Basements are very important components in a house as they accord a house a modernistic and architecturally pleasing look. Modernistic homes would, unfortunately, be tagged incomplete without a basement. Imagine a place where one can simply revert to study without the disturbance that comes from a blaring speaker which is connected to a TV showing the most popularly watched series. One’s study time would potentially be less time-consuming and more comprehensive.
What Is a Basement?
A basement is the floor of a building that is completely or partly below the ground level. Basements play a number of roles in the beautiful functioning of a house. They equally serve as an auxiliary room where studying can be carried out, games are played, unused or abandoned equipment is stored, and most importantly, they are a perfect room recommendation for guests when they stay over.
What Is Drywall?
Drywall is a material that is typically used for the construction of walls. It is also popularly used to construct ceilings.
Most people refer to it as dry lining and plasterboard. There is quite a variety of drywalls. The suitability of a particular drywall depends on one’s preferred choice and the site of installment. Drywalls are ideal for industries and companies that render fire services as they are assuredly fire-resistant. Installing them on walls would help prevent the rapid spread of fire, giving occupants ample time to get to safety. Drywalls are less weighty and easy to install. More so, their versatility enables a soothing experience for users.
Basement drywall is literally drywall that is installed in the basement to plaster or decorate it. The best materials should be purchased and installed to give one’s basement an appealing outlook as it would be welcoming and comfortable for visitors and occupants of a building.
What Are the Cons of a Basement Drywall?
The usage of drywalls in the basement provides a range of benefits. Ranging from their visually appealing look to their durable, efficient complement. However, they have certain shortcomings. Some of the disadvantages of using drywalls in basements are:
1. Drywalls attract mold
This is one of the major reasons for aversion to the use of drywall in basements. Drywalls attract moisture due to their paper-like nature. When there is moisture, there is a corresponding tendency for mold and bacteria growth in the basement. This culminates in the unattractive look of the basement.
2. Drywalls have restricted access
This equally means that they offer limited access to household materials like pipes and wires. The installment or repair of disrupted electrical connections or leakages from weak pipes in a house that adopts a drywall could be quite enervating and time-consuming as one may have to rip open a part of the drywall. Renovation of one’s basement thereby becomes an uphill task as the drywalls have to be destroyed over again. This eventually results in the excessive amount expended on revamping one’s basement.
What Are the Alternatives to the Use of Drywalls in a Basement?
Due to the flaws that accompany the use of drywall in the basement, many opt for some other potential alternatives. Some of the effective alternatives to drywalls in a basement are:
1. Plastic Panels
Plastic panels are ideal alternatives to drywalls due to their reinforcement with strong fiberglass. This, in turn, results in their versatile nature. An amazing benefit of plastic panels is that they are moisture-resistant. You are sure to bid farewell to mold and bacteria growth if they are installed in a basement. This is typically an ideal option for houses with cold weather.
Another outstanding feature of plastic panels is that they are stain-resistant. This is a perfect recommendation for houses with children and pets. They are the ideal materials for kitchens and bathrooms as they keep irritating stains at bay.
2. Plywood
Plywood is the best alternative due to their low maintenance cost and extremely low price. They can also carry out other functions that other drywall alternatives are known for.
3. Wood Planks
Wood planks have been used for a long period of time due to their durability and efficiency. They require less maintenance when compared to drywalls. More so, they unavoidably complement a basement with an elegant look and a rustic feel.
4. Stone and Bricks Masonry
Stone and bricks have been used for many generations due to the touch of beauty it gives a building. Their strength and durability cannot be waived when citing their beneficial features. One disadvantage of the use of brick and stone masonry is their expensive cost. They cost higher than other drywall alternatives.
5. Textured Wall Panels
Textured wall panels are mostly used in affluent hotels and cocktail lounges due to the flawless beauty effect it exudes. They render the best aesthetics among all the alternatives. They are also expensive.
6. Fiberglass Mat Gypsum Panels
Fiberglass Panels are the best alternative for those who admire the painted look of drywall. This is because they are similar when viewed. The only variation between them is the durable and moisture-resistant nature of fiberglass panels. They are perfect alternatives because of their potency and strength.
7. Cement Board
Cement boards are made of cement, just as their name implies. The installation of cement boards in one’s basement could be stressful as they require the combined effort of two people to get them lifted. Serving as a plus to this alternative is their moisture-resistant nature.
8. Lath and Plaster
Lath and Plaster have evolved to become an ideal alternative for drywalls due to their easy and quick installation procedure. Unlike some years ago when they used to be very difficult to install. They have become a stellar material as they are the easiest and fastest to install.
There are many more materials to replace the enervated look of your basement. All these alternatives serve as potential materials to give your basement the best outlook and the best user experience when properly installed.
