Friday, January 17, 2014

Standard Installing Of A Gypsum Wallboard

The proper tools make sure you do a professional looking job.


Gypsum wallboard, or drywall, is the most common material used for walls in homes and businesses. The material is easy to use and customize, non-toxic and easily repaired. Drywall is available in sheets measuring 4-by-8 foot, and widths from 1/4 to 5/8 inches. You can use drywall on walls, ceilings or any project that needs a smooth surface. Installing drywall is not difficult but can be time-consuming. Always plan for ample time to install drywall, and use the proper tools.


Instructions


Hanging the Drywall


1. Mark the location of the studs on the sheet. Hold the sheet against the wall, and place a mark at the top and bottom of the sheet for the location of the studs. Use a chalkline stretched between the two marks and snap a line. Do that for the center of each stud.


2. Place the first sheet of drywall against the upper corner of the room. Your first row will be flush with the ceiling. Have someone hold the drywall in place. The 8-foot sheet should stretch along the wall.


3. Attach the drywall with 2-inch screws spaced approximately 1 foot apart on each stud. You should be able to fit four screws per stud on a full sheet. Drill the screws so they are just beneath the surface but do not break the paper cover of the drywall. An adjustable speed drill is recommended.


4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 around the room until you have the top row complete.


5. Repeat Steps 2 through 4 for the bottom row, but start with a half sheet of drywall in the same corner so that the seams are staggered. You do not want a seam to stretch from floor to ceiling except in the corners.


Taping the Seams


6. Use a 3-inch putty knife to spread a light coat of pre-mixed drywall mud along the seam. Hold the knife at an angle and pull the mud into the seam. The goal is to fill the seam with mud and leave a thin coat above and below the seam.


7. Press drywall tape onto the seam. Use the putty knife to smooth out the tape, squeezing excess mud out from underneath. The drywall tape will stick to the mud. You can use your hand to press it into place, but use the putty knife to get it smooth.


8. Spread more mud on top of the tape, again at an angle. The purpose is to hide the tape. Apply the mud in a criss-cross pattern, and drag the putty knife along the length of the tape to clean up excess mud.


9. Repeat Steps 1 through 3 for all the seams. Corners are tricky. Use the same process but use a corner knife, a flat blade bent into a 90-degree angle, to smooth out the mud and tape. Apply mud to each screw hole. Press the mud into the hole with the putty knife held at an angle, and smooth out with the putty knife.


10. Allow the surface to dry according to the directions on the pre-mixed mud packaging, and sand the surface smooth with drywall sandpaper. Wipe the surface with a damp rag. Repeat the process as necessary to achieve the desired finish.


Doors, Receptacles and Odd-Sized Sections


11. Measure odd-sized sections and holes for receptacles carefully. Transfer the measurements onto the drywall board. Use chalk lines for large measurements such as a 5-foot section in a corner. Measure the position of the receptacle in reference to the edge of the nearest piece of drywall. Measure and check your measurements twice to avoid wasting pieces of drywall on inaccurate measurements.


12. Use a keyhole saw to cut out receptacles. Press the pointed end into a corner of the drywall and cut the hole out with the saw.


13. Use a razor blade or utility knife to cut off whole sections of drywall. Place a straightedge along the measured line, and drag the blade along the edge of the straightedge. You do not have to cut all the way through. Trace the measured line with the razor blade. Bend the drywall at the cut point, and it will snap at that point. Cut the back paper with the blade at the bend.


14. Cover the door or window with the drywall and cut the drywall after it is hung. Use a keyhole saw to cut along the frame of the door or window.








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