Why is there a gap at the bottom of drywall?

Author: Evert Harber  |  Last update: Sunday, August 31, 2025

This means working with the largest drywall panels and pieces you can handle safely. Vertical joints in drywall are also called "butt joints." Always leave a 1/2-inch gap at the floor. This allows for floor and wall expansion without cracking the drywall.

Does drywall need a gap at the bottom?

Installing drywall with at least a ½ inch gap between it and the floor will save you many headaches later on. While it may be easier to secure the lower sheets of drywall first while they rest on the ground, the potential for problems both immediately and in the long run far outweighs the ease of installation.

Why is there a gap between drywall and floor?

Moisture Control: The gap helps prevent moisture from the floor (especially in areas like basements or bathrooms) from wicking up into the drywall. If the drywall touches the floor, it can absorb moisture and lead to mold growth or deterioration.

Why is there a gap at the bottom of my wall?

A gap at the bottom of drywall is left so that if any water penetrates under the skirting, it will not cause the dry wall to deteriorate.

Should you leave a gap in drywall?

Dry wall sheets should always be hung tight at the joints, PERIOD. NO GAPS. Wherever there's gaps there's a potential area for the mud to crack underneath the tape. The only time you intentionally leave a gap is on the bottom between the floor and the bottom of the sheet.

How to Fix Gaps in drywall angles by Hand

How much is too much of a gap in drywall?

Most gaps between drywall sheets can be taped and mudded over like usual. But gaps of up to 1/2-inch between drywall sheets are significant. Paper drywall tape itself is only 2 inches wide, so that type of gap is a quarter of the tape's width.

Can you hang drywall wrong?

One of the most common drywall mistakes is not having the proper edge support. Framing at inside corners is often inadequate or lacking altogether, making it impossible to fasten the edge of the drywall (left).

Why do plasterers leave a gap at the bottom?

Plaster, being a material that can expand or contract due to changes in temperature and moisture levels, requires this allowance. By leaving a small gap at the bottom, the plaster is able to move freely without cracking or causing damage to the floor.

How do you fill the gap between the wall and the floor?

If the gap is smaller than 12 in (1.3 cm), fill it with silicone caulk. Fill gaps larger than 12 in (1.3 cm) with a few pieces of wood, foam insulation, or spray insulation. Nail a baseboard or quarter round over the filled gap, then caulk around the baseboard.

What is the thing at the bottom of the wall?

In architecture, a baseboard (also called skirting board, skirting, wainscoting, mopboard, trim, floor molding, or base molding) is usually wooden, MDF or vinyl board covering the lowest part of an interior wall.

How to finish the bottom of drywall?

What are the steps to finish the bottom of drywall in the garage?
  1. Maintain a gap. ...
  2. Fill in gaps between drywall sheets. ...
  3. Add mud over drywall screws. ...
  4. Tape the seams. ...
  5. Sand and skim coat. ...
  6. Gather supplies for priming and painting. ...
  7. Add texture. ...
  8. Apply primer.

Why does my house have 2 layers of drywall?

Insulation – If you live in a very hot or cold climate and struggle to keep your home adequately heated in winter or cooled in summer, an additional layer of drywall in the ceiling may help with insulation. It creates an additional barrier and prevents heat and cool air from escaping through the attic.

Why is a small gap left behind the walls?

So to allow the expansion and contraction, a small gap is left behind the walls while mounting a girder for roofing.

Should you install drywall or flooring first?

Drywall is installed, finished a primed before flooring is installed so that the flooring isn't damaged during the drywall installation and finishing process. We install and finish our walls and ceilings, and paint a primer and first finish coat before doing any flooring.

How often should I screw drywall?

Generally speaking, drywall screws should be placed 8-16 inches apart on each side of a 4×8-foot sheet of drywall. If using a larger sheet of drywall, such as a 4×10 or 4×12, then the screws should be spaced 10-20 inches apart.

Does drywall need an expansion gap?

Building codes require that a drywall control/expansion joint be placed every 30 feet along uninterrupted wall or ceiling partitions. These flexible joints basically provide a form of relief for these long drywall runs, as too much tension causes cracks, or worse.

Do you leave a gap between drywall and floor?

Always leave a 1/2-inch gap at the floor. This allows for floor and wall expansion without cracking the drywall. It also helps prevents moisture wicking if the floor floods. Wear work gloves, safety goggles and a dust mask when hanging drywall.

Why is there a gap between the wall and floor?

Gaps between wall and floor most commonly occur due to an unlevel foundation. Baseboards separating from the walls are also standard. Soil irregularities beneath your home can cause parts of your foundation to sink or settle at different rates, leading to visible gaps.

Why do people plaster over drywall?

Advantages. Some considerations favor plaster veneer over mud-and-tape drywall. Moisture resistance: Once cured, plaster is an effective water barrier. By contrast, unprotected drywall and joint compound absorb water, causing sagging, bloating, or complete structural failure.

Do you need to leave a gap at the bottom of plasterboard?

Leave a gap between the floor and the boards for movement to occur. On a ground level, it's worth making this gap larger by a couple of inches at least, to ensure that damp cannot get from the floor to the boards, as they are very hydroscopic and will absorb any moisture around if they can.

What does a bad drywall job look like?

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.

Why don't people hang drywall vertically?

Seams Are More Visible

Since hanging drywall the tall way creates more seams, and their vertical, floor-to-ceiling nature makes it harder to reach and cover them evenly, you are at a higher risk of seeing those seams.

How much gap between drywall is OK?

Keeping the joints between sheets of drywall too close is an invitation for troubles along the way. Professional drywall installers allow for ⅛-inch space between sheetrock placement, and this allows for expansion and contraction for the frame of the building, avoiding cracks and damage to the drywall.

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