Gypsum plasters are revolutionizing the Indian construction industry. This is driven by the inherent advantages that gypsum provides as a construction material and the disadvantages of using cement plasters. Cement prices have surged multiple times over the last year and the construction industry is grappling with challenges in completing the construction projects within the agreed upon cost structure. Labour shortage and supply-side distortions challenge the completion of construction projects that a lot of builders are struggling to complete the projects within the stipulated time frame.
This blog is about how gypsum plastering has emerged as a win-win for both builders and end customers The blog also captures the important trends that are shaping the gypsum plastering and construction industry.
Advantages of gypsum plasters
For builders, contractors, and construction companies
Greater efficiency
With gypsum plasters, builders and construction companies can complete the projects way ahead of their schedule. This is evident when you compare the cost and time taken to complete a project with cement plasters. With gypsum plasters, it takes 75% lesser time when compared to cement plasters. Gypsum plasters also reduce the cost of construction as they provide savings of Rs.45 per sq.ft of buildings when compared to cement plasters. Gypsum plastering also requires lower inputs like water, electricity, and labour requirements. This means achieving more output with lesser inputs leading to enhanced efficiency and productivity.
Cement plasters are mixed in different ratios depending on the requirement and type of plaster and the mixing is always done on site. The mixed is performed manually, and requires unskilled labour. The accuracy is lost often and this results in wastage, and loss of quality. On the other hand, gypsum plaster is premixed and are available as ready-made bags. When applying, the gypsum plaster is mixed with water and the application is done. This reduces requirement for labour and so improves the accuracy in construction.
Reduces the steps involved in construction.
Cement plasters require water curing for atleast 15 to 21 days for the plaster to settle down slowly. This is done by spraying water through pipes immediately after the plastering. The length of curing required depends on the type of cement used. In general, it takes atleast 21 days for the cement to achieve its inherent strength. If we don’t do water curing, it results in cracks and not so smooth surfaces at the end. Beyond water curing, cement plasters also require PoP punning and priming before application of paint. This is so because cement plastering produces a cracked, rough surface that is not suitable for direct application of paint. So, we need to do PoP punning and priming before applying the paint.
On the other hand, gypsum plasters do not require water curing. Gypsum plasters settle down in less than 48 hours of time and gain their inherent properties in less than 78 hours. So, there is considerable savings in terms of time. Also, gypsum plastering produces a smooth, crackless, aethestically appealing surface. Gypsum plastered walls are paint-ready and do not require PoP punning or priming.
To the builder, this reduces the complexity of construction apart from the savings in terms of construction time and cost described earlier.
Competitive advantage
Gypsum plasters have emerged as a revolutionary material to transform the entire construction industry. By using gypsum plasters, builders, construction companies, and contractors can gain competitive advantage in terms of bidding for construction at low cost, time, and resources. Shifting to use gypsum plasters mean they can offer construction at low cost and so have the capability to win more construction projects.
Also, with green buildings and projects gaining salience and significance, more customers are looking for builders and contractors who use greener materials in construction. Gypsum is a natural mineral and is found in rocks formed within layers of sedimentary rocks present in lagoons, sea and ocean beds. So, using this as a construction material means construction of green buildings and this could increase the LEED certification points. With consumers becoming more conscious about using environmentally friendly materials in construction, using gypsum plasters would put the builders and construction companies ahead of the competition.
For End-Customers
Timely possession of homes and buildings
As gypsum plastering reduce the construction time by 75% when compared to other plasters like cement plasters, consumers can start owning their homes and commercial buildings.
way ahead of their plans.This is particularly useful for eductaional institutions as the owners plan up to complete the construction during summer holidays. In hospitals, hotels, etc. gypsum plastering is useful as it accelerates construction. More over, hospitals and hotels take up construction in areas where there is already high movement of people. When builders use gypsum plasters, the construction site is clean and neat, and so is less disturbing when compared to cement plasters.
Aesthetic appeal
Gypsum plastering results in a crackless surface and smooth finish. This is unlike cement plasters that produce shrinkage cracks on walls and ceilings as it has low tensile and fractural strength. Gypsum plasters have high tensile and fractural strength and so has the ability to produce a perfectly levelled, smooth surface. This adds to the interior appeal of the home or commercial building.
Saves electricity costs
Gypsum has low thermal conductivity when compared to cement and other plastering materials. Using gypsum plasters means the moisture content inside the building is retained for longer. This helps maintain an optimal temperature inside the building and so reduces the need for AC and other cooling requirements.
Maintenance is quick and super easy
Cement plastered walls are hard to maintain. Particularly when there are cracks, maintenace becomes a difficult, costly affair. On the other hand, maintenance is super easy with gypsum plasters. All that you need to do is to wipe off the surface with a wet cloth. Also, gypsum plasters are corrosion resistant and so the wear and tear is relatively lower. This means lower and easier maintenance. This is a notable point particularly for commercial buildings like educational institutions, hospitals, and hotels where there is continuous movement of equipment, people and materials.
Fire and heat resistant buildings
Gypsum plasters are resistant to fire and heat. In the case of fire incidents, cement plasters become brittle, cracks down, and loses the bonding it has with the walls. On the other hand, gypsum plaster acts as a barrier protecting the blockwork and steel. The chemical composition of gypsum is CaSO4. 2H2O. As you can see, gypsum contains 21% of crystallization water. This offers fire resistance to the walls as the hydrous calcium sulphate reduces the pace of fire profession. The crystal evaporated to form a protective layer increasing the fire resistance of buildings.
Also, gypsum plasters have high compressive strength and low density. This reduces the deadweight of high-rise buildings making it resistant to natural disasters like wind, earth quakes, cyclones, and high-speed winds.
Thus, using gypsum plasters in construction is a win-win for both- builders, contractors and construction companies, as well as to the end consumers. This is more important than ever, as consumers are looking for timely completion of projects, coupled with low cost construction and using environment friendly materials in construction.
Write to us at [email protected] or call us at +91 9994500474 to talk to our gypsum plastering experts and request for a quote. Kanish Plasters offers turn key solutions right from sourcing of materials, to application, quality control, and follow ups. We are India’s leading gypsum plastering service provider and has presence in almost all the major cities across India including Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kanyakumari, Kochi, Mumbai, Pune, and Vishakapattinam.
