placo

Placo is a term used for gypsum-based panels, commonly known as drywall or plasterboard, used to form interior walls and ceilings. The panel typically consists of a core of gypsum plaster sandwiched between two sheets of paper or fiber facing, making it lightweight and easy to install. In French-speaking and some European contexts, placo is a generic name for drywall, while Placo is also the name of a major European brand of plasterboard materials.

Panels are usually produced in standard sizes such as about 120 cm by 240 cm, with thicknesses commonly ranging from 9.5 mm to 15 mm. Variants exist for specific conditions, including moisture-resistant boards for bathrooms and kitchens, fire-rated boards for enhanced safety, and acoustic boards for better sound insulation.

Construction use involves fastening the panels to wooden studs or metal framing with screws or nails, then finishing the joints with tape and joint compound to create a smooth, continuous surface that can be painted or wallpapered. Placo panels are not load-bearing and are typically used in combination with a structural framework.

Advantages of placo include quick installation, ease of cutting and finishing, and the ability to achieve smooth surfaces on interior spaces. Limitations include vulnerability to moisture and water damage, limited structural capacity, and the need for proper moisture management and finishing to prevent cracking or mold.

Historically, gypsum boards were developed in the early 20th century as a faster alternative to traditional plaster. Placo, as a brand, became a prominent European supplier, and its products are widely used in modern dry construction and renovations.