Looking for some general drywall advice from folks who know more then I do. We are drywalling garage ceiling. Joists are 2×6 12OC.
-Since joists are so close do I need to use 1×3 strapping?
-Would you hang ceiling before walls, or vice versa?
-And for bonus points, does code require drywall or cold we use plywood? There will be a living space above, but the garage will have a woodshop so preferably we’d hang something more durable.
Thanks
Replies
Code requires a firewall (such as fire-rated drywall) between a garage and inhabited space.
Thanks Dan. Any thoughts on the strapping?
It’s my understanding that strapping reduces the amount of movement the drywall be exposed to. It can help eliminate cracks in the future when the joists sag (they’ll have a tiny amount of flex when the upstairs is occupied). Since this is a woodshop you may not care what the drywall looks like after 3, 5, 10, etc years. It also gives a wider nailing surface for your drywall, not the biggest deal but easier than trying to catch half of a 2x6 on edge. Have you thought of using resilient channel for your strapping?
All in all I don’t think you NEED to strap, but it couldn’t hurt.
Cracks from deflection and dinged drywall is a little bit of a concern. That’s part of the reason I wanted to use plywood on walls and ceiling. If the strapping helps I may run with that. Resilient channels have definitely been a consideration, as has a continuous layer of rigid, and quiet rock. Just trying to understand requirements and best practices before deciding which direction to go.
with regard to what comes first, walls or ceilings, I see mixed approaches online. Most likely going to be filling bays between joist with cellulose, so if there is strapping to contend with it seems like doing ceiling first might make sense?
Kev
Ceiling first.
ceiling drywall
kevek,
Sheath the ceiling with 5/8 firecode, per code, and hang ceiling first, strapping will help deter cracking over time,
your call on that one
Geoff
Like others have said , fire rated drywall 5/8' is typical minimum, more is always better.
If you are worried about noise there is also noise reducing drywall available that could go under fire rated.
An additional benefit of strapping is that it will help stiffen floor above and reduce flex which leads to cracks.
It gives you a bigger target to hit with the screws too.
ceiling install first is typical, but the reasons I've heard is more for living spaces. It will help stabilize ceiling sheet
if you push it up tight against it.