Thursday, September 19, 2013

Drywall Installation - Everything You Need To Know

By Brian Winters


Every homeowner may encounter several drywall issues from time to time, especially since it is not the strongest material available to cover walls and ceilings. However, it is best to ask help from specialists since installing drywall can be difficult if performed alone. Large-scale repairs should be planned out to avoid unnecessary disasters.

Take safety precautions whenever installing new drywall panels. It helps wearing protective glasses, gloves, footwear and long-sleeve shirt to avoid accidents. Have a damp cloth in hand to wipe the dust particles when sanding. You can cover your furniture with plastic sheets to protect them from dusting. Make sure you have a stable platform to stand on when carrying out repairs.

Always check the consistency of your joint compound before applying it over the panel. You can buy premixed compounds in buckets if you are having a hard time getting the right mixture. Spreading a stiff compound can be difficult and should never be used. If the mud is too loose and runny, use a newspaper to keep it from falling off.

There are different types of drywall panels available in the market. Choose panels that are easy to handle and would best your walls. Professionals prefer using 4'x8' sheets, but these panels are difficult to transport since they break easily. However, panels of this size don't require much work since there are fewer joint and seam to cover up.

Remove the old drywall to prepare the new panel for installation. Do not forget to remove the nails and screws attached to it. Inspect the back wall and look for signs of damage to know if you need the studs replaced. It is best to use steel studs compared to wood since they are more stable in holding the drywall in place.

With a T-square and razor blade, cut and measure the replacement drywall that will be hoisted on the wall. Do not forget to remove the torn paper edges before hanging the new panel. Do not use too many screws since this can cause you to apply multiple layers of compound to cover them.

Cover the seam with a mesh tape and conceal the tape pieces with a thin coating of drywall mud. Use a taping knife to squeeze the mud under the tape and spread it evenly. Sand it lightly and apply a thin layer of mud to conceal the imperfections. Use a finishing compound to blend the panels and let it dry overnight. Prime and paint.

If you think you cannot handle installing drywall on your own, do not hesitate to call a specialist to do. Doing this spares you from spending too much money on drywall repairs in the future. Attempting to do it alone may cause it to break down or look unpleasant. After all, nobody wants to have a bad-looking wall hanging right inside their houses.




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