If you want strong fire and water protection, calcium silicate board is better than gypsum board. Calcium silicate board lasts longer, but it costs more at first. Gypsum board is good if you want to save money and install it easily. Both materials are used for walls and ceilings, but they work differently. You can see the main differences in the table below:
Calcium silicate board is very good against fire and water. It can last 20 to 30 years and needs fewer repairs.
Gypsum board costs less and is simple to put up. It works best in dry, indoor places and lasts about 8 to 10 years.
Use calcium silicate board in wet, hot, or fire-risk spots. Good places are bathrooms, kitchens, and factories. It keeps people safe for a long time.
Gypsum board is good for quick, dry jobs like bedrooms and offices. It is easy to install and makes walls smooth.
Pick calcium silicate board if you want it to last long and save money later. Choose gypsum board for fast and cheap projects.
Material Composition
Calcium Silicate Board Composition
Calcium silicate boards use calcium and silica together. Makers pick lime, slaked lime, or calcium carbide slag for calcium. For silica, they use diatomaceous earth, quartz powder, or fly ash. These mix and react with heat and pressure. This reaction forms strong crystals like tobermorite and xonotlite. Mineral or cellulose fibers are added for strength. These fibers help the board handle heat and moisture. Some boards have aluminum silicate and gypsum too. These extras help stop oxidation and add other benefits. The finished board is light and tough. It can handle high heat and wet places.
Gypsum Board Composition
Gypsum board uses a different main ingredient. It is made from calcium sulfate dihydrate, called gypsum. Makers press gypsum between sheets of paper. Sometimes, fiberglass or other things are added. These make the board stronger and more bendable. Gypsum boards do not use fiber reinforcement or a cement base. This makes them easier to cut and put up. But they do not resist water or fire as well.
Manufacturing Differences
How these boards are made changes how you use them. Calcium silicate boards are made with a hydrothermal reaction. They cure in autoclaves, which use steam and high pressure. This makes tough crystals and gives fire and water resistance. Making calcium silicate boards creates more dust. You need special tools to cut them.
Gypsum boards are made in a simpler way. Makers mix gypsum with water and pour it between paper sheets. Then they let it harden. This makes gypsum board easy to shape and install. You can cut it with basic tools and it is less messy.
New ideas have made both boards better. Makers now use eco-friendly materials and machines. Calcium silicate boards give better fire safety and insulation. Gypsum boards now come in special types, like fire-resistant and PVC-coated panels. These changes help you pick the right board for your needs. You can choose durability or easy installation.
Tip: Use calcium silicate board for wet or hot places. Use gypsum board for dry indoor spaces and quick jobs.
Gypsum board fights fire by letting water out of its core. This water cools things down and slows the fire. Calcium silicate board is very dense and cement-based. It can take heat up to 1200°C and stays strong in high heat. Both boards are good for fireproof walls and ceilings. Calcium silicate board is stronger in very hot places.
Note: For the best fire safety, use thicker boards or mix materials in important spots.
Gypsum board does not do well with water. How it reacts depends on the air and type of water. In wet places, gypsum board can swell, get weak, or grow mold. Do not use gypsum board where there is a lot of water or steam.
Tip: Pick calcium silicate board for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms to keep water out for a long time.
Durability
How long your walls last depends on the board you use. Calcium silicate board lasts 20–30 years and needs little fixing. It does not crack, bend, or get hurt by water or fire easily. Sometimes, it may get small cracks, but it still works well after 90 minutes of fire. Its special curing makes it strong, but fast drying or water after making it can cause cracks.
Gypsum board is easy to cut and put up, but it does not last as long. In dry places, it works fine. In wet or busy areas, it may break more often. Water or hard hits can make it crumble.
Calcium silicate board: Very strong, lasts long, needs fewer repairs.
Gypsum board: Good for dry, quiet places, but not as tough.
Acoustic and Thermal Insulation
Insulation helps keep rooms quiet and comfy. Both boards keep heat in and out well. They slow down heat, so you save energy. This helps keep rooms at a good temperature.
For sound, gypsum board alone has an STC of about 34. This is okay for privacy but does not block loud sounds. Two layers of gypsum board raise the STC to 36. If you use both boards together with glue, the STC goes up to 49. This blocks more noise and makes fire safety better.
Calcium silicate board: Great at keeping heat in and blocking sound, best when used with other boards.
Gypsum board: Good for heat, basic for sound, better with more layers.
Note: For the best sound and heat control, use both boards together in a laminated structure.
Applications
Calcium Silicate Board Uses
Calcium silicate board is used in many building jobs. Builders pick it for partition walls because it stops fire and water. It is good for ceilings that need to block sound and keep heat in. People use it outside on buildings for a strong, fire-safe finish. In factories, it protects steel, pipes, and machines from heat. It also works as insulation for hot pipes and equipment. You can see it in offices, hotels, hospitals, schools, malls, and even at home in kitchens or bathrooms. Its waterproof and fire-safe features make it great for inside and outside.
Partition walls in homes and offices
Ceilings that need fire and sound safety
Outside walls on buildings
Fire protection for steel and pipes in factories
Insulation for hot pipes and machines
Gypsum Board Uses
Gypsum board is used a lot in building, mostly for walls and ceilings. It works well in living rooms, bedrooms, and halls where it stays dry. It is easy to cut and put up, so you save time. Many people use it for nice-looking walls and ceilings because it looks smooth. You also find it in schools, offices, and stores for quick wall jobs. But it does not work in wet or very hot places. It is not waterproof, so do not use it in bathrooms or kitchens.
Partition walls in dry rooms
Ceilings in homes and offices
Nice-looking wall panels
Quick wall jobs in schools and stores
Best Environments
Pick the right board for your job. Calcium silicate board is best for hot, wet, or fire-risk places. It is perfect for walls in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and factories. You can use it for fire-safe walls, outside walls, and in factories with hot machines. Gypsum board is good for dry, inside places where you want easy work and a smooth look. It is good for walls in bedrooms, living rooms, and offices. For wet or hot places, always use calcium silicate board.
Tip: For the best results, pick the board that fits your space and job. Use calcium silicate board for hard jobs and gypsum board for fast, dry work.
Cost and Installation
Material Costs
When you plan your construction project, you need to think about both the initial price and the long-term value. Calcium silicate board costs more at first than gypsum board. The table below shows a clear comparison:
You pay more for calcium silicate board at the start, but you save money over time. Its durability and moisture resistance mean you do not need to fix or replace it often. This makes it a smart choice for cost-effectiveness in the long run. Gypsum board has a lower price at first, but you may spend more on repairs, especially in wet places.
Installation Process
You will notice differences in the installation process for each board. Gypsum board offers ease of installation. You can cut it with simple tools and put it up quickly. This makes it popular for fast construction jobs.
Calcium silicate board is tougher and needs special tools for cutting. It creates dust during installation. You must wear a mask and protective gear to stay safe. The dust can harm your lungs if you breathe it in. Always follow safety steps when you work with this material.
Wear a mask and goggles when cutting calcium silicate board.
Use proper tools to reduce dust.
Clean up dust after installation.
Gypsum board does not create as much dust, so it is easier to handle. Both boards need careful handling to avoid damage during construction.
Tip: Choose gypsum board for quick, simple jobs. Pick calcium silicate board when you want strength and long-term cost-effectiveness.
Maintenance and Longevity
You want your walls and ceilings to last. The longevity of calcium silicate board stands out. When you install it right, it can last 25 to 30 years or more. It resists water and damage, so you do not need to fix it often. Some brands add special coatings to protect steel and stop corrosion.
Gypsum board usually lasts 8 to 10 years. In dry rooms, it works well, but in wet places, it needs more repairs. Water can weaken it and cause mold. You may need to replace it sooner, which adds to your costs.
If you want cost-effectiveness and longevity, calcium silicate board is the better choice. You spend less on repairs and replacements over time. Gypsum board works for short-term or dry-area projects, but it does not match the longevity of calcium silicate board.
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Environmental Impact
Sustainability of Calcium Silicate Boards
You may wonder how calcium silicate boards affect nature. Makers use minerals like lime and silica to build these boards. Making them needs lots of heat and pressure, which uses energy. Some factories now use recycled stuff and cleaner power to help the planet. Calcium silicate boards last a long time, so you do not need to swap them often. This means less trash over the years. But recycling these boards is not easy. Most old boards go to landfills. Always check local rules before you throw them away.
Tip: Pick calcium silicate boards if you want materials that last long and need fewer replacements.
Sustainability of Gypsum Boards
Gypsum boards are made from a mineral called gypsum. Many companies use recycled gypsum to make new boards. Some places have programs to recycle old gypsum boards. This saves resources and keeps trash out of landfills. You can recycle gypsum many times without losing quality. Using recycled gypsum in cement saves energy and cuts pollution by about 65%. Some builders mix waste gypsum with fly ash to make concrete stronger and greener. These steps help make gypsum boards better for the earth.
Gypsum boards help create less waste.
Recycling keeps pollution and landfill trash down.
Disposal and Recycling
Think about what happens when you take out or change these boards. Gypsum board waste is a big problem around the world. About 15 million tons end up in landfills every year. Recycling can turn old boards into new ones or use them in cement and concrete. Heating helps recycle gypsum many times without losing quality. This saves energy and lowers pollution.
Calcium silicate boards do not have many ways to recycle. Most old boards go to landfills. Ask your local waste center if they take these boards for recycling. Always try to reuse or recycle building materials to help the planet.
Note: Recycling saves resources and helps your project be kinder to the environment.
You can pick calcium silicate board or gypsum board for building. Both are strong, but they are different. Calcium silicate board is better at stopping fire and water. It lasts longer and does not get damaged easily. But it costs more and is harder to put up. You need skill and special tools, and it makes a lot of dust. Gypsum board is easier to install and costs less at first. You can put it up by yourself. But it is not as tough and can get damaged more easily.
Tip: Use calcium silicate board in wet or busy places. Pick gypsum board for dry rooms where you want to save money and work fast.
FAQ
What is the main difference between calcium silicate board and gypsum board?
Calcium silicate board is made with cement and fibers. Gypsum board is made with gypsum and paper. Calcium silicate board is better at stopping water and fire. Gypsum board is cheaper and easier to put up.
Can you use gypsum board in bathrooms or kitchens?
Do not use gypsum board in places that get wet. Water can hurt it and make mold grow. Calcium silicate board is a better pick for kitchens or bathrooms because it keeps out water.
Is calcium silicate board safe for home use?
Calcium silicate board is safe to use at home. It does not give off bad chemicals. When you cut it, wear a mask so you do not breathe in dust.
How do you cut and install calcium silicate board?
You need special tools like a saw or cutter for this board. Wear a mask and goggles to keep safe from dust. Use screws or nails to attach the board to a metal or wood frame.
Hello, I'm Steve Shi, the author of this post. Over the past 12 years, we have assisted more than 100 clients, including wholesalers, contributors, and builders, with their passive fire protection projects. If you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to contact us for a free, no-obligation quote or to discuss your solutions.
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