Drywall Tapers
In days of old, walls were made of plaster. During the last half-century, however, walls have typically been fashioned from a material known as drywall. This pre-fabricated sheetrock was invented by the United States Gypsum Corporation in 1916 and began being widely used around World War II.
Drywall is simply a thin layer of a substance known as gypsum, sandwiched between two layers of heavy paper. Easy to install as both walls and ceilings, drywall is now widely used throughout the world and has replaced plaster in most countries.
Special construction workers known as "drywallers" are usually responsible for the sizing and placement of drywall. These workers cut standard sized sheets of drywall to fit the job in question. They also make alterations to the boards when necessary and cut holes for electrical outlets and other things that cannot be covered by the drywall. The panels are then glued, nailed, or screwed to wood or metal framework.
When the drywallers have completed their job, the "drywall taper" takes over. This person is responsible for filling the joints between the panels with a joint compound, generally using a trough to complete the work. The compound is usually sanded after each application, which sometimes number two or three for each joint. A smooth paper tape is then placed over the compound to present a finished look. The compound may also be used to cover imperfections such as nail or screw holes or any other kind of damage caused during the building process.
Drywall Products and Asbestos
Though asbestos is no longer used in drywall products, for decades those who worked as drywallers or drywall tapers were constantly exposed to dangerous asbestos dust. Asbestos could be found in such products as drywall tape, joint compound, plaster, wall patching compounds and asbestos cement panels. These were manufactured by a variety of different companies who specialized in such products.
Asbestos particles were released during the process of cutting or sanding the drywall boards or during the sanding of the joint compound. Because workers of the mid-20th century were unaware of the dangers of breathing in asbestos dust, they did not wear any protective gear while performing their duties, whether they were building homes or large commercial buildings. Because of this exposure, some drywall workers have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases decades later.
Today, drywallers and drywall tapers must still exercise caution, especially when working on old homes or buildings that may contain drywall or drywall components manufactured with asbestos. Protective gear, including respirators, should always be worn if the presence of asbestos is in question.
Last modified: December 09, 2009.
