In order to appreciate the constructional technology that we have in this age, we must see how far we have come in the fields of architecture and construction. In the history of construction, humanity has made many advances: we have gone from using simple materials (i.e., grass) to the use of synthetic components (i.e., drywall).

Initially, houses were grass huts and simple cloth tents, made for shelter rather than for a place to spend time. Most cultures were nomadic, and had no need of permanent buildings. Walls were not constructed until the Neolithic Period, when people began to make mud brick, or adobe, constructions. As time went on, brick-makers began to fire or glaze the bricks. The Mesopotamian area is especially known for wall mosaics of glazed brick. In places like Egypt, important monuments were built in stone, which has led to many of them still being around today. Stone remains a popular construction material today due to its durability. The Romans created hydraulic lime mortar, which is a material that hardens in water, and concrete.

In temperate climates like Europe, people made log cabins and wattle-and-daub houses. While timber was used in non-temperate places as well, it was used more sparingly. The Industrial Age popularized iron and steel as building materials. In the mid-1800s, reinforced concrete was invented.

When it comes to the coverings of structural walls, stucco and plaster have been used since the ancient Egyptians. Until the 1950s, most permanent houses in North America were made with lath and plaster interiors. In the 50s, drywall became more popular; Sheetrock is easier and faster to install, and does not crack like plaster. Stucco is still popular in the southwest United States. Other interior wall types include wood paneling, brick, and stone.

I hope that this article gives you an appreciation for the changes in wall construction. On Wednesday, we will have a DIY project to share.

Fire safety is an important matter to consider when constructing a building. Many building codes require that special, fire-resistant drywall be used. While all drywall is, to some extent, flame retardant, due to the gypsum core, some drywall is specially made to act as passive fire resistance. This drywall is commonly called “Type X.”

Type X Sheetrock contains additives like vermiculite and perlite to increase fire resistance. Fiberglass is sometimes added as well. It comes in several different thicknesses, which provide different fire ratings.

One question many people have about Type X wallboard is, “Why don’t builders use it everywhere, instead of standard Sheetrock?” There are several answers to this question. One is cost-efficiency: fire-resistant drywall is far more expensive than regular drywall. Also, since standard gypsum board is already fire-resistant, Type X is only extra protection. Another reason is that in some areas, mold- and moisture-resistant Sheetrocks are a better choice.

Flame retardant drywall is a great product, ensuring the safety of buildings. This is why it is called for by many building codes. However, when building, you should make sure you need it before investing the extra money.