Property owners who want a cement finish for͏ their floor may choose gypsum concrete as an alternative. Gypcrete is similar in properties to cement concrete but͏ adds gypsum plaster.͏ Here are a few things to know about gypcrete flooring:
Definition
Gypcrete, also known as gypsum concrete, consists of ͏a blend of sand,͏ cement,͏ an͏d͏ gypsum plaster. ͏The sand acts ͏as the fine aggregate ͏and increases the mixture’s stability and durability. The͏ Portland cement binds all the materials͏ together and offers͏ structural ͏strength. Gypsum plaster, the main component ͏in gypsum concrete͏,͏ enhances the mixture’s smooth͏ texture and workability͏.
Uses
The gypsum in the concrete slows down its hardening and gives builders adequate time to ͏work on it. This͏ impacts the characteristics of the concrete͏ and endows ͏it with fire and soundproofing properties. These features allow you to use gypsum͏ concrete flooring for the following reasons:
Sound Insulation
Gypsum concrete absorbs͏ airborne noise and impact vibrations due to its dense and solid structure. This makes it ͏ideal for use in multistoried buildings͏, ͏such as apartments and condominiums. Its soundproofing qualities minimize ͏noise from foot traffic, loud conversations, and ͏music from other floors. Using͏ gypsum concrete͏ in commercial buildings reduces noise from loud and vibrating machines͏.
Fire Resistance
Gypsum concrete has water molecules that turn into steam when exposed to high heat. The͏ steam makes the flooring fire resistant as it ͏reduces the ͏fire’s rate of spread. Architects and builders using gypsum concrete in the design may meet the local authority’s ͏fire code requirements without compromising structural stability.
Thermal Insulation
Gypsum concrete reduces the conduction of heat from outside or from sources like furnaces. ͏This͏ regulates the indoor͏ climate of the building during extreme seasons like summer and winter. Gypsum͏ concrete’s low ͏coefficient o͏f͏ thermal conductivity ͏enables heat produced from radiant heating systems to ͏flow͏ evenly across the floor͏. The thermal insulation contributes to sustainability͏ by improving the efficiency ͏of the heating, ventilation,͏ and air conditioning (HVAC)͏ systems.
Level Surfaces
͏The workability of gypsum concrete helps level irregular surfaces to provide a flat and uniform subfloor.͏ This characteristic makes͏ it suitable for͏ renovation projects where the existing͏ subfloor is uneven.͏ Gyms͏ and sports ͏facilities ͏can benefit ͏from ͏gypsum concrete since a flat ͏ground offers athletes a ͏safe, even playing field.
Benefits
Gypsum concrete is ͏lighter and has similar strength to ͏other types of concrete. The lighter ͏material increases the building’s durability by offloading weight from the supporting beams and foundations. Its easy workability and light weight make it ͏simple to work ͏with and install.
Gypsum concrete reduces the need for repairs as it͏ maintains ͏a smooth͏, durable surface͏ with minimal ͏maintenance requirements. Its fast-͏setting characteristics enable builders to ͏continue with subsequent construction phases͏ with minimal͏ wait times.͏ Gypsum concrete’s flexibility allows ͏it to withstand͏ ͏minor shifts and movements in the subfloor without͏ cracking.
Installation
Installers add the gypcrete when the room is warm with low humidity to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth. They clean and dry the floor surface before applying a primer that helps the concrete mixture adhere to the subfloor. Installing gypsum ͏concrete flooring in areas prone to temperature fluctuations may reduce the expansion and contraction in building ͏materials.
Install ͏Gypcrete Flooring Today
Talk with a professional ͏installer for proper application of the gypsum concrete and a level floor. ͏Look for installers who have worked with gypsum concrete for many years and ͏and are familiar with the installation process. Properly research the benefits of gypcrete or talk with an installation professional about any questions you may have. Consult with your installer to get gypsum concrete from a reputable supplier today.͏