Gypsum fiber sheets (GVL) is an excellent building and finishing material, which has found wide application in modern technologies and floors. We will tell you how to build a partition from drywall and what is the decoration of the walls of gypsum plaster with your own hands.

Partition Building

Structure and composition

Before starting work, you should determine what elements our partition will consist of.

The structure and composition of the drywall:

1. Galvanized steel frame. It includes such elements: a rack profile (PS) for vertical frame parts and a guide profile (PN) - for horizontal adjacencies of the wall to the ceiling and floor;
2. Soundproof Filler. In this capacity, non-combustible polystyrene foam or mineral wool slabs (glass wool) are usually used;
3. Double-sided cladding. It is performed by gypsum fiber sheets (GVL) by fixing them to the uprights of the frame with self-tapping screws on both sides of the structure;
4. Filling seams and joints. For these purposes, use quick-hardening putty for joints such as Knauf Fugenfuller or Knauf Uniflot, as well as fiberglass reinforcement tape, which is popularly called "sickle";
5. Leveling putty of a wall surface. It is necessary to create an even plane on the surface of the structure; it is carried out by means of applying a solution on the walls with a thin uniform layer;
6. Finishing putty. It is necessary if it is planned to paint the walls. It is carried out by any finishing gypsum mixture, which is applied in a thin layer, and after drying it is ground with a grater with an abrasive coating or emery cloth;
7. Finish finish. This can be wallpaper, panels, decorative plasters and other facing coatings. In this case, the finishing putty is not produced.

For the construction of the frame using the following elements: profiles PS and PN. They come in various sizes:

PS section profile sketch	Marking		Section profile sketch	Marking	Aspect ratio, axb, mm
	PS 50/50	50x50		PN 50/40	50x40
	PS 65/50	65x50		PN 65/40	65x40
	PS 75/50	75x50		PN 75/40	75x40
	PS 100/50	100x50		PN 100/40	100x40

As you can see, in different brands of profiles, only the size of side a changes, while side b remains unchanged. Therefore, when buying a set of profile elements, make sure that the size a of the rack and guide rails is the same, otherwise their joint installation will be impossible.

Depending on the height of the structure, profiles of different sizes are used (side size a is indicated, mm):

• Up to 3 meters - 65;
• From 3 to 4.5 meters - 75;
• Over 4.5 meters - 100.

The maximum height of the partitions that can be built using this technology is 5 meters. In the work, auxiliary profiles with side size a \u003d 50 mm can also be used for mounting horizontal jumpers, framing holes, etc.

As sound insulation, you can use polystyrene boards with flame retardant with a thickness of 50 mm, as well as mineral wool plates with a thickness of 50 - 100 mm. These products fill the gap between the skin of the frame.

To cut sheets of GVL use a construction knife (for longitudinal and transverse straight cuts), a hacksaw for GVL (for cutting rectangular holes) and a drill with a circular saw (for cutting round holes with a diameter of up to 80 mm).

Important! Before installation, sheets must be kept in the room where work is planned for at least 4 days so that they acquire the same humidity.

Frame assembly

The assembly instructions for the metal frame are simple and straightforward:

1. Using the coated cord on the floor we beat off the partition line according to the project. The line should be strictly perpendicular to the opposite walls. Then, using the plumb line, we transfer the markings to the walls and ceiling;

1. We take the PN and cut two segments along the length of the line on the floor, paste over them with sealing tape and fix them along the floor and ceiling with BS-K dowels 8x50 mm and galvanized screws 4.2x51 mm with a pitch of 50 cm, but not less than 3 for one segment profile. We make sure that the details are located exactly according to the marking;

1. We take PS and cut out two segments along the height of the room minus 5 - 10 mm, which we paste over with sealing tape and fix along the walls between the guides. Screw installation step - 100 cm, but not less than 3 per one piece of rail;

1. Next, we expose the PS on the sides of the doorway, which we strengthen with wooden bars inserted inside the profile. For work we use a plumb line or level, we connect parts using special fasteners in the design of the profile or galvanized self-tapping screws 4.2 × 14 mm.

1. The upper border of the doorway is made from a segment of PN, which is reinforced with a vertical crossbar (or two) of PS installed between it and the ceiling guide;

1. Install PS with a pitch of 402 mm throughout the partition, except for the doorway. We observe verticality, if the alleged place of the junction of the sheets did not fall on the PS, then in this place we put an additional profile.

We connect the profiles with screws after the PS is inserted into the PN:

Sheathing and soundproofing

After the assembly of the frame is completed, it should be sheathed with GVL sheets. To do this, cut the sheets and cut out the necessary parts. If the vertical size of the sheet does not overlap the height of the structure, then in the place of joining, you should install horizontal jumpers from monitors of a smaller size, or cut holes in the normal profile for joining.

The sheets are attached to the frame with two-way self-tapping screws with a self-tapping head measuring 3.9x30 mm in increments of 30 cm at a distance of 12 mm from the edge of the gypsum sheet. The length of the screw should allow it to go into the profile by 1 cm. A gap of 10 mm is left between the sheets and the enclosing structures, 5 mm between the adjacent sheets.

Mounting is made from an angle in two perpendicular directions: vertical and horizontal:

After sheathing one side, the structure is filled with mineral wool sheets, inserting them between the posts so that they slightly compress and do not fall. Then, the sheathing of the other side of the partition is performed, thereby closing the sound insulation layer.

Important! Docking of sheets (horizontal or vertical) is carried out only on the profile. If the profile is absent at the junction of adjacent GVL, it must be added.

Wall decoration

For decoration and leveling of walls, GVL is glued to their surface with putty or glue. If the irregularities on the walls exceed 20 mm, then previously glued strips of gypsum 100 mm wide onto the wall, to which the sheets are then glued using putty:

Here, as well as in the case of the partition, sheets are pre-marked and cut, which are then glued to the walls, creating the most even surface. If you are not afraid of a higher price, use waterproof products.

Important! Remember to pre-cut openings for outlets and switches. This is easily done with an electric drill with a circular saw.

Between sheets we maintain a standard gap of 5 mm (for GVL) or 1 mm (for GKL), which will then be filled with putty.

If the walls are too curved, or their internal insulation is required, use the frame method of decoration. For this, the wall is pre-leveled by a construction of PS and PN, which are fixed to the surface with dowels or brackets.

The step of the racks and the principle of assembly of the frame is the same as during the construction of the partition, only here each rack and horizontal part are attached to the wall in three places.

After assembling the frame, it is sutured with drywall like the skin of the frame from the previous chapter. The space between the wall and the cladding can be filled with insulation.

Important! Along the edge of the sheet in the place of the cut, a third of the thickness of the sheet is chamfered at an angle of 24.5 degrees.

Finish finish

Joints are coated with putty and reinforced with special tape.

Also screw all the screws so that they enter the surface of the gypsum to a depth of 0.5 - 1 mm. Breakthrough of cardboard coating is not allowed. The entry points of the screws are also covered with putty.

When the seams have dried out, they begin to putty the entire wall. For this, gypsum putty is diluted with water according to the manufacturer's instructions and applied with a wide spatula to the wall with an even thin layer (1 - 2 mm). After this layer has dried, it is finished with a grater and covered with wallpaper.

Important! If painting is planned, then a double layer of putty is applied, which is carefully sanded with a fine grater. Then the surface is primed and painted.

Output

Drywall and gypsum board are excellent materials for decorating and leveling walls. At the same time, the installation of these sheets is simple and can be done independently, but for those who still decided to make repairs, we posted a training video in this article ().

All these abbreviated names of building products are stuck in my teeth. One wants to shout, but write in full what they are called, why and where they can be used.
  Gypsum fiber sheet or GVL is one of the finishing materials obtained from gypsum reinforced with technological additives and dissolved pulp. What is so special about it?

A homogeneous material that does not have a cardboard coating (shell), this moment is clearly visible in the photo. The scope determines the type of sheets.
  Apply either ordinary sheets (GVL) or moisture resistant (GVLV). DIY wall decoration of walls is possible when repairing a house, apartment or other buildings.
  A big secret will not be revealed if we say that modern construction prefers to use "dry" processes in the construction of houses, buildings and their subsequent decoration. All wall, ceiling and floor structures can be covered by these processes.
So:

• GVL is rather strong material and safe; it does not support combustion.
• Gypsum fiber and gypsum board (GWP) have higher moisture resistance than gypsum board.
• GVL decoration is any decoration of walls, ceiling, floor, inclined surfaces. It relates to an alternative “wet” method when plastering is used with a cement-sand mixture diluted with water.
• Now preference is given to the construction of environmentally friendly wooden houses, can you imagine it being plastered?
• The only thing that can be plastered in it is the foundation and floors.
• To apply for the decoration of GVL, which also "breathes", is to preserve the original plan, to obtain a comfortable, clean house. The alignment of the walls inside of the gvl is the most convenient form.
• You can hide communications, the walls turn out to be smooth and beautiful, the defects and flaws resulting from the construction are hidden.
• Plaster fiber sheets and slabs are the same as reinforced concrete in concrete products. The compressed mixture in strength exceeds just gypsum and has a higher viscosity.
• Imagine how you can hammer a nail into a drywall or screw a screw into it? In the GVL sheet, the nail is held, as in a tree, as well as the screws that twist without problems.
• The GVL material is processed by a planer, a saw, a file, an analogy of working with wood appears.

Attention: Seasonal temperature changes do not cause plate deformation due to the low coefficient of linear expansion.

• High sound absorption and fire resistance, environmental cleanliness with neutral acidity for people.

Physical and technical properties for clarity are presented in the table:

Name of material	Flammability	Density	Swelling percentage	Thermal conductivity	Bending Strength MPa
GKL	G1	0,85	Up to 30	0,25	2
GVL	G1	1,25	Up to 30	0,25	5,5
LSU	NG	07 – 1,2	9,1	0,21	0

• The interior decoration with gypsum board or sheets can reduce the time it takes to complete the finishing work and the cost of manual labor, which ultimately boils down to overall cost savings for construction.
• On the video materials it is clearly seen that work with this material is performed by conventional tools available in each house, and elasticity allows them to be used for facing both convex and concave structures.
• GVL sheets and plates are mounted on metal and wooden frames, or can simply be glued.
• It turns out a flat, smooth surface prepared for painting, wallpapering, tiling.
• The versatility of the application determines the installation of interior partitions, the device of floors, suspended ceilings.

Application in special rooms

So:

• In basements with a moisture index of not more than 70%, they are used as bases for floors and for wall cladding, followed by tiling or painting.
• In residential areas with high relative humidity in kitchens and bathrooms, but without direct water.
• The device of partitions in pantries and utility rooms, walls and foundations under the floor.
• Sports, gymnasiums, courts, where high demands are placed on the rigidity of walls, floors and ceilings.
• Equipment for industrial and civilian premises with increased fire safety requirements.
• Elevator shafts, escape routes, surface finishes with specific environmental requirements. The radiation level of GVL sheets and plates is three times less than brick products.
• Attic and attic rooms, where the ability to not perform reinforcement of seams and joints is so relevant.

It can be noted that GVL boards can be attributed to complex, universal, finishing materials for residential, industrial, non-residential premises. Facing any internal surfaces regardless of their components: concrete, brick, wood, flat surface or curve does not matter.

Plasterboard material for wall cladding

GVL is issued with a polished or unpolished surface, with the edges having bevels and without them. Chamfers are designed to create durable, but inconspicuous seams when filling joints. GWP, without chamfers, is used when installing the inner layers of wall cladding, partitions, and when the GVL is joined with rectangular ends, it is necessary to manually chamfer them at an acute angle of 22.5 °, no reinforcing tape should be applied to the seams.

What is special about wall cladding

With frameless wall cladding, and easier when sticking sheets to the surface, there are certain rules and instructions:

• The width of the vertical gaps between the sheets should be 5-7 mm, the distance between the sheet and the ceiling 5 mm.
• Joints of sheets of gypsum are sealed with special putty without gluing a reinforcing tape.
• When sticking to the wall, glue for gypsum plaster and also a special plaster, which is applied in a continuous strip, are used.

Attention: When sticking a sheet on long GVL strips on not aligned walls, the step of the strips is not 600 mm, as with GKL, but 603 mm to maintain a gap of 5-7 mm.

The frame arrangement of walls, the equipment of partitions and ceilings does not do without its nuances and features:

• A profile of 60x27 in size is placed through 603 mm.
• The fastening of the GVL sheets is carried out by special double-entry screws with countersink heads.
• The sheets are fixed to the frame through the same gap of 5-7 mm.
• When equipping two-layer partitions, it is allowed to fasten the first layer of GVL to the frame without gaps, but the second layer is attached to the first one in compliance with the established gap of 5-7 mm.
• For the ceiling, 10 mm thick gypsum fiber sheet (GVL) is taken and most often used.
• Their installation is carried out directly on the frame of one level. This is because the expected gap of 5-7 mm between the joints of the sheet must necessarily lie on the profile.
• The profile step of the software 60x27 is 1206 mm. With a greater thickness of GVL by 2 mm, that is, its thickness is 12 mm, the distance of the attachment points is reduced to 650 mm.

Help on using the material

Gypsum fiber sheet (GVL), decorated with decorative plastic, is one of the most expensive, but also the most durable coatings. Scratch resistant material, does not respond to ultraviolet radiation, does not interact with chemical reagents, surface sanitation is allowed.
Medical institutions, where there is high traffic flow and there are increased sanitary and hygienic requirements, apply this facing material and quite widely. Its price ranges from 550 rubles. 850 rub / sq. m
  They not only decorate the walls, but also solve several practical problems of leveling and finishing floors.

So:

• Before laying GVL, old coatings are removed to the base.
• Remove all loose parts from concrete.
• If the work needs to be done on several concrete slabs joined together, the gaps between them must be eliminated. Modern plastic compounds are on sale; it is better to putty them.
• To determine the level of overlap, measurements are taken of all corners of the room. The highest point will serve as a guide for raising the floor, given the location of communications.

Dry methods are also used for outdoor work. Ventilated facades with airbags and insulation inside, siding, but more on that another time.

Gypsum fiber sheets are a versatile material, ideal for leveling walls, making partitions and various indoor structures.

Made from natural gypsum and natural cellulose, it is absolutely environmentally friendly and safe for health.

Breathable sheet structure provides optimal humidity, air exchange, comfortable indoor microclimate.

Figure 1. Walls lined with GVL.

TOP 3 best products according to customers

Types and advantages of GVL

Gypsum fiber sheets - pressed material with a homogeneous structure.

On sale there are two types of gypsum fiber sheets: GVL and GVLV.

For wall cladding and the installation of partitions of living rooms, ordinary gypsum sheets - GVL, are suitable.

Figure 2. GVLKnauf.

In rooms with high humidity it is necessary to use moisture resistant sheets - GVLV.

It is possible to use moisture resistant gypsum sheets in bathrooms, unheated and damp basements, garages, industrial and warehouse buildings.

GVL sheets are available with straight and seam edges.

Sheets with folds are designed for wall cladding, with straight edges used in the installation of dry floor screeds.

Standard dimensions of GVL for walls, in millimeters:

• length - 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000;
• width - 500, 1000, 1200;
• gVL thickness - 10, 12, 15, 20;

Gypsum-fiber sheets are much stronger than GCR, due to the reinforcing cellulose fibers present in the sheet mass, they have many advantages:

• flame retardant material, does not support combustion;
• it is possible to hammer in nails and screw in screws;
• it is well sawn with a hacksaw, a grinder with an electric jigsaw, processed with a plane;
• not subject to thermal expansion;
• reduces labor costs and terms of finishing;
• suitable for any finishing materials;
• compatible with all types of adhesives and putties;
• easily mounted on wooden and metal frames, forming a perfectly flat surface.

Disadvantages of GVL:

• rigid sheets are not suitable for facing curved structures;
• high price;
• high weight compared to GCR.

Mounting Methods

Gypsum-fiber sheets can be mounted on the frame of metal profiles or wooden blocks, as well as directly on the wall, using putty, polyurethane foam or special adhesive mixtures.

The metal frame surpasses wood in many technical and operational characteristics:

• resistant to external influences, not affected by fungus, mold and pests;
• easy to install;
• does not burn;
• not subject to deformation;
• strong, reliable and durable.

Metal profiles are divided into guides and main ones.

Horizontal guide profiles are marked with the letters PN. This is the base of the frame to which the vertical main posts are attached.

The main racks are marked with the letters PS. Plaster sheets are hung on them.

Figure 3. The rack profile is inserted into the guide profile.

A wooden frame is cheaper than a metal one, but has a number of significant drawbacks:

• affected by pests and microorganisms:
• subject to deformation and shrinkage:
• combustible.

The frame is needed for insulation and soundproofing of walls and partitions, with significant irregularities of the walls, for using the space for laying under the sheathing of utilities.

The frameless installation method of GVL is used if there are minor wall irregularities, up to 50 millimeters.

Mounting GVL on a metal frame

Prior to commencement of work, we clean the floor, walls and ceiling from construction debris, dirt, possible influxes of concrete or mortar.

The work is carried out in the following sequence:

1. Frame layout

Before proceeding with the installation of profiles for wall cladding or the installation of partitions of gypsum fiber sheets on the frame, it is necessary to perform horizontal and vertical marking of the surfaces of walls and ceilings, with the drawing of the installation lines of the profiles and attachment points of the suspensions.

Figure 4. Marking the wall under the gypsum plating.

To do this, use a laser level or a plummet and a tape measure.

We apply the lines using a chopping cord and a pencil.

1. The distance from the profile to the wall is determined from the calculation of the thickness of the insulation and the location of engineering systems and put marks on the corners. Using a cord and a pencil, we transfer the marks to the floor, marking a horizontal line. Using a plumb line we transfer the line to the ceiling. Based on the received parallel lines, we will mount the main horizontal profile.
2. The installation locations of the vertical support profiles are determined from the calculation of the width of the sheets and put labels around the perimeter of the premises. The resulting segments are divided into sections of 400 - 600 millimeters, we get the step of installing vertical profiles.
3. The points of attachment of horizontal jumpers and plumb lines are marked by dividing the vertical stripes into segments of about 500 millimeters.

Important!

Marking is carried out strictly according to the level, in order to avoid deformations and cracking after finishing work.

2. Mounting the frame

We fix the upper and lower horizontal profiles to the ceiling with self-tapping screws and dowels, with an interval of about 50 centimeters.

To the walls, according to the established marks, we fasten the remote brackets for installing vertical racks, in increments of 50 - 100 centimeters.

We cut the rack profiles into segments equal to the distance from the floor to the ceiling. We plant the upper and lower ends of the profiles in horizontal profiles.

We fix the vertical posts with self-tapping screws to the side walls of horizontal profiles and the legs of the brackets. The protruding parts of the legs are bent or cut off with a grinder.

Figure 5. Installation of a galvanized metal frame.

We bind the vertical posts with horizontal jumpers at a right angle, using the “crab” joints.

Important!

Fasten profiles and suspensions to the wall through an elastic damper sealing tape, which dampens vibrations and shock noises, leveling small irregularities of walls and ceilings.

Figure 6. Adhesive sealing tape.

3. Warming and sound insulation

Between the profiles we lay mineral wool insulation on a synthetic binder. We install rigid plates in a spreader, and we fix the rolled material with the help of dowels of umbrellas or glue.

The insulation on top is closed with a vapor barrier membrane. It will protect the insulation from moisture penetrating through the GCR from the room. In living rooms, you can do without a vapor barrier.

Figure 7. Insulation and insulation of the outer wall.

We attach a vibration-isolating porous tape to the profile.

4. Fastening gypsum sheets to a metal frame

When buying GVL, consider the height of the premises to avoid transverse joints.

Important!

Prior to installation, GKL sheets must be held in the conditions where the installation will be performed for at least four days. So that the material adapts to humidity and room temperature.

You need to start mounting sheets from a window or door.

We set the GVL strictly according to the level so that the edge of the sheet is located strictly along the axial line of the vertical profile. Joining sheets is possible only on profile racks. We fix it with self-tapping screws, 25 millimeters long, in increments of 20 centimeters around the perimeter of the sheet.

With a two-layer sheathing, the step of self-tapping screws for fastening the first sheet can be up to 750 millimeters.

We fasten the following sheets in the same way, making a gap between sheets of 4-5 millimeters.

To fix the drywall around the window, we install the sheet in place and circle the perimeter of the opening from the inside. In this case, the edge of the sheet should be removed from the opening by at least 20 centimeters.

On the drawn lines, cut out the opening and fasten the sheet in place.

When installing slopes from the gypsum plasterboard, we cut out the elements in size and fasten to the frame.

Important!

When screwing the screws into the GCR, it is important to recess the caps by 1-2 mm. To do this, it is better to install a limiter on the screwdriver.

With multilayer wall sheathing, the sheets of the next layer are displaced relative to the first at least 400 millimeters in horizontal joints, and one step uprights in vertical joints.

Figure 8. The layout of the GVL in 2 layers.

To protect the outer corners of the GVL from mechanical damage, we attach metal perforated profiles of galvanized steel to the corners.

Figure 9. Fastening a galvanized perforated profile.

Internal corners must be puttied with a double-curved reinforcing tape.

After finishing the lining, the joints of the screws, the corners and seams between the sheets are sealed with putty. To prevent putty cracking, pre-glue the joints with reinforcing tape. It is better to use a mesh tape, a sickle, with adhesive applied to the back.

When using a sickle, glue it on the seams between the sheets, and then apply putty.

Figure 10. Adhesion of a sickle on the seams of gypsum plaster.

We stick paper or non-woven tapes to the joints filled with putty. On top of the tape, we also apply a thin layer of putty and level it with a spatula.

Figure 11. Sticker for reinforcing tape.

We grind the dried putty with fine sandpaper or a special mesh and, if necessary, putty again.

Grind again, remove dust and primer with a penetrating primer.

Wall cladding

Wooden walls can be clad with a metal frame, wooden slats or mounting foam.

Figure 12. Lining of wooden walls of GVL along a wooden crate.

Wooden slatted lathing is the best option for a wooden house. It slightly reduces the size of the room, compared to a metal frame.

For a wooden frame, softwood bars treated with antiseptics and flame retardants are used.

For the device of the partition wall, a bar with a section of 60x50 mm is suitable, for a wall cladding without insulation, a section of 25x40 is enough.

Figure 13. The lining of the wooden walls of GVL on a wooden crate.

The frameless method of wooden walls made of timber is allowed.

Frameless method of fastening GVL

To determine the possibility and option of fastening sheets directly to the wall, without the device of the frame, you need to check the curvature of the walls using a building plumb and a two-meter rail.

When the curvature of the walls is more than 50 millimeters, attaching GVL to glue is not advisable. This method of attachment is not suitable for cladding rooms with a height of more than three meters.

Before starting work, we carry out preparatory work:

• we clean the surface of the walls from old finishing materials, oil pollution, dirt and dust.
• we repair cracks, voids and depressions with repair compounds;
• impregnate the surface of the walls with a primer two times.

To prevent moisture from entering the sheets and prevent shrinkage, leave technological gaps at the top and bottom of the wall, laying sheet trimmings or wooden blocks at the bottom.

As a glue for GVL, you can use liquid nails, putties, silicone sealants, tile glue or any gypsum and cement mixtures.

When fixing gypsum-fiber sheets on a mounting foam, it is advisable to purchase it with a minimum coefficient of expansion, and when sticking the sheets immediately firmly fix.

The porous structure of GVL is characterized by good adhesion and provides reliable adhesion to any binder.

We begin the installation of sheets on the glue from the corner of the room, pressing the sheets across the entire plane to the wall and controlling their verticality using a rail and a plumb line.

Figure 14. Frameless method of fastening GVL.

Depending on the curvature of the walls, we choose the fastening methods:

1. If the walls are uneven more than 20 millimeters, we first fix the leveling strips of gypsum fiber board or gypsum fiberboard, with a width of at least one hundred millimeters, then with a trowel with even continuous stripes we apply glue to the sheets at the junctions with the leveling guides.
2. If roughness is up to 20 millimeters, we apply glue to the sheet with moldings with an interval of 250 - 350 millimeters. In this case, we put supporting beacons from the solution, three to four marks in a row, with a distance between rows of up to 600 millimeters on the wall.
3. With absolutely even walls, glue is applied with a thin continuous layer, leveling with a notched trowel.

The choice of facing method depends on the material of the walls, individual requirements and financial capabilities.

Different mounting methods make it possible to achieve an even, solid base for any fine finish. It is important to complete the work, strictly observing the building codes, rules and installation technology.

Unfortunately, today not everyone can afford the purchase of spacious housing, but most of us still strive to create the maximum coziness and comfort in what we have. Is there a way out of the situation when the number of rooms in the apartment is not enough to fully satisfy the needs of all family members? What if one room has to be used as a living room, study and bedroom? Despite the complexity of the question, the answer is quite simple - you can divide any living space into functional zones with your own hands, dividing them with frame partitions, sheathed with drywall, and installing a door.

Drywall anatomy

Despite the features of the interior, your design plan, as well as the location and size of the drywall partitions, all these structures, as a rule, have a standard structure. Their basis is a rigid metal frame made of galvanized profile, which can be reinforced with a wooden beam at the point of installation of the doorway. To increase the heat and sound insulation properties, the crate is filled with a special insulator, the choice of which depends on the characteristics of the room and the requirements for the design. Mounted and insulated frame sheathed on both sides drywall sheets  (GKL) - reliable, environmentally friendly and easy to install material, completely ready for any type of finish.

The frame from the profile is filled with insulation and sheathed with GKL sheets

Application area

Frame partitions sheathed with gypsum plasterboard are used for dividing or zoning space in rooms of various layouts and purposes. These structures are mounted in industrial and office buildings, residential buildings and apartments, garages and outbuildings. The variety of types of drywall allows you to install partitions in rooms with high humidity and special fire safety requirements.

Benefits

Frame structures, sheathed with sheets of drywall, have long and with great success replaced partitions made of brick or wood due to a number of characteristic advantages:

• Material properties. The strong metal profile allows you to mount lightweight framework walls of any shapes and sizes that do not create additional load on the bearing floors. The material is resistant to moisture, galvanized coating prevents oxidation and rust formation. Drywall is an environmentally friendly material specially treated to increase fire retardant and moisture resistant properties. It is easy to install, strong and durable, and its combination with stone wool, foam or cork plate enhances the heat and sound insulation properties of the structure. GCR has a perfectly flat surface, which has unlimited possibilities for decorative finishes.
• Quick and easy installation. Plasterboard partitions are easy to install - their creation is affordable even for a beginner, "inexperienced" home construction master. Note that one of the advantages of these designs is the ability to change their location - the product is easily disassembled and mounted again.
• Laying communications. The ability to lay electrical wiring, water supply or sewage pipelines inside the partition frame is another advantage of this design.
• Minimum cost. All elements that make up the partition, sheathed with gypsum board, are of low cost. When assembling the product, piles of construction debris and dust are not formed, the permissible noise level is not exceeded and a minimum of energy is expended.

disadvantages

Be sure to note the design flaws, which must be taken into account when making the final decision on its creation:

• The relative fragility of drywall compared with materials for capital construction (brick, concrete, wood). This parameter can be increased only by adding layers of skin.
• Low resistance of GCR to abundant moisture. Material can be destroyed as a result of a leak organized by neighbors living on top.
• Inability to mount massive shelves or wall cabinets on the partition surface. The design is capable of supporting weight up to 70 kg per linear meter, provided that the elements are attached to the frame parts, and the drywall itself can withstand no more than 15 kg.

Despite some of the shortcomings of the GCR, we note that the competent creation and proper operation of partitions from this material will help to quickly, easily and inexpensively transform the interior of the room, giving it comfort and increasing its functionality.

Preparation for work

Everything, on this short “theory course” is completed, we proceed to the solution of practical issues. First, we will consider the list of the necessary tools, list the materials that we will need to erect the structure, and also perform an approximate calculation of their quantity.

Tool

To install the partition, you need to prepare a set of special, but quite common and uncomplicated tool:

• Roulette, nylon cord, building level, plumb line, pencil - marking the location of the structure.
• Angle grinder ("grinder") or scissors for metal - cutting profile strips into elements of the desired length.
• Jigsaw (hacksaw) with files for drywall or a construction knife - cutting sheathing sheets to size.
• Impact drill or puncher - making holes in bearing ceilings under dowels for mounting the PN profile.
• Electric (cordless) screwdriver - fastening frame parts and mounting sheathing sheets using self-tapping screws.

A simple construction tool will be required to install the partition

Attention! To mount the structure at the upper levels, you need a strong step-ladder. Work with a metal profile and drywall imply the mandatory use of personal protective equipment - glasses or masks, tight gloves, a respirator.

Materials

With independent installation of the partition, the following materials will be used:

1. The metal profile of two types for mounting the frame: PN - "guide" (English marking UW) - is attached to the floor, ceiling and load-bearing walls in order to design the contour of the structure. It is also used to create a doorway. PS - “rack” (English marking CW) - is installed vertically to ensure rigidity of the frame. It is the bearing element of the crate.
2. Drywall for sheathing - closes the frame on both sides.
3. Insulation - fills the inside of the structure, increasing its heat and sound insulation properties.

1 - metal profile; 2 - material for heat and sound insulation; 3 - drywall

When choosing the basic materials for the construction of the partition, it is necessary to take into account its individual parameters and the requirements to which it must comply. Let's consider this question in more detail:

• Profile. Standard installation of interior frame structures implies the possibility of using a material with a base width of 50, 75 or 100 mm. The choice of this parameter depends on the height of the room ceilings - the higher they are, the wider the profile should be and the thicker the partition itself.
• Drywall. There are several types of material for covering the frame, the choice here depends only on the characteristics of the room. For example: when installing the partition in the bathroom, it is necessary to use GKLV - a moisture-resistant type of drywall, and the creation of curved and curly structures will require the use of thinner sheets.
• Material for insulation. It is selected on the basis of the requirements for the partition and the features of the room - when dividing the room into a study and a nursery, a good sound insulator (cork plate or dense foam) will be required, and basalt cotton wool that perfectly stores heat will be useful to highlight the hallway area.

In addition to the basic elements of the structure for its creation will require:

• The expansion bolt shield nails (6х40 or 6х60 mm) - installation of a profile to overlappings.
• Self-tapping screws for metal (LB 9 or LB 11) - fastening of frame elements.
• Self-tapping piercing screws for drywall (MN 25 or MN 30) - installation of plating.
• Sealing (damper) tape - gasket between the guide profile and the main floors.
• Corner profile (PU) - reinforcement of the joint of the sheathing sheets at the corners of the doorway.

The whole structure will be mounted using three types of fasteners

Master’s advice: Buying everything you need, at the same time, get materials for sealing joints between sheets and masking the areas for screwing in self-tapping hats on the surface of the skin - reinforcing tape-sickle, primer for GKL, finishing putty.

Measurements + consumables calculation table

In order to avoid unnecessary financial costs and eliminate the need for additional procurement of material, it is necessary to correctly calculate its required amount. There is no difficulty in this event - you need to measure the height and length of the proposed structure and determine its main parameters (profile width and the number of skin layers). Consider the calculation of the material, taking as an example a partition 5 meters long and 3 meters high with a doorway 0.8 wide and 2.1 meters high, with a profile frame of 75 mm wide and single-layer sheathing with GCR sheets.

• Guide profile (UW). We calculate the perimeter of our design (5 m + 3 m) * 2 \u003d 16 m. Subtract the width of the doorway (0.8) from this value and get 15.2 m. It is known that the height of the partition is 3 m, therefore, we definitely need two three-meter strips, which we will fix as a whole, vertically to the supporting walls. We’ll cover the rest of the length of 9.2 m with three four-meter strips of the profile (12 m), and the excess (2.8 m) will be useful for reinforcing the frame at the door installation site and installing jumpers between the racks.

  UW profile marking the outline of the structure is marked in black

• Rack Profile (CW). Given the standard width of the GKL sheet (1.2 m), the vertical supports of the frame must be mounted in increments of no more than 0.6 m, so that the joints of the plates are connected on one profile, and another element is in the middle of the sheet.

  The racks of the frame should be mounted at a distance of not more than 600 mm from each other

• Knowing the length of the partition, we can calculate the number of racks by dividing 5 m by 0.6 and finally get 8 strips 3 m long (the indicator is determined in accordance with the height of the structure).

  The vertical posts of the partition frame frame from the CW profile are marked in gray

• Profile for the doorway. In the place of installation of the door we will have to shift one rack, reinforcing it with a strip of the guide profile, the same constructive solution will be applied on the other side of the opening. Thus, we need another three-meter rack profile (CW) and two guide strips (UW), the same length. To design the upper part of the doorway, a segment of the guide profile 1.0 m long will be used.

  Two supporting reinforced racks are highlighted in green, a jumper (upper beam) of the doorway is highlighted in blue

• Profile for jumpers between racks. To increase the strength of the frame, horizontal bridges are installed between the posts from the guide profile at a height of 1.5 m. For this, you will need another UW strip 3 m long and the excess that remained when calculating the contour of the partition.

  The blue color indicates jumpers from the UW profile, which increase the overall rigidity of the structure

• Drywall. As a material for lining we use sheets (plates) of gypsum plasterboard with a length of 3000, a width of 1200 and a thickness of 12.5 mm. To close one side of the frame, we need five sheets, two of which will be used as a whole, and the remaining three will have to be cut to size. Drywall calculation for the second side of the partition is performed so that the joints of the sheets do not intersect, but are offset by half the sheet. It also needs five plates - two full and three trimmed.

  On one side of the frame, the sheathing sheets will be arranged in this way.

  The second side of the frame must be closed with the offset sheets on one rack or 600 mm

Master’s advice: Double-sided installation of gypsum plaster sheets with offset joints will increase the rigidity of the structure, significantly reducing the possibility of deformation and reducing the likelihood of cracks on the surface of the material. If you need a stronger partition - use two layers of drywall when sheathing.

Summing up the calculations, we can conclude that to create a partition of plasterboard 5x3 m with a doorway, we need:

• guide profile (UW – 75) 3 meters - 5 strips;
• guide profile (UW – 75) 4 meters - 3 stripes;
• rack profile (CW – 75) 3 meters - 9 lanes;
• drywall (GKL 1200x3000x12.5 mm) - 10 sheets.

The number of hardware (fasteners) is calculated based on the step of their installation. The maximum distance between dowels fastening the guide profile to the floors should not exceed 500 mm, and self-tapping drywall screws are mounted every 250-300 mm.

The engineers of the German company KNAUF - the world leader in the production of materials and technologies for frame construction - have prepared a table that will help us in the calculation.

Position	Name	Units measuring	Qty per sq. m
1	KNAUF-list (GKL, GKLV, GKLO)	sq. m	2,0
2	Knauf profile PN 50/40 (75/40, 100/40)	pog. m	0,7
3	Knauf profile PS 50/50 (75/50, 100/50)	pog. m	2,0
4	Screw TN 25	pC.	29
5	Putty KNAUF-Fugen	kg	0,6
6	Reinforcing tape	pog. m	1,5
7	Dowel K 6/35	pC.	1,6
8	Sealing tape	pog. m	1,2
9	Primer KNAUF-Tiefengrund	l	0,2
10	Mineral-cotton insulation KNAUF	sq. m	1,0
11	Knauf profile PU	pC.	*

* Note that the number of angular profiles (PU) depends on the size of the doorway and is not connected with the area of \u200b\u200bthe structure.

Attention! To simplify the calculations when building a drywall partition, you can use a special online calculator that shows the approximate consumption of the main material and all other components.

How to do it yourself: step-by-step instructions

So, all the important stages of the preparation for work are completed, we will be patient, enlist the support of loved ones, get the approval of the neighbors and proceed with the installation of the structure.

Master’s advice: Any construction work using gypsum plasterboard should be carried out at a room temperature of at least +15 C. It is better to install structures before finishing floors and painting. Before measures to create a partition, the surface of the main floors should be leveled, filling the potholes, seams and cracks with putty.

Layout and layout

Before proceeding with the installation of the structure, we determine the place of its installation and draw up a schematic plan according to which the markup will be performed. This phase of work is as follows:

Attention! It should be remembered that the line we plotted is a mark for attaching the guide profile. To determine the exact border of the structure itself, here you need to add the thickness of the drywall boards and the layer of its finish.

Installation of the crate

Having finished with the markup, we will carefully check the correctness of its application and proceed to the manufacture of the metal frame of our partition:

1. With a grinder (“grinder”) or metal scissors, we cut pieces of the guide profile UW of the desired length. On the back side of the workpieces we glue a sealing damper tape that softens the sound vibrations and vibrations that will be transmitted to the structure from the main floors.

   Sealing damper tape protects the structure from sound vibrations and vibrations

2. We fix the strips along the horizontal marking line by drilling holes for dowel nails with a puncher (in increments of no more than 400-500 mm) and hammering the fasteners with a hammer. Experienced craftsmen advise starting with the top rail located on the ceiling, as it will be easier to “shoot” from it with a plumb line to correctly install the floor profile.

   We drill holes for the dowel nails with a perforator and hammer the fasteners with a hammer

3. We install vertical guides, fixing them to the bearing walls (with the same step) along the marking line and controlling the correct installation using the building level. Note that fastening a metal profile to brick walls with a thick layer of plaster will require the use of longer dowel nails (6x60 or 8x60).

   Mounting the guides to the bearing walls, we check the vertical using the building level

4. We will form the doorway by installing in a marked place racks from a reinforced profile. We measure the distance between the lower and upper part of the frame contour, be sure to subtract 10 mm from this value and cut off two strips of the CW profile of this size. There are several options for reinforcing parts - you can insert a guide profile into the rack and fix it on both sides with self-tapping screws for metal (every 150-200 mm) or strengthen the CW strip with a dry wooden beam, picking it in size, inserting it in and also fastening it with self-tapping screws.

   We insert the rack profile into the guide and fasten the structure with metal screws

5. We install a reinforced stand in the floor guide of the frame, insert the top of the strip into the ceiling (a gap of 10 mm is useful here), check the strict vertical of the element with a level and fix the part with metal screws. We mount the second rack in the same way.

   When mounting the rack, we first install it in the lower guide, then gently wind it in the upper

6. We expose the racks from the CW profile with a pitch of 600 mm, starting the countdown from any of the bearing walls. The installation process of these elements completely coincides with the installation of reinforced posts - we cut the parts in strips 10 mm less than the distance between the rails, check the verticality by the level, and fasten the screws with metal. Note that the step size of 600 mm should fall in the middle of the rack profile, since it is at this point that the skin sheets having a standard width of 1200 mm will dock.

   The rack profile is attached to the guide metal screws

7. We mount a horizontal jumper (upper beam) of the doorway. We cut from a strip of the guide profile a piece 200 mm longer than the distance between the reinforced posts. We measure 100 mm from each edge of the part and cut the side parts perpendicular to the base, leaving it intact. Carefully bend these segments inward and get a profile strip of the right size with blind ends.

   Inside the upper beam of the opening you can insert a wooden beam, additionally reinforcing the design

8. We install a jumper between the racks of the aperture in the right place (we take into account the height of the door block, as well as the possibility of further installation of the finish flooring), check the horizontal with the building level and fix the part with self-tapping screws for metal. This structural element can also be enhanced by any of the above methods.
9. If the height of the room at the installation site of the partition exceeds 3 m, you will have to make and install additional stiffening ribs - transverse jumpers between the racks. Details are made similarly to the upper beam of the doorway and are attached to the rack profile CW with metal screws.

   Variant of arrangement of transverse jumpers in the frame with a height of more than 3 m

10. Inside the finished partition frame, we will install mortgage elements from the profile, strong thick plywood or timber, to which it will be possible to mount hanging cabinets, heavy mirrors and sconces. After that, we will install the electrical wiring, laying it in a special corrugated pipe, and also lay all the necessary communications and pipelines.

    A wooden beam needs to be fixed in places of installation of heavy wall cabinets and other massive interior elements

This completes the installation of the frame, you can proceed to the next, no less important stage of creating the partition.

Covering the frame with the installation of heat and sound insulation

In order for the structure to reliably store heat and protect the rest from extraneous noise, its insides must be filled with special insulating material. Long-term practice shows that inexpensive, but high-quality heat and sound insulator - mineral (stone or basalt) cotton wool is quite suitable for these purposes.

Mineral wool slabs reliably retain heat and also insulate the room from extraneous noise

Wizard’s advice: In order to fill the frame of the interior partition, purchase slabs or mats of mineral wool of the required thickness - the material of this form of manufacture is easily cut in size and conveniently placed between the elements of the crate.

Before installing a layer of heat and sound insulation inside the structure, we perform the following steps:

1. Go around one side of the frame with drywall, starting from a whole sheet from the wall where the step count began at 600 mm for racks from the CW profile. Remember that when installing GCR, it is necessary to leave a gap of 5-10 mm at the junction of the plate with the ceiling and floor. The material tends to expand with changes in temperature and humidity, and a “dull” installation in a spacer can lead to its deformation and the appearance of cracks.

   Installation of the casing is carried out from a whole sheet from the wall where the set of racks began

2. We fasten the cladding sheet to the profile, twisting self-tapping screws for GCR along the entire perimeter with a pitch of 250-300 mm. We heat the hats of self-tapping screws inside the drywall to a depth of 0.5-0.8 mm.

   Hats of self-tapping screws need to be slightly sunk into the surface of the drywall

3. Using a jigsaw or knife, we cut the remaining elements of the casing to size and fasten them so that the sheets fit exactly in the middle of the rack profile.

   We join the sheets of drywall exactly in the middle of the profile

4. Having closed one side of the frame, we put the insulating material inside, cutting it with a small allowance and inserting it between the stands counter-clockwise.

   We cut minvata cut to the size of the plate between the racks of the crate

5. We mount the casing on the other side of the partition, shifting the sheets 600 mm (one rack) relative to the closed part of the surface - this way of attaching the cladding will significantly increase the strength of the structure.

   Close the other side of the frame with gypsum plasterboard, shifting the sheet by one rack (600 mm)

6. We strengthen the joints and edges of the sheets at the installation site of the doorway with an angular profile.

Attention! When mounting the gypsum plasterboard lining, remember that the sheet must be fixed around the entire perimeter - for attaching the extension or non-standard size parts, additional profile elements must be inserted into the frame.

Final chords

After finishing the sheathing of the partition frame, insert the door block into it and solve the problem of drywall surface finishing. If during installation of the opening a strict vertical was observed, the installation of the unit will not cause any difficulties.

The issue of finishing the surface of the skin is also solved quite simply:

Now the partition with the door is ready for any kind of finish - it can be wallpaper, painted, put on ceramic tiles or decorative plaster - it depends on your imagination and financial capabilities. For a more detailed acquaintance with the installation process of the frame structure sheathed with drywall, we offer you the following video.

Video: How to build a partition from GKL and install a door

Many years of professional experience shows that our fellow citizens are increasingly choosing drywall for mounting additional load-bearing walls or interior partitions in their home. This material is easy to handle and allows you to create such structures without resorting to the help of a team of builders, whose services are quite expensive. We hope that now you can do this work yourself without any problems.

The abbreviation GVL means gypsum fiber sheet. GVL panels are an alternative to popular gypsum plasterboard (GKL) sheets. From a technical point of view, gypsum fiber sheet is a homogeneous building material, which is obtained using the method of semi-dry pressing from a mixture of fluffed waste paper with a gypsum binder.

What is the difference between GVL and GKL?

The difference between gypsum fiber and gypsum board is that the first material is more uniform in structure, and the stiffness is given to the cellulose fibers introduced into the gypsum mass during the factory manufacturing of gypsum fiber.

If you look at a section of gypsum fiber sheet, you can clearly see the reinforcing cellulose fibers. For comparison: in GKL, the reinforcing function is performed by cardboard layers (rather than cellulose fibers), covering the gypsum base on both sides. Often, GVL panels are additionally reinforced, which increases their mechanical strength.

GVL advantages in comparison with GKL

The above reinforcing structure of gypsum fiber sheets provides them with a number of advantages over GCR. Here is some of them:

• increased mechanical strength;
• minimal loss of strength during cutting in any direction;
• better sound insulation;
• increased fire resistance.

By the way, the safety margin of gypsum fiber sheets allows you to use them as flooring for rough floors.

Disadvantages of GVL in comparison with GKL

Unfortunately, GVL, like other construction and finishing materials, has its own objective disadvantages compared to GKL. Here they are:

• minimum moisture resistance - when dried, the strength is not restored;
• noticeably reduced bending strength, which makes it impossible to use GVL in the manufacture of curved structures;
• the mandatory need for pre-processing of the sheet for finishing;
• higher price compared to GKL prices with the same dimensions (about 1.5 times more expensive); when purchasing large volumes of GVL, the appreciation will be palpable.

Purpose of GVL

Based on the shortcomings of gypsum fiber sheets, we can make an unambiguous conclusion: this building and finishing material should be used only where it is necessary to protect the wall (partition) from shock and damage, and also where an area of \u200b\u200bincreased sound insulation should be provided.

The technique of erecting a frame structure in 3 steps

Step number 1. Partition frame manufacturing

The frame of the partition (or false wall) with its further cladding of the GVL should be made from a metal profile. The work is performed according to the following algorithm.

1. The layout of the room. Using appropriate measuring instruments, lines are drawn on the walls, floor and ceiling along which the frame of the future false wall will be installed.
2. Installation of the starting profile. The starting profile is fastened around the perimeter and is securely fixed with anchors with metal or plastic sleeves. The anchors are screwed into holes with a depth of 4 cm. A sealing tape (anti-vibration gum) is glued to the base of the starting profile in places of its contact with the supporting structures (ceiling, floor).
3. The formation of the opening. Vertical racks are installed on the side of the doorway. The edges of this opening are made of elements, which, in turn, are assembled from a pair of rack profiles, embedded in each other. Then, from the rack profile, a jumper of the opening is made, which is cut and bent into the shape of the letter "p", only inverted.
4. The final stage in the manufacture of the partition frame is the installation of uprights. As soon as the opening is mounted, vertical racks are installed. They are inserted both from above and from below into the start profile, fixed with self-tapping screws. The pitch of these racks should be selected in such a way that the edges of the gypsum fiber sheet in the process of plating fall strictly in the middle of the guide.

It is worth noting that during the installation of the starting frame of the partition, you need to think in advance and provide for the laying of communications (if any) inside the false wall. To do this, holes are mounted in the mounted racks for cable channels with electrical wiring.

Step number 2. Paneling the frame

So, as soon as the start frame of the false wall is ready, it should be sheathed with GVL panels. This is done by cutting the sheet with a knife in a ruler. It is possible in other ways, but this method is the simplest and most popular.

1. The gypsum fiber sheet is cut to size, however, it must be ensured that at the time of joining between adjacent sheets a gap of at least 6-7 mm is maintained. This is necessary to prevent deformation of the material.
2. As soon as the sheet is cut to size, it is applied to the frame and aligned. If the top edge “hangs” in the air, add one more jumper to the structure.
3. The next step is fixing the gypsum fiber board to the frame using self-tapping screws designed for gypsum fiber. For reference: for standard plates with a thickness of 12.5 mm, 4 cm long self-tapping screws are used. Screws are twisted in 30-40 cm increments. At the joints of the gypsum fiber sheets, the self-tapping screws are staggered - do not forget about this.
4. First, one side of the raised wall is sheathed, then heat and sound insulation in the form of stone wool can be put inside the frame, and then sheathed the GVL partition on the other side. It is not recommended to leave the space inside the frame empty, since in the future the finished partition will make an empty rumbling sound when it comes in contact with it, accompanied by an echo and not pleasing to the ear.

Step number 3. Finishing preparation

Walls from GVL are not walls from GKL, therefore their furnish requires careful preparation of a surface. The structure of the GVL is such that a porous gypsum board can provoke an inhomogeneous polymerization of paint and adhesive composition. In general, in order for everything to work out as it should, it is better to act according to the following scheme.

1. Stitching (grouting). If trimming of gypsum sheets was not accompanied by chamfering, all existing seams are embroidered.
2. Strengthening the seams. After grouting (flashing), the seams should be treated with a primer, and then glued with a serpentine.
3. Primer and putty. The surface is treated with primer for GVL. As soon as the primer dries, the structure should be puttied: first, the fasteners and joints of the panels are processed to mask the self-tapping heads, then the material is polymerized. Only then can a thin layer of putty cover the entire surface of the gypsum fiber.
4. Grinding. The dried putty is ground using an abrasive mesh grater. In the process, a lot of dust is formed, it should also be removed. Everything. The false wall is prepared for finishing. Now you can make the finish, i.e. wallpapering.