The characteristics and benefits of gypsum products are truly fascinating, when you think about it. Gypsum is a natural occurring mineral mined predominately for the production of gypsum board.
World-wide deposits of gypsum ore were formed by the evaporation of inland seas 140 million years ago. In fact, the steam plume from a gypsum board plant is water captured by the gypsum at the time dinosaurs roamed the earth!
But gypsum is also produced synthetically, and there is no difference between natural gypsum and synthetic. Both have physical properties, fire resistance, finishing and laminating characteristics that are identical.
Gypsum is inexpensive and readily available. Its design flexibility, which includes low weight large panels for quick installation and a surface that easily accepts a wide variety of decorative finishes, make gypsum a money-saver at the job site.
Homeowners will be comforted with fire resistant ratings that extend up to four hours, and a sound transmission class rating up to 64, which provides a high degree of sound isolation. Gypsum is also environmentally friendly and easily recyclable.
Considering that gypsum represents only about 3% of the total cost of a new home while providing close to 90% of the home’s visible finished interior, it’s easy to see that gypsum represents the best value in today’s economy.
