Constructing interior walls and ceilings that are adequately insulated

Installing plasterboard is a relatively simple and affordable way to construct interior walls and ceilings. Also known as drywall or gypsum board, it is manufactured by layering gypsum plaster between two thick sheets of paper. Plasterboard sizes vary in width and thickness. Boards come in lengths of up to 6 metres. Adaptions to the plaster ‘recipe’ can create water resistant or soundproofing attributes. Plasterboard  has been used in Australia since the 1940’s and is a popular choice among builders. Once installed, the interior wall can be finished with wall paper, tiles, paint and panelling. However, standard plaster board offers little thermal resistance and additional insulation is required to keep homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Installing bulk insulation before hanging the plasterboard
Bulk insulation is installed in ceilings and external walls to control the temperature inside the home. Plasterboard effectively seals up the wall cavities, so any bulk insulation for walls needs to be installed before the plaster board is hung. Home owners should also consider installing insulation in the internal walls of the home for sound management. Media/TV rooms, studios, bedrooms, bathrooms and laundries should be first on the priority list. Although ceiling insulation can technically be installed from inside the ceiling space (and many owners of older houses have seen the value of investing in ceiling insulation in recent years), it is usually much more efficient and safe to insert the batts between the ceiling joists from below, before the plasterboard is installed. The working area is bigger and the risk of falls from heights is reduced.
Combining plasterboard and insulation - ‘insulated plasterboard’
One of the main reasons people opt for the insulated plaster board solution is that it takes up less space than the standard glasswool bulk insulation. This gives the potential for higher ceilings and larger rooms, which is often desirable in small houses and units. Insulating and plastering a brick wall can be a complex task if it means constructing studs to hold the bulk insulation in place. Insulated plasterboard would be the easier option in this case as it can be adhered directly onto the surface of the bricks, eliminating the need for any carpentry additions. Insulated plaster board is more expensive than standard plasterboard plus bulk insulation, which could explain why the latter tends to be the more popular choice.
Joint setting – creating a seamless finish

Whether someone decides to install bulk insulation and cover it with plasterboard, or go for the insulated plasterboard option, achieving a seamless finish is desired, especially if it is to be painted. The boards are mounted individually and screwed into place, and without a process known as ‘joint setting’, the joints and screws will show through the paint. This process involves smearing a plaster compound onto the screws and joints in several coats and sanding it back for a smooth finish. Taking the time to complete this step exactly before painting makes all the difference and the result is one continuous and unbroken façade.

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