Traditional plastering vs dry lining: Best Option for your home
Plaster vs dry lining: Which One is Better?
There are many factors to consider when building or remodelling a home. One important decision homeowners have to make is what material to use for the walls. dry lining has become a popular choice because it is affordable, durable and easy to install. However, traditional plastering also has its benefits and may be a better option for your home. In this article, we will discuss the two options of: dry lining and plastering.We will compare Plastering and dry lining against the essential propertise need for your home so you can make a informed decision.
What Is Plastering?
Plastering is the process of applying a layer of plaster to a surface. The plaster can be made from a variety of materials, including gypsum, lime, or cement. It is often used to cover walls and ceilings, and to smooth out imperfections in the surface.
What Is dry lining?
Dry lining emerged in the mid-20th century and has become increasingly popular material for finishing the interior walls of homes. It is made of a gypsum plaster core that is sandwiched between two thick sheets of paper. It is then cut to size and fastened to the framing members with dry lining screws. One advantage of dry lining is that it can be installed quickly and easily. It also can be painted or wallpapered.
Key Factors To Consider
Fire Resistance: Which is more fire resistant?
When it comes to fire resistance, plaster is king. A properly installed plaster wall can withstand a fire for up to two hours, while a dry lining wall can only hold out for a few minutes. This is because the dry lining simply chars and allows the heat and flames to pass through, while the plaster chars and forms a protective layer that slows down the spread of the fire.
This doesn’t mean that you should never use dry lining in your home – it’s just that certain applications are better suited for plaster. For example, if you’re building an addition or doing a major renovation, you should use plaster walls instead of dry lining. However, if you’re just doing a small repair job, then dry lining is fine.
Soundproofing: Which is more soundproof?
There are many factors to consider when soundproofing your home. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is what type of wall construction to use. Traditional plastering is a good option for soundproofing, but it can be expensive and time-consuming. dry lining is a less expensive and more common option, but it doesn’t always do as good a job of blocking sound.
Plaster walls are thicker than dry lining walls, which means they offer more sound insulation. They also have a higher mass than dry lining, which helps to absorb sound waves. Plaster walls are also better at resisting the transmission of vibration, which is another way noise can travel through walls.
dry lining is not as good as plaster at blocking noise, but it is still a fairly effective option.
Durability: which is able withstand wear and damage ?
dry lining is a material made of cardboard or paper that is covered in a thin layer of plaster. It is lightweight and easy to install, making it a popular choice for homes. However, it is not as durable as plaster and can easily be damaged by water or humidity.
Plaster is a material made of lime, sand, and water that has been used for centuries. It is more durable than dry lining and can withstand moisture and humidity. However, it is heavier than dry lining and requires more time to install.
Installation Time: Which is More Labor-Intensive?
The installation time for dry lining is significantly shorter than plaster. Plastering a wall can take up to twice as long. This is due to the fact that plaster must be mixed and applied in several coats, while dry lining can be hung in one or two pieces. Another advantage of dry lining is that it is less labor-intensive and there is no need for plasterer’s trowel or other special tools .
Repairs: Which is more easier and affordable to repair?
dry lining is less durable than plaster, but it tends to be easier to repair. Store-bought dry lining repair kits are the most effective option for covering small holes, cracks and chips, and many retailers sell dry lining patches that can be used for medium-sized holes. If a large section of dry lining has water stains or significant holes, you can simply replace the panels at that section.
You can quickly repair minor chips and cracks in plaster walls with a plaster repair kit, but you’ll need professional help for extensive damages. Deep or map cracks require a multi-step process to repair, and plaster that has deteriorated beyond repair may be replaced entirely. If you’re unsure of how to handle plaster damage, it’s best to consult with a professional.
Look and Finish: Which looks and feels nicer?
dry lining is less durable than plaster, but it tends to be easier to repair. Store-bought dry lining repair kits are the most effective option for covering small holes, cracks and chips, and many retailers sell dry lining patches that can be used for medium-sized holes. If a large section of dry lining has water stains or significant holes, you can simply replace the panels at that section.
You can quickly repair minor chips and cracks in plaster walls with a plaster repair kit, but you’ll need professional help for extensive damages. Deep or map cracks require a multi-step process to repair, and plaster that has deteriorated beyond repair may be replaced entirely. If you’re unsure of how to handle plaster damage, it’s best to consult with a professional.
Conclusion
The two materials have different benefits and drawbacks that should be weighed before a final decision is made.
As we know traditional plastering is a time-tested material that has been used for centuries to create beautiful walls and ceilings. It is durable, breathable, and can be customised to any colour or texture. However, it requires a lot of skill and experience to apply correctly, and can be more expensive. Thus, plastering maybe recommended to those who have a higher budget and are looking for something that is durable, more fire resistant and soundproof.
Alternatively dry lining is a newer material that has become very popular in recent years. It is inexpensive, easy to install, and comes in a variety of textures and finishes. However, it is not as durable as plaster and does not breathe as well. dry lining may be best suited for projects with a tight budget or for a novice attempting to do the work themselves.
We prefer to apply a combination of both. Plastering can be done in areas such as Kitchen: where it is more important to guard against fires, Bathroom: where durability against humidity is important, and Bedroom: where it is more vital to incorporate soundproofing.Whereas, dry lining can be utilised in locations where the risk of fire is low, risk of damage is low, and soundproofing is not essential such as: hallways, stairway, and eating area. In this manner, we can have the benefits of both plastering and dry lining versus having to cover the whole house with plastering. In this way the we can achieve high quality finish within a reasonable budget.
