SHEETROCK ®
Just in case you are wondering, Sheetrock is not just another name
for drywall. Sheetrock is the only drywall to use on your home. To
be accurate, SHEETROCK ® is
a registered brand name for USG's gypsum panels or drywall.
Don't let
your builder substitute an inferior drywall; insist on getting the
real thing.
Make sure you specify
in advance, before it is ordered, that you want USG's Sheetrock wallboard.
Don't let your builder talk you into something else.
Drywall happens quickly. One day you are looking at studs, plumbing,
and electrical wiring. A few days later, the insulation is in, and
then
wallboard is all you see.
This is probably stating the obvious, but you want to make
sure that the wiring and plumbing are correct before
the drywall goes up. It is not impossible to fix
later, but it is a nuisance.
How Thick?
1/2" and 5/8" Sheetrock wallboard panels should
be used for framing centers up to 24". 5/8" panels
should be used for ceilings to prevent sagging. 3/8" panels
should be used for framing centers up to 16". 1/4" is
for covering old walls or ceilings. It can also be used as
the base
layer on a multi-layer wall for sound proofing. Lastly, it
can be used for curved surfaces.
Personally, I would use the thickest wallboard possible
to help prevent sagging and decrease sound transmission.
Nails and screws
How far apart should nails and screws be when hanging drywall?
Space nails a maximum of 7" apart for ceilings and 8"
apart for walls. Space screws a maximum 12" apart for
ceilings and 16" apart on walls. Nails and screws should
be at least 3/8" from the edges and ends of Sheetrock
panels. Double-nailing is recommended to reduce nail pops.
This information was taken from the USG
Homeowner Answer Center.
Concrete Backerboard
Many builders try to use greenboard (water-resistant wallboard)
behind tile in bathrooms and kitchens. Greenboard is useful
for around bathtubs or shower stall ceilings; however, I wouldn't
use it behind tile. If the tile is not sealed properly, the
greenboard will begin to deteriorate.
Instead of greenboard, use concrete backerboard behind tile,
or around bathtubs and shower walls. Concrete backerboard is
basically concrete with a fiberglass mesh.
Drywall Resources
USG has a
Gypsum Construction Handbook available. They also offer
a
Homeowner Answer Center that covers Sheetrock wallboard,
acoustic ceilings, and ceramic tile. It discusses planning,
installing,
finishing, and repairing drywall.
Also check out:
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