Sustainable Building Practices: How Drywall Fits into Green Construction

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Green construction is gaining momentum, but some concerns must be addressed. One is what types of materials count as being sustainable and okay to use in a green construction project. Builders have tried to avoid drywall because it is made from gypsum, a mined material. However, Golden State Drywall Repair Pros does have its place in green construction and can provide benefits when used.

Can be Recycled When Removed

Drywall can be recycled when it’s done in many cases. If it is still in good condition, the paper can be removed, and the gypsum can be used to make new drywall for use in other buildings. It is possible to purchase already recycled gypsum, too. This helps reduce the amount of gypsum mined to create drywall, helping what has already been mined to last a lot longer. When removing old drywall, it’s best to keep it in larger sheets where possible and avoid water damage before recycling is done.

Helps to Insulate the Building and Reduce Energy Use

Energy use is often a concern when using Sustainable Building Practices. The goal is to reduce energy use as much as possible in buildings today, without impacting the quality of life in homes or the ability for a business to run in commercial buildings. Drywall can be used in conjunction with other insulating materials to make the building more energy efficient. This reduces the amount of energy needed to heat or cool the building. Over time, this can add to a significant amount of energy saved and cost savings for the building owner.

There are Synthetic Options

Another way Drywall Fits into sustainable construction is because of the alternatives available. While commonly made from gypsum, there are other options for drywall that may be more sustainable. One type is made from a byproduct of coal power plants. Instead of the byproduct going to landfills, it finds new use as drywall that can then be used in buildings. By opting for synthetic options, it’s possible to help reduce the reliance on gypsum and use products that would otherwise be discarded.

Can Help Create a Better Indoor Environment

Using the right materials can help keep the building in better shape, creating a healthier environment for occupants. Using some sustainable materials in buildings means having to care for them properly to prevent issues like mold. Drywall, however, is mold-resistant, so it can help preserve the indoor air quality inside the building. This helps preserve the health of everyone in the building and can enable the drywall to last longer, as it’s not as easily damaged or destroyed.

Less Challenging to Maintain and Will Last

Golden State Drywall Repair Pros can crumble, but once it’s used in a wall application, it is sturdy and will not crumble or fall apart unless it is damaged or water-logged. It is simple to maintain, as it’s usually painted on the exterior side. Once the paint has dried, it can simply be wiped down occasionally to keep it clean. If there is a little bit of water, it should dry quickly. There’s no need for a complicated maintenance or cleaning regimen, and the drywall will last many years before it begins to degrade and needs to be replaced.

Though drywall is made from mined materials and, therefore, not typically included in lists of sustainable building materials, it can be a great choice during green construction projects. Take care to determine how the drywall is made, whether from gypsum or synthetic materials, and consider whether it’s recycled to find more sustainable options when building. Doing so can help make it easier to find drywall that is more sustainable and ready to use in any green construction project.