, despite their distinct properties. Principal benefits of the product:

  1. Durability. This indicator is achieved due to the composition of the product: in addition to gypsum, which occupies 80%, the boards contain cellulose fibers – about 20%. Such a structure allows you to withstand serious mechanical loads and makes it possible to hang interior items on a vertical surface without fear of deformation of the base.
  2. Moisture resistance. Gypsum fiber board has two main varieties: ordinary GVL and special – GVLV. It is the second option that is used in rooms with high humidity: bathrooms, corridors, kitchens, loggias. But standard products are also moisture resistant enough for placement in utility rooms with unstable humidity.
  3. Frost resistance. With the help of this material, it is possible to cover walls in unheated rooms. The resulting coating can withstand up to 14-16 freeze-thaw cycles without losing strength.
  4. Heat and sound insulation. Gypsum fiber prevents the penetration of extraneous noise and significantly reduces audibility in adjacent rooms. Also, the use of products helps to increase the energy efficiency of a house or apartment.
  5. Ease of installation. You can completely sheathe the walls yourself, this does not require special skills or complex equipment.
  6. Fire safety. The boards are suitable for installation in rooms with a high probability of fire and evacuation corridors.

These indicators are exclusive to premium materials that possess all required certificates of conformance. For this reason, you should prioritize buying products from reputable manufacturers.

Sheet sizes

The gypsum-fiber plate dimensions are reflected in the pertinent regulatory documents; a unique GOST R number 51829-2001 has been developed specifically for this kind of product. Generally, there are two primary classifications for sheets: small-format and standard. While the second option works well for walls, the first option is primarily used for laying on horizontal bases.

When working with vertical structures, the following sizes are utilized:

  • width – 120 cm;
  • length – 250, 270 and 300 cm;
  • thickness – 10 and 12.5 mm, in special cases it is possible to use panels of 15 mm or more.

Other sizes of products can be produced by certain manufacturers as long as the primary specifications are followed.

When choosing, don’t forget to take the edge—which could be straight or chamfered—into account. The second kind is still preferred even though it is more costly and uncommon.

Gypsum fiber boards are a strong and adaptable wall finishing material that performs well and is simple to install. They offer a robust, sound-absorbing, and fire-resistant surface, which makes them perfect for a variety of settings. This post examines the essential features of gypsum fiber boards and various installation techniques to assist you in selecting the most suitable course of action for your project.

How to attach gypsum fiber board to a wall

There are two primary techniques for attaching the boards during interior work; each has advantages and disadvantages and is appropriate in different circumstances.

Mounting on a frame

This approach is used to attach GVL based on the unevenness and major flaws in the data. Depending on the kind of surface, either a metal profile or a wooden beam can be used to support the lathing. A more sturdy metal frame is preferred if the walls are made of brick or concrete. A beam works better for a wooden base, but this method is much less common because the beam needs to be properly dried and treated with protective agents.

Installation of profiles

The frame method is better for installing gypsum fiber boards on walls. This can be explained by the fact that the final structure can be used for extra insulation and communication cover-up.

The ensuing technologies are utilized in order to properly install the guides:

  1. The process begins after correcting the defects of the base: it is cleaned of unnecessary objects and old coating, which can interfere with the work or deform in the future. It is also necessary to seal the cracks.
  2. The main work begins with marking. To finish the room with gypsum fiber board, a standard profile pitch of 55–60 cm is selected. For an accurate calculation, the size of the insulation is taken into account to eliminate unnecessary trimming.
  3. Installation occurs according to the same scheme as the installation of drywall. First, the upper and lower guides are set using a plumb line. Next, the vertical posts are fastened to the hangers, placed depending on the condition of the base with a pitch of 30 to 45 cm.
  4. Litz bars are placed between the posts.

Achieving the highest level of rigidity and dependability for the final structure is essential. For this, dowels are used to secure the components to the wall, and self-tapping screws made of metal are used to join them all together.

Sheathing with panels

Products made of gypsum fiber can be installed on the sheathing in accordance with these guidelines:

  1. Installation can be carried out from the corner or from the middle. The suitable method is selected taking into account the size of the plates, as well as the presence and location of window and doorways.
  2. If required, insulation is laid in advance and communications are laid.
  3. Sheets are set with a gap from the ceiling and floor. Also, a 3-5 mm joint is formed between the parts to compensate for possible shrinkage of the building.
  4. Fastening is carried out with self-tapping screws with a pitch of 15-25 cm. The screw head should be recessed flush to prevent complete puttying in the future, unless this is assumed by the type of finish.

GVL is used for sheathing partitions; however, because it lacks the elasticity required and cannot be processed, it is not appropriate for creating curly parts of arched structures.

Be aware of this! Self-tapping screw installation will require more labor than drywall installation, so an electric screwdriver or drill is the preferred tool. Nails can be used in place of screws, but only if a wooden lathe is being constructed.

Fastening with glue or self-tapping screws

Although the frameless method involves no significant base deformation (changes should not exceed 3–4 mm), it allows you to level the surface much faster, but it is used much less frequently.

Gypsum fiber boards can be glued together in accordance with the following scheme:

  1. The boards are mounted directly to the wall only after preliminary preparation: it is necessary to completely eliminate small defects and cracks. You should also clean the surface from the old decorative layer, which will not allow gypsum fiber to be securely glued.
  2. A special glue is selected for the procedure. It is not recommended to use unsuitable compounds, in this case the result is impossible to predict. The mixture is applied to the back side of the material, after which the part is pressed tightly and leveled. Due to the need to form a gap from the floor and ceiling, a spacer is laid underneath.
  3. The remaining elements are glued according to the same scheme.

In exceptional circumstances, GVL can be used to equalize changes that are more significant—up to 3–4 cm. In this instance, it is best to use a combination approach to fix the gypsum fiber: glue on a putty mixture and extra self-tapping screw fixation. To guarantee that the sheets are aligned with one another without the development of sagging points, the composition is applied either pointwise or linearly. The components are aligned and fastened together using screws.

Parameter Description
Thickness Usually ranges from 10 to 18 mm, offering good sound and heat insulation.
Dimensions Standard sizes are 1200×2400 mm, making them easy to install on most walls.
Weight Heavier than drywall, requires secure attachment, typically 11-15 kg/m².
Fire Resistance Offers high fire resistance, suitable for areas where fire safety is crucial.
Installation Can be mounted on a metal or wooden frame; joints are typically treated with putty for a seamless finish.

Gypsum fiber boards combine strength and ease of installation to provide a dependable and adaptable wall finishing option. They are a great option for both commercial and residential settings because they are smooth and durable, making them ideal for additional decoration.

These boards are a popular option in contemporary construction because of their exceptional soundproofing, fire resistance, and environmentally friendly composition. Gypsum fiber boards offer a workable solution that can be used for a variety of purposes, whether you’re remodeling a single room or a whole building.

Following the right procedures during installation guarantees a high-quality and long-lasting finish for these boards. By utilizing appropriate instruments and methods, you can attain expert outcomes, augmenting the usefulness and visual appeal of your walls.

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Veronica Gerasimova

Interior designer, author of books on the design of residential premises. I will help you make your home not only functional, but also beautiful.

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