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Drywall,
also known as Sheetrock™ or gypsum board (Sheetrock
is a trademark name of USG), is used to cover the
interior walls of the structure.
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The
gypboard panels nailed or screwed to the studs.
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Drywall
contractors price the job by the square foot. A
good rule of thumb is to multiply the floor square
footage of the house by 3.33 to get a good estimate
of the square footage of the drywall required.
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Drywall
is hung after wall insulation is installed and inspected.
Drywall panels are 4' wide and between 8'-15' long.
1/2" or 5/8" thick panels are used in residential
construction. The lengthwise edges are tapered to
accommodate joint tape and compound.
The panels are cut to length to fit the room with
the least number of butt joints The joints are taped
and finished. Texture is applied to the surface (if
desired) to give the wall and ceiling surface depth
and to hide flaws.
Drywall is made of a unique mineral called gypsum.
Some of the characteristics of gypsum are, it is extremely
fire resistant, it forms an effective sound barrier,
and it is strong and stable under temperature and
humidity variations. Fire resistance is the most important
characteristic of gypsum.
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Gypboard (drywall panel) is hung using screws
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Corner
bead is attached on all outside corners and around
windows if they are to be finished with drywall.
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All
joints are taped with paper tape and joint compound
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A
second coat of compound is applied over the joints
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A
third or finish coat is applied over the joints.
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After
each coat of compound is applied the joints are
lightly sanded.
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Texture
is applied to the ceiling and walls. Texture is
applied with a texture gun and/or by hand with a
trowel or other implement.
If you are hiring a drywall contractor, go through
the sub-contractor check list. Discuss specifically
the items listed under the contract and specs section.
Find out what is included in the standard package
and what the upgrades are. For example, square corner
bead is usually part of a standard package, and bull
nose corner bead is an upgrade. Ask your sub about
the latest trends and styles in drywall and texturing
applications.
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Price
for the job.
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Description
of the work (include upgrades and itemized costs).
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Cost
for change orders.
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Hourly
rate for work that is not included in the contract.
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Number
of days to complete the Work.
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Type of corner bead
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Drywall
treatment around windows (whether drywall will be
wrapped around windows on how many sides).
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Ceiling
finish
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Wall
finish
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Type
and thickness of Drywall installed.
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Areas
where Type "X" Drywall will be installed.
Type X is an extra fire resistant gypsum panel.
The purpose of the three step taping process is to seal
the joints adding shear strength to the panels. The
joints should be smooth and indistinguishable from the
panel when painted. Run you hand over the top of a joint
to check for smoothness. Check the texture for consistent
pattern and distribution. Look for bare spots.
Around window that are wrapped with sheetrock check
that the thickness of the frame is equal on each side.
Before the drywall can be hung the roof must
at least be dried in (covered with building felt)
or rain could be disastrous to the drywall. While
the drywall is being hung and taped, the exterior
of the building is being completed concurrently. See
schedule for details about phase 4
Decide what options you want and stick with them.
Making changes later often incurs a change order cost.
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