I'm removing a couple of feet of ceiling drywall from the entire back side of my basement prior to a repair (reasons are not related to question but available upon request).

I removed a small piece (there was a water stain) and noticed that there appear to be metal rails screwed perpendicular to the joists (parallel to the back wall), and then the drywall is screwed to these rails.

I am having a drywall guy come in after the repair to replace the drywall and paint the ceiling, but I'm wondering whether I should be cutting the drywall between the back wall and the rails, or past the rails. In other words, should I be making the rails available for the reinstallation of the ceiling drywall, even if it means removing more drywall? My cut will run parallel to the rails.

Thanks,

-Josh

 

Are the rails wide enough to allow a drywall splice in the center of the rail?

 

I would cut roughly in the center between the channels then use a piece of plywood about 5" wide to make the splice. Screw it to the existing with about half of it revealed then screw the new piece to the revealed part. This way you don't have to cut to the center of the channel or try to stay tight to the side. I imagine this is resilient or hat channel and it seems easier to me to avoid cutting to it or in the center of it.

 

I doubt you will be able to get a nice straight cut down the middle of the channel. so I'd probably suggest you leave the drywall screwed to the channel. then plan on putting a new rc channel right next to it so that its easy for you to cut and replace the drywall.