12 Drywall

Introduction

This list of selections serves as a supplement to the Construction Documents (CD’s). Some of the selections below may be difficult to find or omitted on the CD’s. Check the CD’s for consistency with this list. Clarify with your contractor which document takes precedence for any inconsistencies.

Gypsum Board Thickness

The technical name for drywall is “gypsum board” and it is available in different thicknesses. ½” thick gypsum board is the standard thickness for interior walls and ceilings. 5/8” thick gypsum board is more resistant to sagging when installed on ceilings, especially if the framing above the ceiling is more than 16” on center. 5/8” thick gypsum board may be required by the building code to obtain a fire resistant wall, for example, between the garage and house. ¼” thick gypsum board may be needed for curved walls.

Select rooms to upgrade thickness of gypsum board to 5/8” at ceilings:

__________________________________________________

Select rooms to upgrade thickness of gypsum board to 5/8” at walls:

__________________________________________________

Select walls/rooms where ¼” thick gypsum board is needed:

__________________________________________________

Sound Resistant Gypsum Board

Traditional gypsum board consists of a layer of rigid mineral gypsum between layers of paper. Sound resistant gypsum board typically has two layers of gypsum instead of one, with a sound absorbing material in the middle. It is very effective at reducing sound transmission, however, it is also significantly more expensive

Select locations for sound resistant gypsum board _____________

Level of Finish

There are five levels of drywall finish:

Level 0: no finishing, drywall is simply fastened to the wall or ceiling.

Level 1: joint tape is embedded in the joint compound but not covered.

Level 2: thin coating of joint compound over tape, joints, interior angles and screws. Ridges and tool marks are acceptable. This level is sufficient if you are applying tile over it. This finish may be appropriate for a garage or storage room.

Level 3: an additional coat of joint compound applied over all joints, interior angles and screws. All joint compound is smooth and free of tool marks and ridges. This level is sufficient if you are applying a knockdown texture to it.

Level 4: an additional coat of joint compound applied over all joints, interior angles and screws. Sand the dried compound. This is the standard drywall finish in most rooms in your house that are to receive paint.

Level 5: add skim coat to the entire surface. This level of finish is recommended for drywall to receive gloss or semi-gloss paint, or where severe lighting conditions exist.

Select which spaces shall receive the following finishes:

Level 0 ________________________________________________________________

Level 1 ________________________________________________________________

Level 2 ________________________________________________________________

Level 3 ________________________________________________________________

Level 4 ________________________________________________________________

Level 5 ________________________________________________________________

Backer Board for Shower & Bathroom Walls

If you have tiled shower walls, you will need a backer board other than standard drywall. Even moisture/mold resistant drywall is not recommended. Select from these types/brands of backer board:

__ Cement board __ Denshield

__ Wedi Board __ Go Board, by Johns Manville

__ Other

Moisture/Mold Resistant Drywall for Bathroom Walls

Determine locations for moisture/mold resistant drywall:

__ Kitchen __ Bathroom __ Finished Basement __ Other

Introduction

Once the rough framing, plumbing, heating, AC, ventilation, lighting, electrical and insulation work is completed and all municipality required inspections are approved, you can start the drywall phase. Taking photos of each wall in the house prior to installation of drywall is a good idea in case the drywall installer inadvertently covers up something that either should not have been, or, unexpectedly needs to be exposed at some point in the future. Confirm your selections are completed prior to meeting with your drywall contractor.

 

Review Scope of Work with Drywall Contractor

  1. Conduct a thorough walk-thru with your drywall contractor and identify any additional studs or rough framing that may need to be added in order to secure all edges of drywall boards.
  2. Verify if you want drywall in any non-habitable spaces such as garages and attics.
  3. Determine whether drywall contractor will prime drywall in order to confirm smoothness. Another option is to have the painter apply sealer/primer and afterward review the smoothness and completeness of the drywall. At this time, the drywall contractor can sand areas that are not smooth.
  4. Standard drywall is not appropriate for “wet walls” in showers and bathrooms.
  5. Verify who will install the backerboard for theses walls. The ceramic tile installer may install the backerboard instead of the drywall installer.

Organization of Materials & Delivery Dates

  1. Determine where drywall will be delivered and stored at job site. Drywall is very heavy and therefore moving it several times should be avoided. Verify that a large enough opening is available to store drywall under cover. This is often challenging for additions and renovations.
  2. Verify length of time required to complete project.

 

Inpsect Completed Work

  1. Check that screw holes are not too deep (drywall skin should not be broken)
  2. Check that all board seams are secured to a stud.
  3. Check that vertical joints are staggered.
  4. Check for tight fit at electrical boxes.
  5. Inspect for smoothness/completeness of drywall.