Working With Drywall
Written by Elizabeth Wood
Editor In Chief, United Home Improvement

Are you installing new walls or redoing an existing wall? Perhaps you are looking for dry wall techniques to change an existing architecture. Regardless of your purpose, working with drywall can be a tricky task. There are many things that need to be considered before you begin.

Common drywall purposes include retexturing ceilings and walls, installing a new wall, redoing an existing wall, and making small design changes. Before tackling any of these projects, several important aspects of your home and its walls should be carefully looked over before installation.

One of the first things you should do is determine where your electrical wiring is located. Checking for and protecting wires and pipes should always be done before you install drywall. In addition to your electricity, you should also make sure that your ceiling has been installed or replaced before starting on your drywall. Unless you are, of course, replacing your existing ceiling with textured drywall.

Other elements to be taken into consideration:

• Make sure to check your studs and joists. Everything should be spaced correctly and put in its proper place.

• Add any vapor barriers that apply to your geographical climate. Where you place the barrier depends on your climates temperatures.

• Insulate all exterior walls and soundproof all of your interior walls. It is much easier to do this before installing your drywall; otherwise you will be faced with much more difficulty.

In addition, it is important that you select the proper tape and joint compound for a drywall project. The tools needed for drywall installation are usually inexpensive. The trick is to know how to use these tools. Keep in mind that installing drywall requires skill and coordination, so if at any point you feel uncomfortable tackling the job alone, consider hiring a qualified contractor.

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