The differences between gyprock and plaster glass are so many and yet so few! Yet, the major differences may be enough to have you choosing one option over the other rather quickly.
Let’s get started with some of the differences between gyprock and plaster glass…
Gyprock or Plasterboard ceilings are usually found in newer homes. Click below for more information on repairs.
Plaster Glass ceilings are usually found in older homes. If your ceiling needs repairs, please click the link below.
On first glance, you can usually determine the main difference between gyprock and plaster glass.
Gyprock: Can usually be determined from its stereotypically common style.
Plaster glass: Can usually be determined from their customised visual style.
Please see the images below for a direct comparison:
An example of the most common ceiling material – gyprock plasterboard
An example of the aesthetics uniquely found with plaster glass ceilings
Gyprock: Gyprock is made of gypsum plaster, which is a soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate. When such gypsum plaster is pressed between two thick durable sheets of liner paper, it creates a panel. This panel is known as ‘gyprock’.
Gyprock is also commonly referred to as dry wall, gypsum board, or plasterboard. This is by far the most popular ceiling material, with 80% of Australian buildings using gyprock plasterboard.
Plaster glass: Plaster glass is made of plaster, which has been reinforced by either horsehair, copra fibre, or hemp. The plaster used may be of gypsum, lime, or cement. However, different to gyprock, this plaster is also combined and reinforced with glass fibre. Plaster glass is then secured in place by hessian straps.
Plaster glass is also referred to as solid plaster.
Gyprock: Gyprock is more versatile as it can be installed onto either masonry, steel frames, and timber frames. It is also far less costly to install than plaster glass.
As gyprock is the more common material used in ceilings, the installation would require less time & labour, and you will be able to find a trusted professional easier.
Plaster glass: Plaster glass must be installed onto a timber roof frame, being held in place by hessian straps. Although plaster glass is more expensive to install, there is a unique character to your ceiling that some may consider ‘priceless’.
Contrary to gyprock, the installation of plaster glass is less common and also requires more time & labour. As such, you may have difficulty finding a professional that can be trusted and has experience working with plaster glass ceilings.
Gyprock: Gyprock usually lasts between 25 and 30 years. Maintenance is usually far less costly and less labour-intensive. Maintenance work can be pinpointed to specific sections of the gyprock ceiling, which means you can avoid having to replace your entire ceiling for most repair work.
Plaster glass: Plaster glass will last over 50 years, and perhaps over a lifetime, if maintained correctly. Although plaster glass ceilings can last far longer than gyprock ceilings, plaster glass ceilings suffer from a higher cost for maintenance, which can become very costly due to the time, expertise and labour required.
In sum, gyprock is a more versatile ‘plug-and-play’ solution, whilst plaster glass provides a higher quality tailored solution.
Gyprock: Gyprock can have ceiling cracks along the joints over time. If not maintained correctly, or due to storms, gyprock is also prone to moisture and water damage resulting in mould, sagging ceilings and more,
Plaster glass: Dirt buildup over time and sagging ceiling. As plaster glass ceilings are held in place by hessian straps, over the course of it’s life, re-strapping may be required. Ensuring regular maintenance of your plaster glass ceiling, can also avoid the need to restore your ceiling to its former glory.
Gyprock: Gyprock is cheap, versatile and easy to install. However, it is prone to moisture absorption, which can cause even more issues in the future. It also has a lower life expectancy than plaster glass.
Despite this, as gyprock is the most commonly used ceiling material, finding a reliable professional to help you with maintenance & repair is far easier & cheaper.
Gyprock is recommended for those that want an easy no-headache solution for their ceiling needs.
Plaster glass: Plaster glass ceilings have a far longer life expectancy than gyprock. They add a certain quality and character to a room that simply cannot be matched by gyprock.
However, due to its intricate and tailored approach, maintenance and repair work will be more expensive. Finding a reliable professional experienced in plaster glass work, will also be more harder and expensive to find.
Plaster glass is recommended for those that want their ceiling to have a unique personality to enhance the beauty of their home.
In sum, there is no ‘winner’ or ‘loser’ between the two ceiling materials. Depending on an individuals’ needs and budget, the most appropriate ceiling material to use can be determined.
Here at RCI Perth, we have experience with both gyprock and plasterglass ceilings, please contact us for more information and how we can get started on your next ceiling repair project.
Gyprock or Plasterboard ceilings are usually found in newer homes. Click below for more information on repairs.
Plaster Glass ceilings are usually found in older homes. If your ceiling needs repairs, please click the link below.
