Drywall ..basement

WHAT IS CODE FOR HANGING DRYWALL IN
WESTERVILLE & COLUMBUS AREA...........DOES THIS
NEED TO BE PLACED WITH SCREWS OR CAN IT BE
NAILED.....WE ARE THINKING ABOUT HANGING THEM
OURSELVES !!

ANYTHING ELSE WE SHOULD KNOW, BEFORE
TACKLEING SUCH A JOB

THANKS, MIKE YOUR HOME SITE HAS BEEN
VERY HELPFUL !!

 

It's always best to call your building department with such questions and get a definitive answer. The best we can do is guess. But my guess would be the either nails or screws are okay (although there's no way I would recommend nails). If the inspector cares at all (an inspection after drywalling but before finishing is not common), he will want to see enough fasteners -- probably one row in every joist or stud and five nails/screws across the four feet.

Drywalling books available at your local library or home improvement center will tell you all you need to know and have pictures. I recommend that you read more than one to get some different ideas. Books by Myron Ferguson are a must. I recommend hanging the drywall perpendicular to the joists and studs in all cases (i.e., hang it horizontally on the walls). And do the ceiling first (if you are drywalling the ceiling). Rent a drywall lift from your local rental center, and buy a special driver for your drill that will set the screws to the correct depth.

There are other codes you should ask about too, such as where 5/8" type X fire-rated drywall might be required (e.g., under the stairs), and whether 1/2" drywall is sufficient for the ceiling (probably depends on joist spacing), and if moisture-resistant drywall is necessary in the bathroom.

I think you'll find your building department very helpful if you educate yourself and ask specific questions.

 

Definitely screws, I have spent a lot of time on my old house fixing nails that were popping out.