The Dos And Don’ts Of Drywall Installation
Drywall installation is a necessary construction step that can’t be skipped. Hence the worry for any potential mistakes.
There is a lot of room for mistakes in drywall installation, which, if not caught on time, can cause serious trouble later. It is easy to miss something here or there; however, with proper care from the beginning, these mistakes could be avoided.
What Is A Drywall?
Drywall is a specific type of construction material that is used for the creation of walls and ceilings. It is used to create different designs for architectural purposes, like arches, eves, etc. Drywalls are durable, easy to install, and easy to repair. It is a modern alternative to plastic that was used for building interiors in previous centuries.
Here are the dos and don’ts of the drywall installation and maintenance.
Don’t: Driving Screws Too Deep:
It is possible to drive in the screws deeper than recommended while hanging the drywall. It can happen by accident, even if you are careful. If this happens, the holding power of screws is negatively impacted, as the drywall’s thin paper surface could tear.
How To Avoid:
To avoid such mistakes, make sure that you drive the screw heads only about a quarter or half turn through the paper surface. You can get drills that allow you to program in the depth of drive for this.
Do: Apply Several Thin Coatings:
To get that professional finish, you should apply several thin coatings. At a minimum, you should use three coatings, but you can do more.
How To Do:
First of all, you need to be patient when doing this task. Don't rush the taping process. Also, don't apply too many coatings because while multiple coatings are good, the thick coating will not create a smooth surface. It will be susceptible to warping and buckling.
Don’t: Fastening Before Trimming:
When fastening the drywall, you might find that the outlet hole is not fitting correctly. So don't trim before fastening. If you do that, there is a chance that the drywall will break during the process of trimming around the electrical box.
How To Avoid:
Obviously, don't fasten before trimming and until the hole is of the right fit.
Do: Taking Proper Precautions For Security:
The drywall installation process is a bit dangerous. The fine particles found in drywall compounds are hazardous to your health. If inhaled, they can cause damage to your lungs. Additionally, the gypsum particles can also cause dehydrating effects in your skin, so wear proper protective gear.
How To Do:
Wear proper gloves when working.
That will protect you from the dehydrating effects of gypsym particles. Also, during the sanding process, make sure that the mask is tight around your face.
Don’t: Tightening Joints Too Much:
If you fit together two adjacent sheets too tightly, the drywall will break, often during the installation process. You need to keep enough free space to allow the material to contract and expand during changing seasons. Even if the drywall doesn't break, it will crack.
How To Avoid:
Ensure that there is at least 1/8 inches of space between both sheets during the installation process. To maintain this space, you will need a guide for proper spacing.
Do: Utilizing Proper Equipment:
It is a well-known fact that you need proper tools for all types of construction processes. Drywall installation is no different. For instance, to cover scratches or minor dents, you would need a small 3 to 4-inch putty knife for filling the site with appropriately thin layers of drywall compounds or mud. Similarly, you would need reinforcing mesh for bigger cracks or perforations.
How To Do:
Of course, get your hands on proper equipment.
Don’t: Placing joints next to doors and windows:
Doing this will result in the cracking of drywall. This is because your home will shift and settle over time. Due to this, any joints you have placed around window or door frames are weaker.
How To Avoid:
Notch the drywalls around the openings. It's ok if you join sheets over any opening, but avoid the edges at all costs.
Do: Mark Framing Locations:
By marking framing locations beforehand, you will accurately place the screws for the frame. It will help to save a lot of time and mistakes in drywall placement.
How To Do:
Use a pencil for marking locations for screws. Additionally, you will also need to mar the stud location on the ceiling for drywall hanging.
Don’t: Missing Edge Support for Drywall Installation:
Why is edge support so important? Obviously, to install the drywall on the ceiling. Hence, the framing needs to be scrutinized before the hanging process starts. Additionally, it would help if you kept 1 inch exposed framing at every corner.
How To Avoid:
First of all, you need to inspect the framing beforehand. You need to check the top of drywall lining up in a parallel direction with the ceiling framing for that purpose.
Do: Avoid Tapered Edges on Outside Corners:
It will become tough to install the corner bead accurately if you hag the drywall sheet along with the outside corner. You won't be able to cover the corner of the bead with the joint compound, as it is lying too low.
How To Do:
You would need to place the cut edges along the outside corner.
Don’t: Hiring The Drywall Contractors With Red Flags:
Often enough, you see the signs indicating that you are hiring the wrong drywall contractors. If you do that, you can be damned sure that you will be facing problems soon.
How To Avoid:
To avoid such incidents, you need to avoid the service providers with these red flags:
- A history of lawsuits and litigation.
- The license of the drywall contractor hasn't been renewed for some reason.
- Contractor bad mouthing old customers or colleagues.
- Abnormalities in licensing and certificates.
- Contractor avoiding the zoning and building codes, permits, safety protocols, standards, etc.
- Not returning your calls on time, or just being late frequently.
- Not using proper protection gear and protocols.
- Not having an appropriate policy of insurance.
Do: Doing Proper Research For Hiring Drywall Contractors:
It is a guaranteed fact that if you hire reliable and experienced drywall contractors, you will be done with the whole project in no time.
How To Do:
- Ask for recommendations from people you know. Keep in mind that the only viable options are those companies whose services have been availed before by your friends or contacts.
- Limit your search to the local area. You can find many reliable contractors at close distances.
- Choose drywall contractors who have many years of experience. The more working experience they have, the better their service will be.
- Search for the lists of best drywall contractors near me online. You will find a lot of them online. Make sure your location is on when you are doing that. You can also input your location in the search tab.
- Get quotes from different drywall contractors. Compare all the estimates, and hire the painter who will be most suitable for your wallet.
- Ask for references from drywall contractors. The reliable ones will be more than happy to do so. Also, you can ask for their certification and qualification directly.
Don’t: Agreeing To Over budget Or Unreasonable Advance Payment:
You have to complete the construction process as quickly as possible. But that doesn't mean you should agree to a contract that might cost you more than you have or an unreasonable amount as a down payment.
How To Avoid:
Don't exceed 10 to 20% of the total as a down payment. Also, walk away if they charge you more than you can afford.
Do: Be As Involved As Possible:
Sure, you don't have enough experience to help out the workers. But that doesn't mean that you can't help in any way.
How To Do:
Apply as many facilities as possible. Ask for regular updates on the whole process.
Conclusion:
Drywalls are an essential part of your home. They are everywhere, in your walls and ceiling. But no matter how necessary they are, this fact can't be denied that a lot of room for mistakes during the drywall instruction process. If these mistakes are not caught on time, the result can be disastrous. Fortunately, most errors can be easily corrected or avoided from the get-go. You would need proper care and precaution during the whole process, and you will be ready.
