When was the last time someone commented on the great drywall work in a finished building or home? And what are drywall and interior construction services? Most people talk about the beautiful wall color or the unusual arch in a hallway. They rarely think of the drywaller who made those surfaces possible behind the scenes.
But they don't see the hours of measuring, cutting, and fastening drywall sheets to interior frames. They shouldn't see the taping and mudding because it creates a seamless surface. The final step of sanding and finishing should make the drywallers' efforts invisible when the final touches are put in place.
Essentially, drywalling is an interior trade where the best work is never seen.
What Is Meant by Interior Trade in Construction?
Interior trades are those activities performed inside a building that has finished exterior walls, roof, windows, and doors. They may include plumbers, carpenters, and painters. Interior trades such as drywalling make buildings inhabitable and are crucial to successful completion.
Managing trades can be challenging. Tasks must be performed sequentially to avoid unnecessary rework. For example, running electrical and plumbing before drywalling minimizes the amount of rework for drywallers. If they put up interior drywall before other trades, they would have to return to patch holes and smooth out gaps, adding to construction costs. Implementing construction cost management strategies for contractors is essential.
Integrating technology into interior construction can help address the challenges of managing multiple trades. For example, framing layout robots can offer multiple benefits to interior traders including fewer errors and less rework.
What Is Drywall in Construction?
Drywalling is the process of placing flat panels made of gypsum plaster on interior walls and ceilings, attaching them to metal or wood studs with screws or nails. Drywall replaces the older lathe and plaster technique for building interior walls. Drywall, also known as sheetrock, gypsum board, or plasterboard, is faster to install than plaster.
Standard drywall can be used to construct any interior wall; however, the following specialty panels are also available:
- Mold- and moisture-resistant drywall has a special coating to prevent mold and moisture buildup.
- Fire-resistant drywall is thicker than other types of drywall and incorporates glass fibers to help prevent or contain fire.
- Soundproof drywall reduces noise from traveling through buildings. It is usually thicker and features two layers of gypsum between thick paper.
Layout designs should identify the type of drywall to use in different areas of a building or home. This preparatory step is just one of the many cost management strategies in construction.
What Are Drywall and Interior Construction Services?
So, what are drywall and interior construction services? Interior construction services can range from basic drywall installation to complex heated floors. These services help make a structure unique. Contractors may use plaster to create decorative column covers or add ceiling tiles for better acoustics. Other services may include reinforced walls for more security and better protection for doors and windows. Regardless of the service, most interior construction relies on drywalling.
Importance of Drywalling
Without drywall, architects and builders would need to find alternative materials, such as cement blocks, wood panels, or stones, to create interior walls. Such materials can complicate the placement of electrical, heating, cooling ducts, and plumbing. They may not be as aesthetically pleasing as drywall and may increase building costs. Its cost-effectiveness is one of drywall's key characteristics. It's also why it has replaced the older lathe and plaster form of wall construction.
With drywall-finished walls, electricians can install outlets and lights. Plumbers can install sinks and showers, and heating and cooling vents can be placed. Finishing crews can paint or wallpaper walls, creating an interior that is functional and appealing.
Safety Concerns
Drywalling is not without risks. Individuals can encounter the following injuries:
- Respiratory Issues: Sanding and finishing drywall creates dust that can irritate the respiratory system. Workers should wear a mask or respirator whenever possible.
- Injuries: Utility knives and saws can cause hand injuries. Drywall panels are heavy, leading to back injuries if not handled appropriately. Protective or steel-toed boots can help prevent injuries from falling materials.
- Falls: Before painters can paint 25-foot ceilings, drywallers have to cover them. Installers need to use scaffolding when appropriate to prevent falls.
With clear layout designs, drywallers can minimize the time spent on a job site, reducing the chance of a work-related injury. Managing risks is also key in cost management strategies in construction.
Tools and Techniques Used for Drywalling
Good cost management strategies in construction also involve assessing and picking the right tools. Drywallers need basic tools such as a drywall knife, a utility knife, a T-square, a tape measure, and a mask or respirator. They also need a mud pan, corner knife, carpenter's pencil, drywall screws, and screw gun, plus sanding poles, sponges, and corner sander. With these basic tools, drywallers can complete the tasks of hanging, taping, and finishing drywall.
Hanging Drywall
Hanging drywall is usually a two-plus-person job. But installers can use drywall lifts to help when additional workers are unavailable. The most efficient hanging process is based on accurate measurements and careful cutting. Layout robotics can help ensure measurements are correct before cutting and hanging begin.
Taping and Mudding
To achieve a seamless wall or ceiling, drywallers use joint compound, or mud. The compound covers screws and fills gaps between drywall panels. Contractors apply the first layer of mud and then place drywall tape over it. Then, they may need additional layers of joint compound to achieve a smooth surface.
Sanding and Finishing
Experienced drywallers know the right amount of compound to use to minimize sanding. Less sanding means less dust and better worker safety. Sanding also prepares the drywall for painting or wallpapering.
Integrating Technology
Technology continues to improve interior trades. Improvements in drywall composition1 have led to lighter materials that use more eco-friendly materials. The different types of drywall are a result of technological advances, such as prefabricated paneling. Interior trades can expect future technology to improve drywalling processes.
Using Layout Robotics
Layout robotics allows construction plans to be printed onsite. Robots such as HP SitePrint receive computer-aided design (CAD) or building information modeling (BIM) files that they transfer to the construction floor. Precise measurements can reduce errors when measuring and cutting panels. Architects and engineers can even include notes to the interior trades to help with material selection and placement.
Training and Certifications Required for Drywallers
Most drywallers learn the trade on the job. Installer and finisher helpers assist professional drywallers as they learn the trade through on-the-job training. Other professionals participate in apprenticeship programs that combine classroom study with on-the-job training. These programs are offered through different unions and building associations.
Most apprenticeship programs last three to four years, teaching everything from what are drywall and interior construction services to teaching critical technique and compliance processes. They include 144 hours of technical work and 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. Some apprenticeships offer a certificate of proficiency upon program completion.
How HP SitePrint Improves Drywalling Processes for Interior Trades
HP SitePrint robots help project managers coordinate job site activities. By printing plans directly from design files, measurements are more precise. Drywallers can use those measurements for more accurate cutting and installation. The information can produce fewer cuts, which means less mudding, taping, sanding, and finishing.
Drywallers become more productive, and projects become more profitable. To learn more about how a construction layout robot like HP SitePrint can help the interior trades on construction projects, contact us today. We’re available to answer all your questions from “What are drywall and interior construction services?” to “What is drywall in construction?”
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