Multi-family buildings have unique construction requirements for safety reasons, which is why gypsum concrete has taken the industry by storm in the last few decades. Gypsum concrete is a material that is used as underlayment, or the layer in between the wood subfloor and the floor covering in a building. Gypsum concrete comes with a variety of benefits, so let’s take a look at some of them.
- Fire Resistance- The main appeal of gypsum concrete is that it is fire-retardant material. It creates a one- to two-hour fire barrier that slows the spread of flames. This effect is possible because gypsum contains crystallized water, meaning exposure to extreme heat causes this water to evaporate into the air, cooling it and slowing down heat transmission.
- Sound Attenuation- It’s not surprising that gypsum concrete is desirable for its ability to dampen sound. In multi-family buildings, noise is one of the top concerns since residents are living in close quarters with other families. Noise doesn’t travel through the floors as easily with gypsum concrete as their underlayment.
- Excellent Durability- Gypsum concrete is a strong and stable material with a similar compressive strength to regular concrete. It is highly crack resistant, which means it is a durable, reliable underlayment option for a building.
- Quick Installation- Because gypsum concrete is far more lightweight than regular concrete, it is easier to install. It takes less time for a contractor to pour gypsum concrete than standard concrete, and it even cures faster, too.
If you are interested in gypsum concrete, contact us today for a free estimate.