Gypsum fiber boards are a useful option if you want to give your flooring a level, smooth surface. These boards are simple to work with and offer a sturdy, stable foundation for a variety of flooring options, including laminate and tiles. Gypsum fiber boards can assist you in achieving the necessary level surface, whether you’re working on a new project or remodeling an old floor.
The versatility of gypsum fiber boards is one of their main advantages. Because of their resistance to moisture, they can be used in a variety of rooms, including ones with high humidity. They are therefore an excellent option for kitchens, bathrooms, and other spaces where moisture may be an issue.
Gypsum fiber board installation is an easy process that even do-it-yourselfers can handle. You don’t need to hire professionals to create a perfectly level floor if you have the right tools and a little patience. You get the satisfaction of finishing the task yourself in addition to saving money by doing it this way.
Aspect | Details |
Material | Gypsum fiber boards are dense, strong, and provide a smooth surface for floor leveling. |
Installation | The boards are easy to cut and fit, making them ideal for DIY floor leveling projects. |
Durability | They are resistant to impact and can handle heavy loads, ensuring long-lasting results. |
Moisture Resistance | Gypsum fiber boards have good moisture resistance, but it"s best to avoid excessive water exposure. |
Application | These boards are suitable for various floor types, including concrete and wood, providing a stable base for different finishes. |
- What is GVL?
- Pros and cons of gypsum fiber board floors
- Types of dry screeds using gypsum fiber
- DIY GVL floor
- Preliminary processes
- Waterproofing and backfilling of the foundation
- Laying gypsum fiber boards
- Video on the topic
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What is GVL?
The acronym refers to "gypsum fiber sheet." As the material has a totally different structure, it is incorrect to compare it to drywall. The two primary materials of the board are cellulose fibers (20%) and gypsum (roughly 80%). The components are combined during production, and then the mass is pressed and dried. Gypsum board lacks the cardboard top covering of gypsum plasterboard, but the panels are still very stable.
Standard and moisture-resistant materials are the two primary categories. Ordinary premises use the first option, while highly humid objects use the second. For flooring in the bathroom and on the balcony, GVLV is the better option.
- Size. There are regular and small-format products. Standard dimensions: length – from 150 to 300 cm, width – from 50 to 120 cm, thickness ranges from 10–20 mm.
- Density – no more than 1200 kg / m3.
- Strength – 5.5 MPa.
- Thermal conductivity – 0.22 to 0.35 W/m K.
- Vapor permeability – 0.12 mg/m h Pa.
The boards are easy to install, and the laying technology comes with detailed instructions. The material is unique in that it can take in excess moisture from the air and return it if the space gets too dry. It also produces a unique microclimate.
Pros and cons of gypsum fiber board floors
Gypsum fiber board, like any finishing material, has advantages and disadvantages.
- Resistance to moisture. Due to the presence of hydrophobic additives, short-term contact of gypsum fiber board with water is allowed.
- Ability to withstand loads. The material maintains its integrity when placed on a surface of significant mass.
- Flexibility. Due to its low elasticity, the products acquire the ability to neutralize various impacts.
- Environmental friendliness. The material does not pose a threat to human and animal health, so it can be used in children"s rooms and rooms where people are constantly present.
- Fire safety. The resulting coating meets all standards. The surface retains its structure even when exposed to high temperatures and does not emit harmful substances.
- Additional heat and sound insulation. The cladding eliminates noise pollution and helps to increase the energy efficiency of a house or apartment.
- Ease of DIY installation. Dry screed requires much less time than wet.
- Frost resistance. GVL boards can withstand up to 15 freeze-thaw cycles, so such finishing can be laid in unheated rooms.
The goods also have drawbacks:
- Significant weight. The products put a load on the bases, which requires a stable and reliable support.
- The need to ensure correct installation. Any violations can lead to defects.
- Cost. The products are not as widespread as wood sheet materials, which is explained by their higher price.
When making a purchase, it’s important to focus on the lack of flaws. Verify the environmental and safety certificates as well.
Gypsum fiber boards are a great option for both new construction and renovation projects because they provide a useful and effective way to level floors. These boards are very stable, easy to work with, and produce a level, smooth surface that is prepared for additional finishing. Gypsum fiber boards offer a dependable solution that’s easy to install, reasonably priced, and very effective at building a strong foundation for any kind of flooring, whether you’re dealing with uneven floors or just want a sturdy base for your flooring.
Types of dry screeds using gypsum fiber
Several variations exist, which vary based on the substance utilized:
- Based on expanded clay. This is the most popular solution, which allows you to perform work on different surfaces in a short time. Fine-fraction products are used – no more than 0.5 mm, which ensures a tight fit of particles. Screed is performed in several ways, differing in the size of the fill: a thickness of 2-3 cm allows you to lay one layer of gypsum fiber 12-15 mm, more than 5 cm – it is recommended to lay 2 levels of sheets with a thickness of 10 to 12 mm. A layer of expanded clay from 10 cm suggests three layers of gypsum fiber board with a thickness of 10 mm.
- From foam plastic. Such a floor is created if the base does not have serious irregularities. Laying insulation can improve the energy efficiency of the room. The layer thickness should be at least 30 mm.
- Combined option. Expanded clay is poured first, then polystyrene foam sheets are placed on top. This method provides both leveling and thermal insulation of the floor made of gypsum fiber boards in a house or apartment.
- Combination of dry screed and "warm floor" system. It is advisable to give preference to an electric heater. Many manufacturers produce special bulk products that optimize the process and guarantee a high-quality result.
For flooring, expanded clay is most frequently utilized. This material is not considered to be of high quality; insulation is only visible at a layer thickness of 10 cm, which performs similarly to 25 cm of wood.
Note: Products such as crushed stone screenings and slag pumice can be used in place of dry screed.
DIY GVL floor
In order to produce a dependable and long-lasting coating, the task must be broken down into progressively smaller steps.
Preliminary processes
It is required that you take preparations.
- The old decorative layer and wooden flooring are completely removed, down to the concrete floor. A plank floor base in good condition can be left, then dry backfill is not required: it is enough to eliminate small defects and lay gypsum fiber on the prepared floor.
- If the technology involves the creation of a screed, then further processes require a thorough assessment of the base, it is necessary to identify all possible damage. Cracks and crevices are cleaned of dirt and covered with a primer, after which they are sealed with elastic putty. The same manipulations are carried out with the walls at the height of the future flooring.
- The base is inspected for mold and mildew. Damaged areas are cleaned and treated with a special agent. It is advisable to carry out a complete antiseptic treatment.
Following prep, the surface is completely dried. This is crucial in newly constructed homes where the winters were spent without heat and in spaces where the previous flooring has been taken out.
Waterproofing and backfilling of the foundation
- The necessary materials and tools are purchased in advance. It is taken into account that it is more convenient to lay slabs with a special chamfer.
- A waterproofing film is laid on the entire base. If the products are placed in strips, then an overlap of 10-15 cm is observed, the joints are secured with tape. A part of the walls with a height of 150 mm is necessarily captured.
- When performing work on the second floor and above in rooms with stable humidity, under which there are no technical or commercial facilities, a vapor barrier membrane can be used instead of waterproofing.
- A damper tape is glued along the entire perimeter of the room. It creates the necessary gap from the vertical surface and reduces the level of propagation of sound vibrations.
- A layer of expanded clay is poured. The event is carried out in two ways. The first involves distributing the products throughout the room. For alignment, it is necessary to install beacons on top, which are a guide for a special rule. For greater reliability, an alternative method is used – preliminary laying of logs. The resulting space is filled with a dry mixture.
It’s critical to distribute the backfill among the sections precisely and equally.
Laying gypsum fiber boards
- It is better to lay gypsum fiber boards from the entrance opening or from the corner, sequentially distributing expanded clay in the direction of the door.
- If the sheets have a chamfer, then the connecting sections are coated with glue and reinforced with screws. It is recommended to fix products with a straight edge along the placed logs, which will create support and distribute the load.
- Each next row is shifted by at least 20 cm, for this the sheets are cut. The outer layer is laid in a checkerboard pattern, the joints of the lower and upper segments should not coincide. Glue and screws are also used for fastening (screwing step is 25 cm).
- The seams are puttied with elastic compounds. This process is mandatory, regardless of what is supposed to be laid: laminate or linoleum.
Using a level during installation will help you spot irregularities and prevent distortions.
Be aware of this! It’s necessary to trim the chamfered board edge so that it faces the wall.
Gypsum fiber boards provide a sturdy base that can support a variety of floor coverings, making them a useful and efficient method of leveling floors. They are a fantastic choice for both experienced builders and do-it-yourselfers because they are simple to work with.
The capacity to offer a smooth and even surface, which is essential for the durability and aesthetics of the finished flooring, sets gypsum fiber boards apart. Furthermore, their eco-friendliness adds another level of appeal for individuals who are concerned about the materials they use in their homes.
Gypsum fiber boards are unquestionably something to think about if you’re searching for a dependable method of making sure your floors are level and prepared for any kind of covering. They are a good option for any floor leveling project because of their durable finish and ease of installation.