5 Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Drywall
Because there are always “do’s and don’ts”, here’s a snapshot of some of the most common mistakes to avoid when installing drywall, regardless of the type of project you tackle, .
No. 1 – Identifying Framing Spots
The first of the most common mistakes to avoid when installing drywall is forgetting to mark the location of framing members before you cover them with drywall. In the scope of everything that you have going on during any given project, that might be worth repeating. If you don’t mark the location, you’ll have a hard time placing the drywall screws accurately.
For foolproof screw placement, use these marks as a guide to draw a light pencil line across the sheet. That will allow you to place screws quickly and accurately. Don’t waste time removing screws you missed during framing.
Identify the ceiling joist locations on the top plate of the wall you’re framing. Next, mark the center of each stud on the floor. Be sure to note any unusual framing so that you’ll know where to place screws after the framing is covered with drywall. After the ceiling drywall is hung, mark the stud locations on the ceiling with a pencil before you start to hang drywall on the walls.
No. 2 – Avoid Tapered Edges on Outside Corners
Hang a sheet of drywall with the tapered edge along an outside corner and it’s going to be hard to accurately install the corner bead. The corner will rest too low and make it hard to cover with joint compound. The solution: Place cut edges along an outside corner. The fewer seams to tape, the fewer the problems. The tapered edge seams are designed to be easy to conceal. The recess allows room for the tape to be embedded in compound without creating a bump. Drywall contractors who excel are working to reduce these tapered edge seams.
No. 3 – Minimize Joints
One of the most common mistakes to avoid when installing drywall is adding extra joints. To avoid adding any more time to your drywall process, avoid adding extra joints, especially hard-to-tape butt joints. Use the best materials. For example, you can use 12-foot long drywall sheets rather than standard 8-foot sections.
No. 4 – Avoid Failed Drywall Joints
In a perfect world, all of the joints between your drywall panels would fall over framing members. This would allow both edges to be screwed down securely – the top, bottom and on both sides. In the real world, this doesn’t always happen, which means the seam between the panels falls over air (we call this a hanging joint). Drywall installers are sometimes tempted to mud it over – a strategy that often results in failed joint and visible cracks.
No. 5 – Drywall Edge Support
Being able to frame at the inside corners is an art form worth mastering. Otherwise, fastening the edges of the drywall is difficult. Inspect the framing before starting and make sure there is at least 1 inch of exposed framing at the corners. You can always add another 2 x 4 alongside the existing framing. Check the top of the walls that run parallel to the ceiling framing to make sure nothing is blocking it.
