1) 1/2" drywall is most common on exterior walls and on non-fire rated walls. 2) 5/8" or sometimes two 1/2" drywall walls are required for fire rated (shared) walls.
1/2-Inch-Thick Drywall
As previously mentioned, 1/2-inch thick drywall is the most common thickness, as this type is used in homes.
Choose 1/2'' drywall for standard interior applications where weight and cost are considerations. Choose 5/8'' drywall for areas needing enhanced fire resistance or soundproofing, or for ceilings where sagging is a concern. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on the specific requirements of your project.
The minimum thickness of exterior walls in one-story buildings shall be 10 inches (254 mm). The walls shall be laterally supported at intervals not exceeding 24 feet (7315 mm). The minimum thickness of interior load-bearing walls shall be 8 inches (203 mm).
Glass Mat Gypsum Sheathing helps exterior walls resist air, water and noise infiltration. Exterior Gypsum Sheathing is a special-purpose drywall panel consisting of a moisture-resistant, noncombustible core covered by glass-mat facers on both front and back surfaces and long edges.
Drywall screws are not engineered to withstand the heavy loads and pressure that outdoor construction often requires. They are thinner than screws designed for outdoor use, which makes them more likely to bend or break when subjected to heavy weights, wind, or other environmental factors.
Exterior Gypsum Sheathing is a water-resistant product designed for attachment to exterior side-wall framing as an underlayment for various exterior siding materials such as wood, metal or vinyl siding, masonry veneer, stucco, shingles, etc.
Wall thickness not only impacts the overall aesthetics of your design but also influences functionality, insulation, and structural integrity. Generally, interior walls are typically 4 to 6 inches thick, while exterior walls may range from 6 to 12 inches depending on the materials used and the climate considerations.
While 2×6 walls are more structurally sound, they are rarely needed. 2×4 construction is strong and structurally sound, especially when working with a custom home builder that uses premium materials.
9 and this section on all sheathable exterior wall surfaces, including areas above and below openings. Structural sheathing panels shall consist of minimum 7/16-inch-thick (11 mm) oriented strand board or 15/32-inch-thick (12 mm) plywood.
5/8″ is required in some applications. All commercial requires it and residential garages typically have 5/8″ drywall. It is better than 1/2″. Warning, do not use on walls in a residential application as the door jambs will not fit, unless you have specifically purchased larger frame door jambs.
Drywall type – Most garages use 1/2" standard or 5/8" fire-resistant drywall, depending on local building codes. Moisture-resistant drywall helps to prevent mold in areas with high humidity. Finish level – A Level 2 finish is most common in garages.
1/2-inch drywall is the most versatile board and the most common thickness for the 16-inch on-center interior walls in most homes. It offers a good balance between strength and weight. 5/8-inch drywall is a heavier product that resists sagging in ceilings and in 24-inch on-center interior walls.
1/2-Inch Drywall: Most drywall measures 1/2-inch thick. It's the most common choice for interior walls because they are easy to carry and hang. If weight is a concern, consider ultra-light half-inch drywall.
FAQ. What is the average thickness for exterior walls in commercial construction? The average thickness generally ranges from 6 to 12 inches, depending on the materials and local regulations.
Number of Screws Per Sheet of Drywall
Use about 32 drywall screws per sheet of 4-foot by 8-foot drywall installed horizontally on a wall. This total is comprised of four screws on the five middle studs and six screws on each of the two sides.
Foam Board or Rigid Foam
Foam boards -- rigid panels of insulation -- can be used to insulate almost any part of your home, from the roof down to the foundation. They are very effective in exterior wall sheathing, interior sheathing for basement walls, and special applications such as attic hatches.
1) 1/2" drywall is most common on exterior walls and on non-fire rated walls. 2) 5/8" or sometimes two 1/2" drywall walls are required for fire rated (shared) walls.
A solid brick wall is usually about 22 cm thick, a cavity wall between 27 cm and 30 cm thick, and a solid stone wall could be as much as 50 cm. The age of your home can also be a good indicator. As a general rule, if it was built before the late 1920s it is unlikely to have a cavity.
6 to 12 Inches (Exterior Walls)
Thicker exterior walls are beneficial because they allow for the use of denser insulation materials that provide higher R-values. Fiberglass Batts or Rolls: Suitable for standard exterior walls, offering an R-value of R-19 to R-21.
Purple board drywall is the most resistant to moisture and mold, so much so that it's suitable to use on the exterior of buildings. Purple board is also a highly fire-resistant drywall.
Modern sheathing options include oriented strand board (OSB), plywood, foam board, gypsum, and structural fiberboard. These materials provide better moisture resistance, structural integrity, and energy efficiency compared to older options like plank and Celotex sheathing.
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.