Drywall is a common material used to construct interior walls and ceilings in buildings. It has a layer of gypsum plaster sandwiched between two sheets of paper. But how did drywall companies come to be?
Drywall was invented by a company that had merged 30 different gypsum and plaster manufacturing companies in 1902. USG created drywall as a fire-resistant and cheaper alternative to plaster walls, which required wet application and long drying times.
However, drywall was not widely accepted by builders and consumers at first. They preferred the traditional plaster walls, which were more durable and had a smoother finish. Drywall was also difficult to transport and install and had a rough surface that needed to be painted or covered with wallpaper.
Drywall’s popularity increased during and after World War II when there was a high demand for low-cost and fast housing construction. USG improved the quality of drywall by making it lighter, stronger, and smoother. They also developed joint compounds, tapes, and tools to make the installation easier and the seams less visible.
Today, drywall is the country’s dominant material for interior walls and ceilings. Drywall companies have expanded their product range to include different types of drywall for different purposes, such as moisture-resistant, sound-proof, or mold-resistant drywall. They have also adopted new technologies and methods to improve the efficiency and sustainability of drywall production and installation.
Watch the video to learn how to start a drywall business.
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