DRYWALL HANGING
Successful drywall hanging relies heavily on the condition of the underlying framing or other substrate. In the case of new construction, all framing must be completely true. Studs or rafters with any kind of cup or bow must be addressed prior to drywall hanging. Bowing can be easily rectified with the aid of a hand held plane, and cups with the introduction of "drywall shims". At LA Drywall Company, the first phase of our standard drywall installation entails a "preliminary sweep"; to "map out" our drywall installation (in order to utilize full sheets wherever possible and to ensure that all joints fall over the center of a joist or stud), and to clarify any preparatory work required to produce a plumb straight finish suitable to put the 'LA Drywall Company' name to.
Standard drywall measures ½" - 5/8" in thickness. The type used is dependent on the distance between the studs with ½" drywall used for homes framed on 16" centers, and 5/8" used for homes framed on 24" centers. Drywall sheets also range in size. In drywall hanging, the fewer joints the better, so larger 4'x12' and 4'x14' sheets are favored because of this. Drywall hanging must first commence with the ceiling, followed by the upper panels and finally the lower panels. Drywall hanging in this formation perfects the installation a great deal by allowing the upper panels to be fastened firmly against the edges of the ceiling panels. This adds some much needed support for the ceiling. The lower panels are then installed with the use of a "drywall foot lift" which helps to hoist the lower panel, firmly against the tapered edge of the upper panel, ready for fastening.
Drywall hanging should be staggered, with the ends or "butts" in a "brick formation" (offset with seams) to help avoid cracking. The application of construction adhesive to framing members is also paramount prior to attaching each sheet with suitable drywall screws, which should be spaced no greater than 12" for ceilings and 16" on walls. LA Drywall Company technicians utilize a specialty drywall screw gun in order to effortlessly set each screw, countersunk but leaving the drywall paper untouched.
In remodeling, drywall hanging can be performed over any flat surface; including existing wall coverings and CMU (as long as furring strips are installed prior). Furring strips are basically lengths of regular wood measuring 1"x2" and usually sold in 8ft lengths or "bundles". These wooden strips are then anchored to the CMU or brick substrate with the drywall then fastened in place. For drywall hanging under these circumstances, ½" drywall is the usual choice. When drywall hanging over existing sub-par drywall or otherwise, ¼" drywall is recommended for use and is hung in much the same fashion as in new construction application.
Regardless of your need, whether new construction or remodel, residential or commercial, LA Drywall Company are VETERAN drywall installation specialists. Our drywall hanging expertise is second-to-none within the industry. If you would like to learn more, or view some of our recent projects, please contact us today for a free no-obligation in-home consultation.