Replacing 1/4" Panel with drywall
#1
06-20-13, 07:32 AM
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Replacing 1/4" Panel with drywall
I seem to be here a lot lately but I want to do the job right. My newest project is to replace 1/4" paneling with drywall. The room is a family room with a gas fireplace. The paneling is the wall between the Family room and one bedroom, the family room and a door wall which faces my backyard, and the family room and one outside wall. All of the walls have R7 which I intend to put R13, encapsulated insulation blanket, back in. The closest wall to the opening of the fireplace is 38 inches away. My question is this. What type of drywall does code require for interiors? Do I have to use 5/8 inch Fire X on the walls nearest the gas fireplace? The home was built in 1968. The drywall around the family room is all 1/2 inch. Do I need a vapor barrier between the bedroom and the family room? Thanks in advance for the help. Oh..... I live in Michigan near Lake St. Clair in case location is a consideration for code.
#2
06-20-13, 10:51 AM
As far as I know, the only time you are required to use 5/8" firerock is when the wall is between units [apartments,condos] and garage. Local codes can be stricter. Vapor barriers are only needed on the exterior walls.
Since you currently have paneling I'm sure whatever size drywall you decide to use will meet code.
Since you currently have paneling I'm sure whatever size drywall you decide to use will meet code.
#3
06-20-13, 11:27 AM
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I know locally (Northern Ontario Canada), the firewall behind wood burning fireplaces are required. In 2000, it had to be a solid piece (not tiles). The floor around the fireplace could not be hardwood. My parents had to use ceramic tile. I believe it had to be 2ft out from the stove in every direction.
My natural gas fireplace at the old house (was a wood stove look alike) only had drywall behind it, and that passed inspections.
That being said, local codes can and may differ.
Check with your local building inspector's office. They should be able to tell you right away if a firewall is required beyond drywall.
My natural gas fireplace at the old house (was a wood stove look alike) only had drywall behind it, and that passed inspections.
That being said, local codes can and may differ.
Check with your local building inspector's office. They should be able to tell you right away if a firewall is required beyond drywall.
#4
06-21-13, 08:32 AM
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Your paneling will most likely have drywall behind it to support and stiffen the panels. I would lift up one section and see what kind of shape it is in. If they did not use a lot of glue when installing, you may be able to repair what is there and not need to add any drywall.
#5
06-21-13, 08:38 AM
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Most houses I had seen in my area with panneling ended up being plywood or pressboard under it.
Plaster was still a common wall covering here in the 60's as well if pannelling wasn't used.
Plaster was still a common wall covering here in the 60's as well if pannelling wasn't used.
#6
06-21-13, 12:16 PM
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Pix of room
These are pictures of the room. I pried a seem loose to show what is behind the paneling. The paneling covering the outside wall has a vapor barrier and R7 insulation behind it. There is no plywood, or drywall, behind any of the paneling.
#7
06-21-13, 01:31 PM
You can use 1/2" drywall. Be sure to reset the electrical boxes to be flush with the face of the new material. You will probably need to add 1/4" or so of wood to the face of your door and window jambs to get the trim to lay flat.
I would guess that R-19 would be better than R-13 in exterior walls in your area. You can plug the information for your house and area into the ZIP-Code Insulation Program (ZIP - Insulation Program) to determine that. I would also suggest using an unfaced insulation such as Roxul (Save Energy With ComfortBatt) and installing a vapor barrier that you can air seal over it.
The only reason to install insulation in an interior wall is to dampen sound. You shouldn't install any vapor barrier there.
I would guess that R-19 would be better than R-13 in exterior walls in your area. You can plug the information for your house and area into the ZIP-Code Insulation Program (ZIP - Insulation Program) to determine that. I would also suggest using an unfaced insulation such as Roxul (Save Energy With ComfortBatt) and installing a vapor barrier that you can air seal over it.
The only reason to install insulation in an interior wall is to dampen sound. You shouldn't install any vapor barrier there.
#8
07-16-13, 07:10 AM
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#9
10-30-13, 06:12 AM
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Family Room Do Over
Couldn't find my original post so I will put all photos here. My family room had 1/4" Veneer Paneling with R7 Insulation. I replaced the Insulation with R13, a new vapor barrier, and 1/2" Drywall. So these are the before and after pictures.
