How a single sheet of gypsum reshaped American home construction
In short: Modern homes rely on drywall as a standard, but it was once an alternative to traditional plaster. This video explores how this material became the dominant interior wall choice in the United States.
The transition from old-fashioned plaster to gypsum wallboard fundamentally changed American building techniques. Drywall gained significant popularity following World War II, driven by its low cost and speed of installation compared to traditional methods.
The material is particularly effective for wood-frame houses due to its fire-resistant properties. However, the video also examines the specific weaknesses of drywall that persist in modern construction.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Why America Put Drywall in Almost Every House
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