Drywall Installation Mistakes Pros Should Avoid
Even longtime construction professionals must avoid certain common drywall installation mistakes. They might seem obvious but are still vital to note.
You can’t become an expert at anything without making some mistakes first and learning from them. The drywalling business is no exception, especially with the precision this job requires. As a pro, there are some drywall installation mistakes you always need to avoid.
Overenthusiasm With Screws
When it comes to hanging drywall, professionals want to ensure the sheets are fastened in securely. Loose and imprecisely hung drywall is a fast way to lose business and disappoint your clientele. However, this does not mean you need to drive in the screws extra deep. Too deep can result in broken surfaces and strip the screws. Cordless drills have built-in detectors that will stop the drilling process once the screw is secure. For extra precaution, screw the head in about a quarter turn or a half turn past the surface of the paper.
Skipping Over Finishing Levels
In drywall, there are five finishing levels, and each is equally important. Each finishing level connects with the type of drywalling job you’re doing. It’s vital to know each drywall finishing level so you can ensure you’re doing the job to full completion. Some of the work might seem repetitive, but that does not mean you shouldn’t complete each step. Hanging drywall is a repetitive process, but the pros made up the rules for a reason. A basement drywall job versus a living room drywall job requires different levels, so pay attention to the ones you need to complete.
Not Marking Framing Locations
Never eyeball anything when hanging and installing drywall. Pencils and exact measurements are your friends. No matter how many years you’ve been in the business, you can still make simple mistakes like not marking your framing locations. After you decide where you plan to place the screws, mark the location with your pencil. Then return with the drywall sheet and line up the points before installing the sheet. Everything needs to be exact and precise when it comes to this profession. Measure twice!
Neglecting the Finishing Touches
As previously stated, you never want to show your clients a sloppy job after you’ve finished. Hanging drywall is an art, but there will always be unattractive areas on the sheets. But if you’re a pro, you know how to fix these spots. Add the finishing touches to the places that need it with an extra coat of tape or mud and sand it down. You need at least one layer of compound added. This extra protection also makes the sheets fire resistant, which all homes need. Fire resistance is one reason why contractors switched from using plaster to drywall for residential and commercial properties.Keep these tips in mind when you begin your next project. If you happen to make a mistake installing the drywall, correct it, learn from it, and perfect it.
