When plastering walls or ceilings of your property you have two main options to choose from. Either you can have them plastered with cement or you can go with gypsum.
Cement plastering has been the main choice for developers for years. The reason for its popularity is its low short-term costs. However, the recent shortage of cement along with growing environmental concerns have affected both its prices and usage in modern infrastructure.
This is where gypsum plaster comes into the picture. This is a lightweight and quick-setting substance that gives your walls a smoother finish while also providing benefits like thermal insulation as well as higher workability.
But which of the two plastering methods is cheaper? This is what this blog is all about so keep on reading till the end.
What is Cement Plaster?
Cement plаster is a combination of portland cement, water, and sand. It finds applications in interior as well as exterior wall plastering where it creates smooth surfaces.
This type of plaster is more impact resistant. It also gives you much better moisture resistance as well as styling freedom. However with this type of plastering the surfaces are more prone to cracking.
Moreover it also takes longer for the application as well as setting of this plaster. This leads to greater labor costs which is why most modern projects prefer its alternatives.
What is Gypsum Plaster?
Gypsum plaster is an innovative solution that comes in a white form that has calcium sulfate and water as the main ingredients. To make this plaster first you have to dehydrate the gypsum rock. After that you mix it with some additives such as cellulose ethers (HPMC, HEMC, HEC). This gives the material greater workability as well as water retention.
Gypsum plastering sets within an hour of application. Apart from that you also don’t need to cure it with water which saves time and resources. This environment friendly material gives you a smoother finish that lasts longer than other alternatives like cement.
Cost Comparison Between Cement and Gypsum Plaster
Following are a few points that will help you determine which of the two plastering solutions costs more so keep on reading till the end.
1. Raw Material Costs
Cement plastering is made by mixing sand and cement in a 1:3 ratio. The sand we use for this purpose comes from river beds. Continuous extraction of this sand destroys natural resources and decreases the amount of this raw material.
To cope with this m-sand (manufactured sand) which is made from granite rocks is being used. The cost of m-sand is greater than normal sand. Moreover rising fuel costs as well as global shortage of raw materials further add to increasing costs.
Gypsum on the other hand is a recyclable material that you find in areas where the ancient seas or lakes have been evaporated. The natural deposits of this material are huge which means there is a lower risk of shortage in the near future. This is what makes it less expensive than cement.
2. Water Curing
To make sure your cement plastering leads to a smooth as well as durable finish you have to pour water on it for at least 2 to 4 weeks. This means more water and energy are spent which increases plastering costs. The curing of this plaster requires more manual labor which further increases costs.
According to every expert gypsum contractor this plaster does not require any curing with water after application. In fact under normal conditions this plaster dries and becomes paint ready in just 72 hours.
3. Finishing Costs
After applying cement plaster the final surface might not have a smooth finish. This surface is not suitable for painting as it can lead to uneven final output. This is why you might need to add putty to the cracks before painting which increases overall project costs.
On the other hand gypsum gives you a very smooth finish which eliminates the need for putty application. You can simply apply this plaster and your gypsum partition or walls will be ready to be painted in a matter of just a few days.
4. Maintenance
Cement plaster walls do not do so well in damp conditions. These walls get a lot of wear and tear in such situations. This leads to cracks which if not taken care of can lead to permanent damage. To avoid these issues you need to take special maintenance measures. This high maintenance is also what makes the cement plaster a less viable option.
Gypsum plaster is low-maintenance. To clean the surface of the gypsum plastered walls you only need to wipe these off with a wet cloth or tissue. This makes it a low-maintenance and hence a cheaper option.
Conclusion
It is clear from the above points that gypsum plastering gives you long-term cost savings. It is more durable and requires very little maintenance. Some estimates suggest that gypsum plastering reduces the overall project costs by up to 20%.
Cement is a suitable option when the walls or partitions are exposed to heavy loads or when you need more style or texturing freedom.
However if you are looking for a cost-effective plastering solution that is environment friendly and offers greater insulation as well as a smoother finish gypsum is your best bet.