Drywall inspections are only required for garage separations and gypsum board shearwalls. The scope of the inspections may vary per jurisdiction. The screw pattern on the walls is 16” for 16” on center framing and 12” for 24” on center framing. requirements of IRC chapter 6.
A drywall inspection is a type of inspection that evaluates drywall installation to verify if it follows standard structural requirements. It helps identify and address issues before adding finishing touches to the building or home. It is conducted prior to and after installation.
Once inspected, your electrical team will install light fixtures, outlet covers, and any remaining electrical items. This step also includes the installation of your HVAC system and testing to ensure proper heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are fully functional.
How long does Pre-Drywall Inspection take? It depends on the size of the property, but it is usually between one and two hours. If any major issues are identified, they will need to be corrected before proceeding with the drywall installation. This could add additional time to the overall project timeline.
One key difference between the two is that sheetrock is a brand name of drywall made by the United States Gypsum Corporation. Another difference lies in their production process; sheetrock has a slightly denser core than drywall due to the addition of a small amount of wood fiber to the gypsum core.
The presence of water can cause staining and discoloration, bulging, sagging, and mold issues. The above signs and possible damp smells of mold tell us that your drywall has water damage and will likely need to be replaced.
To detect pipes or wiring behind drywall, use a stud finder with live wire detection or a multi-function detector. Avoid drilling near electrical outlets and switch plates as wiring is likely in those areas.
½ - inch thick drywall
Half-inch drywall thickness is the standard for interior walls and ceilings for residential homes. While not as light as ¼ or ⅜ – inch drywall sheets, ½ – inch drywall sheets are light enough to carry and install. ½ – inch drywall panels can be installed on both metal and wooden frames.
Utility-grade studs shall not be spaced more than 16 inches on center or support more than a roof and ceiling, or exceed 8 feet in height for exterior walls and load-bearing walls or 10 feet for interior nonload-bearing walls.
Serious drywall cracks will require further investigation by a qualified structural engineer. Be prepared, as this will be an invasive process. The exterior roof, walls and foundations will be inspected.
New construction homes arguably require more care and inspection because many issues do not present themselves until years of use and dwelling. For this reason, we recommend conducting multiple home inspections of new construction homes to protect you from any liabilities.
You'll likely need a permit since this project may require soil grading to avoid drainage issues. Repairing your floor may be more cost-efficient than replacing it if grading is necessary. No permit may be required to hang drywall on exposed wooden wall studs in your garage.
Primarily made of gypsum combined with hardening agents and sheathed in paper or other covering, drywall can last 70 years or longer in ideal conditions. Absent ideal conditions, drywall has an average lifespan of 30 to 50 years.
No mold doesn't always grow after a leak. If the temperature isn't right or if the leak is properly dealt with quickly, there's a chance that mold spores won't be able to take root or grow.
If you notice a lot of bumps or uneven surfaces, then it's likely due to improper drywall finishing. Keep in mind, some roughness near lower levels of the finish might be acceptable, but be sure to pay close attention to corners and edges as these areas can especially appear to be uneven.
“Any Item that will be concealed by drywall (e.g., wall insulation) must be verified during the pre-drywall inspection. If drywall is installed prior to the inspection, then it must be entirely removed to fully verify all Items. It is not sufficient to remove only portions of drywall to inspect a subset of areas.
The final payment to the contractor shouldn't be made until all work is complete and the customer is fully satisfied. Meaning all items are 100% complete and any issues with the work are resloved .
Hang the Ceiling First
This makes it much easier to manage and attach the panels since you will not have to fumble around with the screws, measuring tape, and so on. Screws for drywall lids should be placed no closer than 16” from the wall. This allows the drywall to have a bit of flexibility to prevent ceiling cracks.
It's best to start by repairing any cracks or holes in the wall. Sand and wipe the entire wall down. Apply a coat of drywall primer and allow it to dry. Roll and brush on 2-4 coats of paint.
Moisture-and-mold resistant drywall is best used for interior walls, especially in areas like kitchens, bathrooms or basements. The best drywall boards for these areas have moisture-resistant cores that prevent water and moisture intrusion from seeping into the board itself.