What are the disadvantages of drywall?

So, you’re installing drywall in your house. This is a great building material and it sure has many advantages. But with so many benefits, there also come some drawbacks that should be taken into consideration.

You’re probably wondering: what is the disadvantage of drywall?

Drywall, also known as gypsum board, is a popular building material used for interior walls and ceilings. Despite its widespread use and popularity, there are several disadvantages to using drywall.

The most important disadvantages of drywall are that it’s not soundproof, it’s susceptible to moisture damage and it’s prone to cracks over time.

In this article, I’m sharing the disadvantages of drywall so you know what you’re getting yourself into before you install it in your home.

Disclaimer: this blog post contains affiliate links. As a member of the Amazon Affiliates Program, I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. 

Prone to moisture damage

One of the major disadvantages is its vulnerability to moisture damage. Water and drywall don’t go together at all. Here’s why:

Drywall is made of gypsum, a material that is easily damaged by water. Therefore, water can cause drywall to swell, become deformed and eventually disintegrate. In fact, when exposed to moisture for extended periods of time, drywall can become a breeding ground for fungus and mold.

In the event of a water leak, drywall can absorb moisture, causing it to swell and become brittle, leading to the eventual need for replacement.

This can be especially problematic in areas prone to high humidity or water damage, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Drywall just doesn’t stand up well in moist conditions.

Low fire resistance

Another disadvantage of drywall is its low fire resistance.

Drywall is made of combustible materials, making it susceptible to fire. In the event of a fire, drywall can quickly ignite, spreading flames throughout the building.

In order to improve its fire resistance, drywall must be treated with fire-resistant additives or covered with fire-resistant materials such as ceramic tiles or metal panels.

Usually, builders must use a combination of fire-resistant materials and techniques to sufficiently protect the drywall from potential fires when installing it.

High costs

Installing drywall can be labor-intensive and require more skill than other building materials, such as wood or concrete.

This can drive up the cost of installation, making it one of the most expensive building materials to use in construction projects. Also, the actual drywall panels are pricy too, costing anywhere from $12 to more than $50 per sheet.

Additionally, repairs and replacements are also costly due to the labor-intensive nature of the material. Therefore, any damage to the drywall can quickly add up in terms of costs.

Time-consuming installation

Another disadvantage of drywall is that it can be difficult and time-consuming to install.

Installing drywall requires several steps, including measuring and cutting the panels to size, screwing them into place, and then covering the seams and screws with joint compound.

There are different types of joint compounds out there, and each type requires a unique application process. Furthermore, drywall must be sanded down after it is installed in order to create a smooth surface. A drywall sander is used to sand down the drywall or else it looks unfinished.

Drywall joint compound or drywall mud must be used in order to install drywall properly or else it won’t stick – but this material can be pricy.

This process can be challenging for inexperienced DIYers and can also be quite messy. But overall, drywall is not so hard to install but you first need to understand how to do it properly.

Drywall is not soundproof

The main disadvantage of drywall or sheetrock, and the one that bothers people most is that this material is not soundproof. Drywall does not stop sound from coming in or out.

So, when you are in one room, you might be able to hear the people talking in another room. You even hear the noises coming from outside. This can be quite a nuisance if you are trying to keep noise levels down.

Why is drywall not soundproof?

This is because drywall isn’t thick enough to absorb sound. It’s relatively thin, which means it can’t do a good job of blocking sound from passing through it.

You might notice that even a bit of noise from outside can travel through the walls, which is why you should consider other materials such as insulation or soundproofing foam if you want a quieter home.

Drywall can crack

Additionally, the material is also quite brittle and doesn’t have much flexibility either. This is why drywall is prone to cracks.

Drywall becomes brittle over time and is vulnerable to impact, meaning that even a small force can cause a crack. This can be a big issue if you have to replace the entire drywall panel, which can be expensive and time-consuming.

Drywall usually cracks in certain areas, such as the corners or where two pieces of drywall meet. It’s important to inspect these areas regularly and fix any cracks in order to prevent further damage.

Learn to identify drywall cracks here.

Drywall cracks may look like thin spider webs that you can find along the seams and corners of walls or ceilings.

In addition, drywall can also be vulnerable to impact damage. Drywall is a relatively soft material, and as a result, it can easily be dented or scratched.

This can be a problem in high-traffic areas such as hallways and doorways, where drywall may be subjected to frequent impact.

You can use a drywall repair kit to fix small holes and cracks:

Indoor pollution

Finally, drywall can also be a source of indoor air pollution. I know it can sound surprising but drywall can contain chemicals such as formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen. This chemical is released into the air when drywall deteriorates over time and can be dangerous to your health.

Also, drywall is made of synthetic materials and chemicals, which can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.

VOCs are toxic chemicals that can cause a range of health problems, including headaches, dizziness, and respiratory problems. In addition, drywall also contains harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and sulfur dioxide, which can cause irritation and other health problems.

Curious to know if you can use drywall primer on wood? Find out here.

Why are some builders not using drywall in construction projects?

There are several reasons why some people are moving away from using drywall in construction:

• Environmental concerns: Drywall production releases greenhouse gases and contributes to air pollution. In addition, the chemicals used in drywall can have negative impacts on indoor air quality and be harmful to human health. Some builders and homeowners are looking for alternatives that are more environmentally friendly and safer for indoor use.

• Durability: Drywall can be easily damaged by moisture and impact, leading to the need for repairs or replacement. This can be especially problematic in areas prone to water damage or high traffic. Some builders and homeowners are looking for alternatives that are more durable and long-lasting.

• Fire resistance: Drywall is made of combustible materials, making it susceptible to fire. In order to improve its fire resistance, drywall must be treated with fire-resistant additives or covered with fire-resistant materials. This can add additional cost and complexity to a construction project.

• Cost: The cost of drywall can add up, especially when considering the costs of installation and finishing. Some builders and homeowners are looking for alternatives that are more cost-effective, especially for large projects.

• Aesthetics: Drywall has a relatively plain appearance and can be difficult to customize. Some builders and homeowners are looking for alternatives that offer more visual interest and design possibilities.

These reasons are leading some builders and homeowners to consider alternative building materials such as cement board, metal panels, or natural materials like brick, stone, or wood.

These alternatives offer advantages such as improved durability, fire resistance, and aesthetics, while also reducing environmental impacts and indoor air pollution.

However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a final decision.

Can you use drywall primer on painted walls? Yes and no, find out more here.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, while drywall is a popular and widely used building material, it also has several disadvantages, including its vulnerability to moisture damage, low fire resistance, impact damage, difficulty and time-consuming installation process, and potential to release harmful indoor air pollutants.

These disadvantages should be taken into consideration when choosing building materials, and alternatives such as cement board or metal panels may be more suitable in certain situations.