Drywall has been the leading material used in wall coverings since 1941. Actually, U.S. Gypsum Company (USG) first produced drywall in 1916 prior to world war II.

At first drywall consisted of multi-layers of gypsum and heavy paper compressed together. Later it evolved into one sheet of gypsum covered by layers of heavy paper.

Plaster was the primary wall covering at the time, and drywall considered cheap installation?obviously due to poor communications. Had the public become aware of its advantages at the time, drywall would have evolved into the primary covering much sooner.

Plaster required wood backing over the studs to contain the plaster requiring a great deal more wood and labor. Not only that, but plaster contained a significant amount of water which required extensive drying time?not to mention the labor required to install and level.

The war?s drain on the economy and labor force brought drywall into the spotlight as the least expensive material which installed quickly with the least amount of labor.

Once the dog was loose he began to hunt quickly and before long-- its advantages fully realized--drywall dominated the scene, not only in the U.S. but internationally as well.

Drywall?s Composition

Gypsum is a mineral mined for its properties. In its original form it contains significant amounts of water, but in a crystalline form. This is advantageous in the event of fire. The crystalline water converts to steam cooling the panel?s surface and serves as a fire break.

Raw gypsum gets mixed with emulsifiers, wood pulp and starches and compressed. This combination is then covered with thick manila paper.

The now prepared sheet is heavy with water in its purest form. A 500-degree oven finalizes the process by ridding the sheet of water. The drywall sheets are offered in the most popular 4X8, 4X10 and 4X12 sizes from 3/8-inch through ╛-inch thickness.

The story doesn?t end there, a myriad of diverse chemicals and emulsifiers can be added to create panels for a wide range of different purposes such as mold, impact resistance and additional resistance to fire.

Types of Wallboard

• Regular non-rated architectural
• Fire-rated or type (X or Perlite) fire resistant strands added
• Impact resistant for high use areas
• Moisture resistant (green board) water resistant paper added for use in bathrooms and kitchen
• Soundboard (quiet rock) viscoelastic polymers added which convert sound to heat which is not audible.
• Lead lined drywall for protection from overexposure to X-rays used in hospitals.
• Flexible drywall in ╝-inch sheets capable of bending when wetted down to form curves or arches.
• Blue board used where a top decorative coating is to be applied. It has a green adhesive on the surface for better adhesion of the decorative surface.

Advantages of Using Wallboard

All new construction will experience a certain amount of warping in the walls as the new studs cure or the home settles.

Drywall, unlike plaster has enough flex to cope where plaster will crack. Not only that, but drywall has a fantastic insulation value and is fire resistant, not to mention the fact that it is the least expensive type of wall covering.

Planning Your Wallboard Needs

This will reduce your cost and keep you in code while minimizing waste.

• Measure your walls, ceiling (length X width), divide by 32 (size of wallboard sheets), and add 20-percent for waste to arrive at the number needed. Keep in mind that the ceiling will be a thinner sheet than the walls.
• Count your outside corners in hallways, entrances to bathroom and so on. These require end caps.
• If there is more than one story inform your supplier.
• Make a note of walls or ceilings getting decorative coatings.

At the same time he will set you up with all the necessary wallboard installation materials and tools needed for a trouble-free and successful installation.

When your ready to build or remodel, give our representative a call at any of our five locations throughout New England.

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While hanging the drywall at your project site will require strength, readying it for finishing requires a well-developed skill. Here, we will delve into a few tips used by experienced professionals to achieve a smooth, professional drywall finish every time.

Tip #1: Use The Right Tools

As with all projects (from cooking to construction and beyond), having the proper tools on hand makes the entire project much easier. For drywall, you will need to start with sanding paper (with medium grit). Broad, stainless steel knives are also necessary for when you reach the finishing phase. You'll also need paper tape and a flexible steel blade which will come in handy while you're taping.

Tip #2: Carefully Prepare Before You Begin Drywall Finishing

The drywall compound is available in two ways. One will have water sitting atop the compound as you open the bucket. This type of compound will require you to stir it slowly (using a paddle attachment with your drill is a great and convenient way to mix the compound. When no water is visible and the compound looks completely smooth to the naked eye, it's ready. The other type of compound is pre-mixed, and no effort is required on your part to begin using it.

Before you begin, take a quick assessment of the wall's surface. If you see the heads of any screws sticking out from the wall, be sure to drive those screw heads into the wall (until they appear to be very slightly recessed into the wall).

Tip #3: Use The Compound To Cover Any Screws And Joints

Using the flexible steel blade, begin to spread the compound into the wall at the joints (and between the sheets). When the joints are filled, hold the blade at a 25 degree angle, smoothing the compound completely. Be certain you fill in any holes left behind by screws, and be sure that all the recessed screw heads are also covered. (The compound should be smoothed over these sections also.

Tip #4: Apply Paper Tape To Joints

Take out the paper tape, centering it. Then, and apply it to the seam, using just your fingers to adhere the tape to the fresh compound you've just applied to the joints. Remember to be gentle as you press the tape into the compound. Continue unrolling the tape, continuing this action until the paper tape is applied to the entire length of the seam.

Here, you'll want to switch to the sharper knife, using it to cut the tape (at a 90 degree angle).

Tip #5: Smooth Out The Tape (Using Your Knife)

Although you began by using your fingers to hold the tape in place, over the seams, it is now time to use the flexible blade you've used earlier to create that super smooth, super professional surface.

A note here -- this process takes a great deal of skill. Be sure to take your time and really focus on creating an exceptional end result.

You will begin at the midway point, with your flexible blade positioned at a 25 degree angle against the wall. Then, you'll run that flexible blade across the tape in one long, smooth stroke, from one end to the other. You'll begin to see those coveted smooth kines, but again, be sure to go slow, take your time and use one long single stroke across the joint. Scrape away any excess compound, then repeat this action, starting at the middle of the joint and doing the exact same thing for the opposite side of the joint.

Repeat this action, again and again, until each joint is completely smooth.

Tip #6: Tape Down Those Inside Corners

Cut a piece of tape which is about the length of one of the corners in the room. Then, using the flexible blade and a similar motion, smooth the paper tape into the corners of each wall. (Again, start from the midway point and smooth down one end, then the other.

Once these steps are complete, you're ready to apply paint or wallpaper to finish.

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Sources: Popular Mechanics

With an average of over 650 deaths annually and tens of thousands of heat-related injuries nationwide, working in the heat of summer isn't something to take lightly. Let's take a look at some common heat-related injuries that can happen on the job, including how to recognize, treat and prevent them.

Heat Rash

Heat rash is more an annoyance than anything else, but it can make you irritable and sore, keeping you from working your best. Try to keep your skin dry by keeping a towel close to hand while working, wearing wicking clothing such as linen or cotton and using medicated powders to keep the rash from getting worse.

Dehydration

Dehydration is a gateway problem, as it leads to most of the other injuries listed, the last of which can be fatal. Keep hydrated with lots of water and electrolyte solutions such as Gatorade or Powerade. If you're going through more than a quart an hour of an electrolyte solution, dilute it by half with water to prevent stomach irritation. By the time you feel thirsty, you're already becoming dehydrated, so keep the fluids coming.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps can involve large muscles, such as in the legs and arms, or in the digestive system. If you have workers with heat cramps, make them rest in the shade with an electrolyte solution or clear juice for several hours to restore the minerals in their system. Just because the cramps go away doesn't mean they're ready for work, with further activity possibly leading to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Severe heat cramps may require a trip to an urgent care or emergency room to get electrolytes back into their system quickly, especially if the cramps last over an hour, if the worker is on a low-salt diet or has heart problems.

Heat Syncope

Heat syncope is essentially dizziness or fainting when changing position due to heat and dehydration. It's usually caused by dehydration and lack of acclimatization to high temperatures, so make sure you keep your crew well hydrated and working lightly the first few days of a heat wave. Treat it by having workers with symptoms rest in a cool area and rehydrate.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion can lead very quickly to heat stroke and death, and must be taken very seriously. Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, nausea, muscle cramps, fast and shallow breathing, slight fever and skin that can be flushed, pale, clammy or moist. Immediately move the worker to a cooler area, drape them with damp, thin sheets or towels or have them take a shower, bath or sponge bath in cool - not cold - water. Heat exhaustion can be the beginning of shock, so applying anything that creates too rapid a change can make the situation worse instead of better. Make sure they hydrate with water, clear juices or electrolyte solutions. If they can't keep liquids down, get them immediately to an urgent care or emergency room for IV treatment.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke occurs when your body's temperature regulation system is out of options. They may still be sweating profusely or when a worker has lost too much fluids to sweating, they'll stop sweating and they'll develop a high fever of 104║f or higher. If emergency action is not taken immediately, they could suffer permanent disability or die from organ failure. Other symptoms to watch for include hallucinations, chills, a throbbing headache, confusion or dizziness and slurred speech. Heat stroke can rapidly raise the body temperature above 106║F within 10-15 minutes, so it's vital to immediately call 911, move the worker into the shade (preferably in a cool area) , then spray, sponge or soak the worker with cool water. If there's a breeze, a fan or another worker who can fan them, this will help with evaporative cooling to get their temperature down.

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If you are a contractor or do-it-yourselfer you know you have to always stay on top with your tools. Restocking and updating important tools is part of the job. You have to constantly update yourself on brands and their products in order to deliver your best work for your clients or your home.

Simply show your check-in confirmation to the clerk and instantly receive a 15% discount on all fasteners.

Finding many fasteners isn't hard in a Wallboard Supply Store. It is important to know the company or brand that manufactures these fasteners because each company produces their products differently. When you go to your local Wallboard Supply store, look for brands like

• Grabber
• Scorpion
• Hilti
• Ramset
• Star Sales

Grabber makes fasteners for acoustical ceilings, concrete, block, brick, stone and framing arches. Their SpringShot acoustical toggle is their most popular fastener and is used most in the construction trade.

Scorpion brand specializes in acoustical and self-drilling fasteners. Their newest product called the IronWorker is a fastener designed specifically for cedar, cypress, and redwoods-known for cracking and splitting when fastened.

Ramset designs and manufactures fastening products used in concrete and steel construction. Most of their products are either gas fastening systems or powder fastening systems.

Hilti offers the widest supply of construction products. They have screws and screwdrivers for drywall or metal. Ramset and Hilti manufacture products powerful enough for heavy duty construction. The products these two brands carry would serve a contractor better than a do-it-yourselfer.

Star Sales is a distributor of general construction supplies. A do-it-yourselfer could get a lot of good products from this company from screws, fasteners, power tools, doors and frames.

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Pyramex offers a spectrum of safety glasses for any activity, whether working or playing you'll be glad to have them on. Safety glasses play an important role in keeping your eyes safe and your vision intact when your eyesight may be on the line.

Pyramex manufactures outstanding safety eyewear products that enhance your ability to perform the job at hand while keeping your eyes safe. Wearing quality engineered eyewear designed to go above and beyond expectations in safety, durability and reliability when it counts, matters most when you least expect it.

Pyramex has been in business since 1991 designing safety glasses that meet the needs of industry and personal eyewear protection. Developing and evolving eyewear to keep employees safe by introducing innovative enhancements to Pyramex brand safety glasses takes expertise, teamwork, leadership and customer focus.

Pyramex safety glasses conform to ANSI requirements and CE certifications, including High Velocity Impact requirements and Ballistic Standards. Each model of eyewear integrates different specifications to meet the safety demands of individual trades.

Pyramex manufactures both indoor and outdoor lines of safety glasses for a variety of activities. Feature designs incorporate venting for air flow, flame resistant foam padding, non-slip temple padding, wrap around peripheral protection, brow guards and retainer straps.

Color specific safety glasses offer wavelength filtering for specialized jobs, while style minded users might simply prefer tinted lenses to look cool. Pyramex has integrated some of the best benefits in eyewear safety design such as:

• Anti-fogging to keep your field of view and your vision clear
• Polycarbonate lenses offer superior protection from impacts or chemical splash hazards
• UV-A/B ray filtering, glare protection and tinting prevent eye damage and visual strain from sunlight and other bright light sources
• Anti-reflective lens coatings offer scratch resistance to keep your view unobstructed
• Weather, dust and particle protection keeping your eyes free of debris

Each model of eyewear offers a variety of unique and useful features that enhance your ability to complete any task while keeping your eyes safe and your vision clear.

Pyramex recognizes the invaluable need for eye protection, and offers safety eyewear that will exceed your expectations while offering fit, function and comfort. Constant innovation in design, priority on safety and dedication to industry leadership makes Pyramex the best brand in the business.

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