A concrete masonry unit wall can retain moisture, making it difficult to hang Sheetrock on a CMU. However, tried-and-true methods and available materials make it possible for the do-it-yourselfer to hang Sheetrock onto concrete block surfaces and begin finishing the area. Regardless of your experience level, you can complete this job in an average-sized area in one to two days.
Instructions
1. Sweep the CMU wall to remove any surface debris.
2. Paint the CMU surface with concrete sealer to prevent moisture. Apply three coats of sealer, beginning at the bottom of the wall and working up. Allow 30 minutes of drying time between coats. Use a thick-napped roller to ensure all block pores are full of paint.
3. Stretch a tape measure along the bottom of the wall. Place pencil marks on the CMU at 16-inch intervals; these will be the center marks for wood framing strips. At each center mark, measure 1 3/4 inches to the left and place a second mark; this represents the left edge of the framing board, which will be 3 1/2-inch wide lumber.
4. Place the treated 2-by-4s flat onto the CMU wall in a vertical position. Align the left edge of the studs with the second marks you made on the wall. Drill through the bottom of the lumber and into the CMU wall with a hammer drill and 1/4-inch concrete drill bit. Begin drilling 4 inches from the bottom of the wall.
5. Insert one 3/16-inch concrete screw into the lumber and attaching it to the CMU. Plumb the lumber with a 4-foot level; place a pencil mark along the side of the lumber for reference. Continue to drill and place screws through the lumber. Space your holes 24 inches apart until you reach the top of the 2-by-4. Repeat for each stud.
6. Fill the spaces between the lumber with two sheets of precut, 1/2-inch rigid insulation. Leave the insulation loose in the wall cavity without attaching it to the CMU.
7. Attach Sheetrock to the treated studs. Stand the Sheetrock vertically along the wall and attach it to the wood with 1-inch drywall screws.
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