Drywall is a crucial element for every home regardless of the size or style. Though drywall installation may seem like a simple task, there are several areas where major mistakes can occur. These mistakes can delay your project or require the purchase of additional drywall. To help you prepare for your drywall project, the experts at Country Lumber have compiled a list of 4 mistakes to avoid when installing drywall and how to avoid them.
Learn how to choose the right interior moulding.
Common Drywall Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When installing drywall, it is important to understand the potential for mistakes and how to avoid them. The following mistakes are most common when installing drywall:
1. Driving Screws too Deep
It can be easy to get carried away with screws and drills during drywall installation. When screws are driven too deep, they can break the surface of the drywall’s paper face. This can cause the screw to lose its holding power, essentially rendering it useless. You will need to make precise turns during installation to avoid this or use a special drill attachment to regulate the screw’s depth. Should you puncture the paper, it is best to leave the screw in and drive another screw near it.
2. Excessive Sanding
Before installing your drywall, it will need to be sanded down to a smooth surface. Unfortunately, many DIYers sand too much into the paper or fiberglass tape that covers the seams, forcing them to retape to avoid compromising the installation’s integrity. Avoid sanding too much material away and install a light at a low angle to the wall so you can spot any rise or bumps that need to be sanded down.
3. Making Joints too Tight
Two adjacent sheets that are joined too tightly together can cause the drywall to crack during installation or over time. It is crucial to allow enough space for seasonal expansion and contraction of the wooden framing materials. Be sure to keep a 1/8-inch space between sheets during installation to keep cracks from occurring.
4. Placing Joints Next to Doors and Windows
Lining up the edge of a sheet of drywall with the edge of a door or window frame is likely to lead to cracking in the future. As your home shifts and settles, the joint located adjacent to any door or window is weaker than solid drywall and will be at risk. It is often better to notch drywall around the opening instead of making a joint in those locations. Lay a full sheet over the opening and cut out the space you need after fastening. It is okay to join sheets over an opening but be sure to avoid edges.
To learn more about our drywall solutions and other products, get in touch with the team at Country Lumber. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to help you find the perfect materials, tools, and other products for your project.