INSTALLATION
PROCEDURES:
If plans call for a drywall ceiling, apply the panels to the ceiling
first. Then install the bottom wall panels, and, finally, the top
wall panels.
For
ceilings over 8 feet, use longer sheets of drywall, if possible.
If not, install the bottom panel first, and then the top panel against
the ceiling. Then fill in the gap between the top and bottom panel.
This will make for easier nailing and taping because the joints
are at a working level.
CAUTION:
When cutting and sanding drywall, always wear a dust mask or respirator.
To
cut drywall, score the paper wrapper with a sharp utility razor
knife. Pull the knife along a straightedge such as a straight 2x4.
Better yet, buy a drywall T-square for cutting, especially if you
have many drywall panels to size. The squares are inexpensive and
you can use them for many other home maintenance and improvement
projects.
After
scoring the paper wrapper, lay the panel over a length of 2x4 so
the scored line is about even with the edge of the 2x4. Then snap
the core of the board with a quick hand motion. This will break
or fracture the drywall along the scored line that you made. Then
turn over the panel and cut the wrapper at the back of the panel.
At
this point mark all electrical outlets, phone connections, and video
jacks. Although it takes a bit of work, the best way to mark these
projections is to color the edges of the boxes with a China marker.
Or, you can attach carbon paper, carbon side out, over the boxes.
Then position the panel correctly and lightly tap the panel where
the boxes are located. The outline will be transferred to the panel
via the carbon.
Cut
along the outlines and then diagonally from the corners. Knock out
the pieces with a hammer, but take it easy with a hammer so you
don't damage the edges of the drywall.
Another
way to mark the panels for cutouts is to measure the distance from
the outlet to a corner of edge and mark it accordingly. But measure
twice and cut once, and remember that you probably are working with
the face of the panel and the cuts will be opposite unless you cut
from the back of the panel.
The
drywall panels are installed with special drywall or gypsumboard
nails. If you have lots of nailing to do, we suggest that you buy
or rent a electric nail gun. The price is not prohibitive. If you
use nails, nail into the studs. If the wall is not even, add furring
strips. Nail in far enough so the surface of the board is dimpled
but so the paper is not broken. The trick is to drive the nail flush
with the paper surface and then strike the nail head one more time.
This creates the dimple which later will be filled with joint compound.
The
nails should be spaced from 5 to 7 inches apart on ceilings and
from 6 to 8 inches apart on walls. The nails should be between 1/2-
and 3/8 inch from the edges of the panels. When nailing the lower
panels, use a wedge or lever you can make to hold the sheet firmly,
but not forcefully against the upper sheet IF you install the upper
sheet first. Otherwise, if the bottom panel is set first, the top
panel can ride on the edge of the bottom panel. No lever is needed.
When the panels are fastened into position, use a saw to cut out
door and other large openings.
