Since your home is likely your biggest investment, you want to be sure that it is well-protected. This is especially true for the walls, which can be susceptible to damage from water, impact, or even just everyday wear and tear. Drywall is excellent for wall protection, but only if installed correctly.
But don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll go over the do’s and don’ts of residential drywall installation, so you can be confident that your walls are in good hands and be prepared for your next project.
The Importance of Proper Drywall Installation
Most people think that drywall installation is a pretty straightforward process. You just put up the panels and screw them into place, right? Well, it’s a little bit more complicated than that. In order to ensure that you won’t have any extensive repairs with damaged drywall or that your drywall lasts for many years to come, it’s important to make sure that it’s installed properly. Here are a few reasons why proper and highest-quality drywall installation is so important.
?Prevents Sagging and Bowing
One of the most common problems with drywall is that it starts to sag or bow over time. This usually happens because the screws or nails that were used to install the drywall weren’t driven in deep enough. When this happens, the weight of the drywall isn’t evenly distributed, which causes it to bow or sag. Properly installed drywall will be less likely to sag or bow because the screws or nails will be driven in at the proper depth.
?Minimizes Cracks and Holes
This can happen for a variety of reasons, but one of the most common is that the drywall wasn’t properly anchored to the studs. When this happens, even small amounts of movement can cause cracks and holes to form in the drywall. Properly installed drywall will be less likely to develop cracks and holes because it will be securely anchored to the studs.
?Maintaining Indoor Air Quality
If your drywall is not installed properly, it can allow outside air and pollutants to enter your home,impacting your air quality. Improperly installed drywall can also allow dust and other allergens to build up, which can trigger allergies or asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.
?Reducing Noise Levels
In addition to its other functions, drywall helps reduce noise levels within your home. If you live in a busy area or have loud neighbors, properly installed drywall can help to muffle some of the noise and make your home a more peaceful oasis.
?Improves the Aesthetics of Your Home
This one is pretty self-explanatory. If your drywall is installed properly, it will look better than if it’s not. This is especially important if you’re planning on selling your home in the future, as potential buyers will be turned off by poorly installed drywall.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Residential Drywall Installation
Now that we’ve gone over the importance of proper drywall installation let’s take a look at the dos and don’ts of the installation process.
Do’s:
✔️Do Plan Ahead
Before starting your project, take the time to plan everything out. This means measuring the area where the drywall will be installed, calculating the number of sheets you’ll need, and ensuring you have all the necessary tools and materials on hand. By planning ahead, you can avoid any last-minute scrambling and set yourself up for success from the get-go.
✔️Do Use Screws Instead of Nails
When it comes to attaching drywall to walls or any ceiling repairs, screws are always your best bet. Not only do they create a stronger hold than nails, but they’re also less likely to pop out over time. And since attaching drywall can be a bit tricky, anything that makes the process easier is worth doing in our book!
✔️Do Apply Joint Compound Evenly
Once the drywall is up, it’s time to start mudding and taping. When applying joint compound (also known as mud), be sure to do it evenly, so there are no lumps or bumps. Not only will this make your walls look better, but it will also make painting and texturing much easier down the road.
✔️Do Hire Professionals
Installing drywall is a big job and should not be taken lightly. If you’re not confident in your ability to do it yourself, hire professional drywall services to do the job for you. Yes, it will cost a bit more upfront, but it’s worth knowing the job is being done right.
Don’ts:
❌Don’t Try to Do It All in One Day
Yes, we know you’re eager to get the job done and move on to other things, but rushing through the job will only cause problems later on. Give yourself plenty of time to do the job right. Divide the work into manageable tasks, and take breaks as needed. Your body will thank you for it later.
❌Don’t Neglect the Corners
It’s easy to get so focused on getting the main panels up that you forget all about the corners, but trust us, those corners are important too. Make sure you take the time to cut and fit the corner bead correctly—it will make all the difference in the world when it comes time to paint or papering later on.
❌Don’t Forget to Add Insulation
If you’re planning on adding drywall to an exterior wall, be sure to add insulation before doing so. This will help to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, which can save you money on your energy bills.
❌Don’t Overload Your Walls With Drywall Sheets
Your walls can only support so much weight, so be careful to keep them from overloading them with too many drywall sheets at a time. Four sheets are usually the maximum that most walls can handle—any more than that, and you run the risk of the drywall collapsing.
❌Don’t Assume That Bigger Is Better
When it comes to drywall screws, that is. In actuality, using screws that are too big can actually cause more problems than they solve. Stick with screws 1 5/8 inches long for best results—anything longer than that is just asking for trouble.
❌Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Help if You Need It
Installing drywall is definitely a job for two (or more) people—so if you find yourself struggling, don’t be afraid to ask a friend or neighbor for an extra set of hands. Or hire professional drywall services like Calgary Drywall Doctors to do the job for you. Like we said before, it’s better to spend a little extra money and have the job done right than to try to do it yourself and end up with subpar results.
Final Words
Installing drywall may be challenging, but following these simple tips will help you avoid common mistakes that can turn your project from stressful to disastrous. And remember – take your time! Rushing through the process will only result in subpar results.
If you want a perfect drywall installation and quality workmanship in the Calgary area and surrounding area, Calgary Drywall Doctors can help! As the most punctual contractor serving homeowners and offering commercial drywall services for over 10 years at an affordable price, we’ve seen it all when it comes to drywall. So whether you need help with a small drywall repair job. commercial projects, or are starting from scratch on a new construction project, or other renovation projects, we can help. Call us today for a free quote! 403-475-0275
