Drywalling a ceiling in a home or office can be a difficult labor intensive job. Attempting this task on your own, without the help of a professional, will be a challenge for any homeowner. Deciding on the thickness of the drywall used will affect the overall project. Will ½’ drywall sag when installed on a ceiling?
A standard sheet of ½’ drywall is the most commonly used drywall for use on walls and ceilings. It can be installed by a single individual without the use of additional tools or help needed. When installed properly on a standard ceiling ½’ should not sag.
Below we look at different types of drywall, and the different thicknesses, and discuss which would be best for a ceiling installation without sagging.
Different Types of Drywall
There are two main types of drywall to choose from. They are conventional drywall and green board drywall. Below we will look at the two types and compare their differences.
Conventional Drywall
Conventional drywall is the most commonly used type of drywall. It is recommended for use on both ceilings and walls. It comes in 4 different thicknesses: ¼’, ⅜’, ½’, and ⅝’. The thinner drywall is, the more flexible it is and more prone to sagging and drooping. ¼’ is mostly used on curved and unusual areas.
Green Board
Green board is used in water-prone areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas with a high presence of moisture. It is less prone to moisture than conventional drywall but not waterproof. It will require a waterproof material if used in showers or other areas where it would contact water. It is heavier than conventional drywall and requires less spacing for fasteners during installation.
Drywall Panel Sizes
In addition to thickness, the length of the drywall will be a factor when choosing drywall for your application. Be sure to purchase the proper length of drywall to reduce joints and seams during installation. Longer sheets are slightly higher in price but can reduce the number of seams and waste needed when installing. This will provide cost savings over the shorter-length drywall.
Longer sheets, however, may require additional help during installation. They may be more difficult to maneuver into the work area, upstairs, and through doorways. Installation on ceilings will require additional help as it may be impossible to maneuver it into place and secure it alone.
Can ½’ Drywall be Used on Ceilings?
½’ drywall is the most common drywall used on ceilings and walls. It is the most affordable drywall for these applications when the cost is a considerable factor. A single individual can install standard-size ½’ drywall without needing additional equipment or personnel.
Fire codes and joint spacing may call for thicker drywall so it’s best to check on the regulations in your area before installation. ½’ drywall is lightweight, easily carried, and can be installed by a single person. Thicker drywall may require help when installing due to its increased weight.
Will ½’ Drywall Sag on Ceilings?
When installed properly on ceilings, ½’ drywall should not have an issue with sagging. It is recommended that ½’ drywall be installed on studs that are no more than 16 inches apart. ½’ drywall should be nailed or screwed every 8-10 inches when being installed. Drywall under ½’ should not be used for ceilings as it will be prone to sagging after installation.
When Should Thicker Drywall be Installed?
Thicker drywall may be required on exterior walls or ceilings to reduce the possibility of a fire spreading from a garage to the living areas of a home, or between two separate apartments. If the ceiling trusses or studs are more than 16’ apart thicker drywall will be required to reduce the risk of sagging. Thicker drywall will be less prone to sagging across longer distances.
Thicker drywall may be required when doing repairs to existing ceilings or walls. Plaster ceilings or walls may require ⅜’ drywall to match the thickness of the existing ceilings or walls. Thicker drywall will also be required when adding a thick coating or texturing to the ceiling after installation to prevent sagging in the future.
Conclusion
When properly installed 1/2’ drywall is the best choice for a ceiling. It will not have issues with sagging and standard-size sheets can be installed by a single individual without the need for additional help or tools.
Fire code or trusses and studs that are over the traditional 16’ framing sizes will require thicker drywall to avoid sagging on ceiling installations. Additionally, if you are planning on texturing or adding a thick coating of mud to the ceiling, thick drywall is also recommended in this situation.
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FAQ
Is ½’ Drywall Safe for Ceilings?
½’ drywall is the most common size of drywall and can be used for both ceiling and wall installation without any issues. It is light enough to be installed by a single individual without the need for extra tools or equipment.
What SIze Drywall Should I Use on My Ceiling?
Standard ½’ drywall is recommended for use on standard ceilings. It is the most cost-effective drywall for use on ceilings or walls. ⅝’ drywall may be needed on exterior walls for fire safety and sound deadening reasons.
Do I Need to Strap My Ceiling Before Drywalling?
Strapping your ceiling before installing drywall will ensure you have the best nailing or screwing surface to secure your drywall to. It will help reduce seams in the drywall and give your ceiling a better overall finish.
Do You Need to Glue Drywall When Installing on a Ceiling?
½’ drywall does not need to be glued when installed on a ceiling. It is an added step that you can use to help during the installation. If there is no vapor barrier present, you can add glue to the trusses before attaching the drywall to the ceiling. Gluing should not take the place of screws or nails. They are still required when installing drywall on a ceiling.