Replies

1. 
   Isamemon | Nov 27, 2004 08:06pm | #1

   1/2 inch on walls

   for ceiling you can use 1/2 but it should be rated "ceiling board". there is a difference. Some areas dont have it available, and some prefer not to use it, and use 5/8ths on the ceiling

   moisture concerns, baths, kitchens ( near the sink) , use green board

1. 
   ALNROB | Nov 28, 2004 02:11am | #2

   thanks hammertime.     Years ago I used 1/2" all over, including the ceiling.   That was about 7 years ago.   I don't see any problems with the ceiling and thought that 1/2" was ok.   But, I was told lately by one person that it was required to have 5/8" on the ceilings -   but was also told by a custom home builder friend that he uses the same 1/2" throughout,  (except for moisture areas).    Can I use 1/2" regular or is the ceiling difference a must?

   thanks  Al

1. 
   Isamemon | Nov 28, 2004 03:44am | #3

   if you mean "must" a code thing, not around here in my area. or should I say I have not seen one inspector look to see what the ciling is covered with, and I admit I have installed plenty of regular 1/2 on a ceiling without seeing problems, but now that I sub it out I notice the sub uses 1/2 "ceiling board" on the ceilings, and when broken apart it has a lot more "hairs" to it. He also uses 5/8ths on ceilings, maybe its a cost thing at the time of the job.

   not being nit picky but I have gone into jobs where there is an occasional piece fo standard 1/2 on the cieling, maybe he ran short. but he is not concerned

   and he has been at it , and I have been using him since the 80's

1. 
   ALNROB | Nov 28, 2004 05:20pm | #4

   thanks hammertime -   now I'm being told (local fix-er-upper) that its the insurance companies that demand a different type for ceilings or they won't insure.   I was told to call the insurance company but I didnt want to wave any unnecesary flags.   Have you heard anything like that?   I'm in wisconsin but that shouldn"t matter??

   I like this chat idea - I've subscribed to fine homebuilding for years and never knew this was here.

   thanks again  - Al

1. 
   Isamemon | Nov 28, 2004 08:01pm | #5

   I hate waving flags at a bull too

   never heard of the insurance thing

   might be my area

2. 
   WayneL5 | Nov 29, 2004 05:00am | #6

   For walls, ½" is standard and adequate even for high end jobs.

   For ceilings, it depends on the spacing of the joists.  For 16" spacing, ½" is fine.  For 24" spacing, ½" is passable, 5/8" is better.  If you builder can find drywall made specifically for ceilings (only available in some parts of the country), it's better than 5/8" and is only ½" thick, I believe.

   The consideration for ceilings is the amount of sag between the joists.  It's purely an aesthetic decision.

   I have not heard of any insurance or codes which require anything other than standard drywall in normal residential construction, with the exception of where a fire-rated wall or ceiling is specifically called for, which is usually the wall separating an attached garage from the house.

   If you post in Breaktime, you'll get more experienced responses.