Drywall Installation: A Beginner’s Guide
Drywall installation is a relatively simple job that does not require any expensive tools or lengthy experience. Drywall is the product that is installed between
the plaster and sheetrock to help it stay in place and look nice. The drywall
that is used for this type of construction must be thick enough to handle all
the weight of the walls, and must be smooth. A typical drywall installation
would consist of gypsum sheets being connected together with small pieces of
caulking. Gypsum is used to keep the sheetrock in place and it also acts as a
seal.
Drywall installation may also use other materials than gypsum. These include
various kinds of expanded polystyrene (also known as EPS), epoxy, drywall
cement, or joint compound. When using these other materials the drywall sheets
that are used need to be thicker than standard drywall sheets. This is so they
will not shrink or melt when the temperature of the room fluctuates. Most people
choose to use standard drywall sheets because it looks more professional and it
is easy to work with.
Some DIY enthusiasts are wary of working on their own and may opt to hire a
DIY group to do drywall installation. This can be a good idea if the homeowner
is unsure of how to proceed. There are DIY groups in most local communities and
it is a good idea to find one that has some experience in this type of work. It
can be a challenge to install painted surfaces, so the contractor may have some
suggestions for working around painted walls. Most DIY groups will be happy to
give advice if the homeowner asks. In some cases they can even complete the task
along with the homeowner.
One common material used in DIY drywall installation is gypsum board. This is
a special type of paper that is attached to two sheets of plywood that are glued
together with a silicone joint compound. The sheets of gypsum are shaped and cut
into individual strips before being attached to the board. Most DIY groups will
suggest that the homeowner to purchase extra strips of gypsum to install drywall
panels in corners and along edges.
Once all the strips have been purchased, the home improvement group will
install the gypsum boards. Once the gypsum is attached to the boards, it will
need to be allowed to dry. After it has dried the contractor will apply a primer
and finish to the wall. Many people choose to do this part of the drywall
installation themselves, but there are many advantages to letting a professional
finish this job. Most importantly, the finished product will look professional
and last longer than if the homeowner tried to install it themselves.
One of the benefits of hiring a professional drywall installation team is the
warranty. If the contractor the homeowner has hired neglects to follow through
with completing the project or offers an inadequate warranty, they may not be
able to legally offer support or refunds. When it comes to how Stuff Works’
drywall installation reviews, one company’s opinion is often different than
another’s. Reading several customer reviews before choosing a drywall contractor
is the best way to learn if a particular firm will be reliable and
effective.
Gary Roy is a professional drywall contractor from Portland, Maine. He shares his construction industry knowledge as a hobby to help homeowners.