Drywall & Taping
This will go over the identification of all the materials you would need to properly install drywall amongst other forms of gypsum boards. Interior finishes such as these are some of the most common jobs General Carpenters will encounter.
Regular
Regular gypsum panels are most commonly used for single-layer or multilayer applications. They are applied to interior walls and ceilings in new construction.
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Type of Gypsum Panels
Tapered Edge
Every sheet of drywall has 2 sides with a tapered edge it is located along the length of the sheet. The tapered edge allows for drywall compound and tape to not protrude out leaving visible bumps in the wall. It also produces a much stronger concealed joint than a square edge.
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Type X
Fire code board has a greater resistance to fire because of special additives in the core. Manufactured in several degrees of resistance to fire.
Water - Resistant
Green board, Consists of a special moisture-resistant core and paper cover that is chemically treated to repel moisture. Commonly used as a base application of wall tile in showers, tubs and any other areas subjected to considerable moisture
Regular Drywall
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1/2" gypsum ceiling board - ceiling board is simply drywall rated to have less sag and less pulling properties. This is normally what we use on jobs. It is not always available at big box stores in all lengths but we usually find it. And then you can always order it and they will deliver.
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1/2" lightweight wallboard. This is your stock lightweight drywall. Given its lightweight, it will have fewer sag and pop-out issues.
Moisture Resistant
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2 types of moisture-resistant drywall are Green and Blue. Green M-R and Blue M-R boards are often used in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and storage areas where exposure to moisture can happen, however, neither of these boards are meant to have direct contact with water, they are only resistant to mould and humid areas. The blue M-R board is commonly used when a veneer plaster finish is to be obtained because its surface has unique retention qualities.
Ceiling Drywall
Has glass fibres in the gypsum that give it the structural integrity to resist sag due to gravity and moisture.
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Flexible Drywall
This drywall is designed for use on curved walls, archways, and stairways. It works well on both concave and convex surfaces. Flexible drywall has a heavier face paper and a stronger liner paper than regular 1/4-in
Veneer Plaster
Commonly called blue board, large 4 foot wide (1.2 m) gypsum board panels faced with a special treated blue paper that is designed to receive applications of veneer plaster.
Sizes of Gypsum Panels
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4 x 8-Foot Drywall: The most common of all drywall sizes
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4 x 10-Foot Drywall: Provides a smoother surface on tall walls and expansive ceilings.
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4 x 12-Foot Drywall: good for long stretches in hallways and ceilings
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“Lengths. The standard horizontal lengths of drywall are 8, 9, 10, 12, 14 and 16 feet. The 8-, 12- and 16-foot lengths work well for residential construction, so most retail hardware stores carry them.”
Cement Boards
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Used as a tile backer and certain cement boards are fire rated
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Have a core of Portland cement reinforced with a glass fiber mesh embedded in both sides.
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The core resists water penetration and will not deteriorate when wet, Designed for areas that are subjected to high-moisture conditions.
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Used extensively in bathtub, shower, kitchen and laundry areas as a base for ceramic tile
Nails
Drywall board nails should have flat or concave heads that taper to thin edges at the rim
The use of nails in drywall is not common anymore. Although nails cost less than drywall screws the benefits are far less than the money saved. Nails that have been used over the years tend to “pop” (when there is movement in the home causing the drywall compound covering the nail head to stick out or fall off). This does not happen nearly as much to drywall screws, which is why they are preferred.
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Drywall
Fasteners
These are specially designed nails and screws that will specifically work best with drywall.
Multi-Layer
Drywall Application
Has one or more layers of gypsum board applied over the base layer. This layering provides greater strength, higher fire resistance.
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Cutting Drywall
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Utility Knife
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Drywall saw
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Dimpler (or ideally to increase production of a drywall gun)
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​Rasp Tool
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Aligning Drywall
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The difference between standing drywall and laying drywall (standups or laydowns) is when to use one or the other.
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Laydowns should be used for non-structural steel studs to provide more strength for the wall
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When installing on wood studs you can use either.
Methods of Fastening Drywall & Concealing Drywall
Fasteners and Joints
The most common screw for installing ½” drywall is an inch and a quarter
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Durock screws add to screw section (this is used for installing cement boards)
Difference between metal and wood screws used in drywalling
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Spacing of Screws
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Applying Joint Compounds & Tapes
Mesh Tape
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Mould Resistant Tape
Paper Tape
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When a joint compound is being applied to a new wall, it is important to follow these steps. Generally, a wall will have 3 coats of compound each feathering wider and using less compound.
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The first layer is usually the thickest and is when you apply your tape (either mesh or paper) the next two coats are to fan the area out to not be as noticeable. In between all these coats and after the final coat sanding is needed.
So how much will you need?
Now that you know the basics of drywalling hopefully you will be able to apply this in the field. At Snyder Construction you will experience lots of drywall installation and will become familiar with the different materials and techniques used to properly finish a wall.
