Falling Rock

the drywall ceiling in my garage is falling (nails are pulling thru). i think this may be because there is no insulation in the attic area of the garage. my plan is to use wafer board (5/16") on the ceiling instead of drywall. my concern is should i leave the exsisting drywall in place and sheath over it, or remove the drywall and then sheath it? is weight going to be an issue? the construction is 2x4 joists on 24" centers and is apx 20 yrs old. any advice would be appreciated.

 

I guess I would just leave the drywall there, push it up flush with the joists and put drywall screws in to hold it it place. I am not a fan or nailing any drywall, but especially ceilings, for reasons you now understand.

 

Hi derf,

Thin sheet goods, such as the 5/16 wafer board is really better suited as a covering over a hard surface, instead of a stand alone material. The thin sheets will bow, warp, bulge, etc, when used without a structural backing. It others words, the really thin stuff is great as an overlay.

If you want a flat, attractive wall or ceiling, you need total thickness more like 1/2, 5/8, 3/4 etc.

So, yes, install the thin 5/16 over the drywall.

More importantly, I agree with arkay. Just screw the drywall back snug with drywall screws. Fun, easy, great finished look! If your garage is anything like mine, with electrical runs, light fixtures, pipes, a/c lines, shelfs, hangers, etc, then you will be in for a alot of custom fitting. I would avoid that like the plague

Good luck

 

I'm sorry boys, but I have to disagree. I would pull the sheetrock down. It will collect moisture, and become hevier, and suddenly you have a cracked truss. I would not use 5/16" wafer board either. It does not have enough structure. I would put up 1/2" OSB board. It is cheap, strong, and looks good. It can be nailed or screwed. Also as I would be putting it up, I would insulate on top of each board, as I put it up. Just lay the insulation up there, between the trussed.