The 3 Main Types of Drywall

Posted on May 25, 2021 by bittnerdry

Although there are various forms of drywall available on the market, all of which commonly used in various construction applications, there are 3 primary types to be familiar with. Continue reading to learn more about traditional drywall, gypsum board, and Chinese drywall, including which to choose for your intended project or remodel.

Drywall

Drywall is a construction material made from thin panels of gypsum board. It is used to construct walls and ceilings in residential and commercial structures. Drywall is also called wallboard, gypsum board, and plasterboard. It is called “drywall” because water is not required to use it for wall and ceiling construction.

Gypsum Board

Gypsum board is a universal term used to describe a family of panel-type products that retain a non-combustible core. Gypsum comes from the Greek term, “gypsos”, meaning plaster. It is a naturally-occurring mineral found in sedimentary rock formations. To acquire it, gypsum must be mined. Millions of tons of gypsum are mined every year in North America, and most of it is to manufacture drywall products. Gypsum contains large amounts of water bound in crystalline form, making it less prone to combustion. These boards are layered with gypsum rock and specialty paper material.

Chinese Drywall

Chinese drywall is a term used to reference an environmental health situation involving defective drywall material manufactured in China and imported to the United States in 2001. Laboratory testing revealed that the defective drywall emitted sulfurous gasses, including carbon disulfide, carbonyl sulfide, and hydrogen sulfide.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began investigating the effects of Chinese drywall in 2009, and concluded that there are short-term health implications from exposure, including respiratory problems, asthma irritations, sore throats, chronic headaches, and more. Long-term exposure can have health implications like chronic fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, and more.

Do you need professional assistance or advice for your drywalling project? Contact Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for professional drywall services and custom drywall texture in Indianapolis, Indiana.

You Should Also Read:

FAQS About Drywall Repair and Installation
Should I Install Basement Drywall On My Own?
How to Spot Improper Drywall Installation

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Drywall Sealing Guide for Do It Yourself Homeowners

Posted on April 13, 2021 by bittnerdry

If you own a home, chances are you have drywall. Most homes and offices are constructed with sheetrock, gypsum board, or as we like to call it here in Indiana, drywall. The best way to ensure your drywall is protected and promote longevity is to seal it with a quality drywall sealer. If you are a hands-on, do-it-yourself (DIY) kind of person, you might be successful all on your own. Otherwise, please hire a professional drywall contractor for drywall sealing services.

For now, continue below for a guide to sealing drywall, including what you need and where to get professional assistance if you find the job too overwhelming after you begin.

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Use a Quality Primer Paint for Sealing Drywall

Because the different layers of drywall, such as the tape, seams, and joint compound, have different porosity levels, it is necessary to properly seal them with a drywall sealer, which is just a good quality primer paint. You must choose a kind that is specifically for drywall, which usually comes in white or similar flat-like colors. If you are painting a dark color on the wall, you will use a darker primer. Talk to your home improvement or paint store clerk for advice on which primer is best for your intended application, as outdoor, semi-outdoor, and indoor drywall may require different needs depending on the region you live and more.

What You Need:

˃ Latex Primer Paint for Drywall
˃ 3/8 in. Rolling Brush
˃ 3 in. Hand Brush
˃ Painters’ Tape
˃ Paint Tray
˃ Tarp
˃ Large Sponge
˃ Protective Gear

How to Prepare for Drywall Sealing:

Dampen your sponge with clean water and wipe down the drywall. Eliminate any residual sand or dust from the installation and finishing.

Locate any wall burrs or holes, and sand and refill them. Then repeat step one.

Protect all of your molding, woodwork, and ceiling areas by lining them with your painters’ tape. Be sure to get electrical outlets and wall fixtures.

Cover the surrounding area, including furniture, appliances, fireplace, cabinets, carpeting, flooring, windows, and more, using your tarp. Plastic or cloth will do.

How to Seal Drywall:

Using your latex primer paint, begin by painting the edges and corners of your surface area. Then paint around all wall fixtures and outlets.

Paint the remaining walls using your rolling brush. Begin with vertical and diagonal strokes, creating a “W” or “M”, and then work your way from top to bottom filling in the spaces.

Although one coat is usually enough to suffice, it is recommended by most professionals to apply two full coats of primer paint to your drywall for a proper seal.

Are you looking for some professional help with drywall work? Contact Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for professional drywall services in Indianapolis, Indiana.

You Should Also Read:

How to Pick the Perfect Paint Color
5 Steps to Properly Painting Over New Plasterboard
What Do I Need to Repair a Hole in the Wall

How Proper Drywall Work Can Reduce Sound

Posted on March 12, 2021 by bittnerdry

If you are building a new home or office, choosing the right drywall materials is key to indoor comfort. One aspect of indoor comfort is peace and quiet. There are several types of noises a good dry wall can help reduce, making it an important part of your property’s overall construction. Continue reading for a further explanation of the types of noises that can be blocked out with a quality drywall.

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Decreasing Exterior Noise

The first type of noise that tends to reduce your quality of living is exterior clamor. This includes the bothersome sounds and clatter of the outside world, such as traffic, airplanes, lawn mowers, construction, chattering wildlife, barking dogs, passing pedestrians, inclement weather, and more. The problem with these noises is that they generally occur at low frequencies, which happens to be the most difficult to isolate. An expert drywall contractor and the right materials can help to significantly reduce these inconvenient outdoor noises.

Interior Noise

If the outside can leak bothersome noise into the house, then indoor noises can do so too. Indoor noise from room to room can cause all sorts of problems, especially for napping children, third shift workers, wok-from home employees, and more. These are also known as “flanking noises” because they travel from room to room via floors, air pockets in ceilings, and ductwork. Common indoor clatter that can be reduced with the right drywall includes televisions, radios, blenders, major home appliances, garage doors, slamming doors, pets, children, and more.

Impact Noise

Aside from indoor and outdoor noise, there is impact noise, which can come from both the interior and exterior of a house or building. Impact noise is the sound that results from two objects colliding, such as heavy footsteps, moving furniture, something breaking, slamming doors, and more. This type of noise is more bothersome than the others because it travels more freely through walls via air pockets.

Drywall Contractor Hiring Tips

You don’t want to find a contractor that only meets all your drywall needs, you want a contractor to also meet your need to feel safe and secure; this way, you know you can trust them to do their job effectively, and in a timeline that’s convenient for you. Some topics to consider when looking for a company to provide drywall installation, repair, or replacement include experience, credentials, services offered, and client testimonials.

Do you need professional drywall work for your home or office? Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 to request a written estimate for licensed drywall installation and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide a wide range of drywall services for both residential and commercial clients.

You Might Also Enjoy:

Should I Install Basement Drywall On My Own?
How Much Does it Cost to Drywall a House?
FAQS About Drywall Repair and Installation

Do I Use Joint Compound or Drywall Spackle?

Posted on January 11, 2021 by bittnerdry

If you have a drywall repair to do, and you have no idea what you are doing, it is wise to do your research first. It is very easy to make drywall repair mistakes, so familiarize yourself with the basics before you take a turn at drywall repair. A great place to start is understanding the various tools you need for drywall repair, like drills, saws, miter boxes, utility knives, taping knives, drywall tape, mud pans, drywall screws, and of course, your adhesion product. This can be either joint compound or spackle.

Continue reading to learn the primary differences between joint compound and drywall spackle, and which applications call for each.

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Joint Compound

Drywall joint compound is a white powder containing gypsum board dust as its main ingredient. It is combined with water to produce a mud, which can be used for joining drywall seams and bedding drywall seam tape. It has a lighter consistency than spackle, which means it is not well-suited for the same applications. It can be used to patch holes and cracks, but it takes longer to dry and shrinks more than spackling paste.

Drywall Spackle

Spackle is different from joint compound since it is mainly used to patch up holes and cracks in plaster and gypsum board. It has a thicker consistency, which is why it is also known as “drywall mud.” Spackle comes in two primary forms: quick-setting and premixed. Quick-setting drywall mud is also referred to as “hot” mud because a chemical reaction occurs during the curing process that causes heat release.

Premixed Drywall Mud

Premixed drywall mud is the more common or traditional drywall spackle, probably because it is ready to use. The type of spackle you choose for your project depends on the type of drywall work you are doing. Hot mud is recommended for small patch jobs, like door knob holes because you don’t have to wait 24 hours to reapply your second or third coat.

Drywall Repair Tips

It is important to have the proper tools, materials, and equipment to finish drywall. Not only is it a challenging task to undertake without experience or knowledge, but it is also a costly investment. A better option would be to hire professional Indianapolis drywall contractors. They have the specialized training, experience, and resources to get the job done right, and in a convenient time frame. This is strongly encouraged for large-scale or complex drywall repair projects.

Indianapolis Indiana Drywall Installation and Repair at the Best Price

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for Indianapolis drywall repair and installation service. We are experienced drywall contractors who offer a wide range of residential and commercial drywall service, including repair, replacement, installation, new home construction, metal stud framing, custom drywall texture, grid ceilings, and much more. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today.

Which Drywall Screws Do I Need?

Posted on October 26, 2020 by bittnerdry

Drywall hanging and repairing requires certain tools that must be used to get the job done right. The same rule applies for even the tiniest detail, like drywall screws. There are several options for drywall fasteners, but not all of them are good choices. The most effective nails and screws are the ones that provide a sturdy, long-lasting hold, while at the same time allowing for the proper amount of countersinking.

Continue reading to learn about a few of the most common and effective drywall screws, and how they are applied in drywall installation.

Always Use the Right Screw for the Right Job

Drywall screws are a little more expensive, but they do provide a stronger hold. There are many drywall fasteners that come in the form of a Philips head, but they are not all the same in terms of performance and value. The screw you choose will largely depend in the drywall application you have in store, but also on the quality of screw you are looking for.

Here are four of the most common drywall screws used to hang gypsum:

✑ Self-Drilling – Also used as pan head screws, these are effective for metal stud framing.

✑ Course – These screws have courser threads that securely fasten drywall to its studs.

✑ Fine – These screws have smaller heads and finer threads that work well to secure gypsum board.

✑ Trim-Head – Use these screws to attach wood trim over drywall.

You May Also Need Drywall Nails

There are also several types of drywall nails that are effective for fastening smaller parts to a larger base. In fact, there are 3 specific type of drywall nails that are commonly used in drywall installation. These common gypsum board nails include:

✑ Drywall Nails – These are standard nails used to attach drywall to wood frames. They are designed with a large head and a barbed shank, giving them a stronger holding capacity. Some are even sterilized to protect against oil and dirt.

✑ Cupped-Head Nails – These have rounded heads that allow for easier countersinking and a smooth, flat finish. They are commonly used to secure drywall to wood framing. They require to use of joint compound to cover the exposed head.

✑ Cement-Coated Nails – These nails have a resin-coated shank that is smooth. This allows for stronger holding power. Their common application is to secure drywall to wooden framing.

Professional Drywall Installation

It is highly recommended to hire a licensed contractor for drywall installation and repair. They have the proper training, experience, and resources to provide professional drywall service in a convenient time frame. You don’t want to make the mistake of injuring yourself or damaging your property if you have never hung drywall before!

Certified Drywall and Painting Services in Indianapolis, Indiana

What You Need to Cut Drywall in a Short Amount of Time

Posted on April 27, 2020 by bittnerdry

Ever wonder how professional contractors can get drywall cutting needs met within a short amount of time? Well, that is because they use an age-old, industry secret to save time. Interestingly, this secret method only requires two very basic and common toolbox staples: a tape measurer and a utility knife. But before you rush to the work shed for your toolbox and drywall supplies, it is important to understand that this method of cutting drywall requires a learning curve of practice.

After a lot of practice and patience, you too can cut drywall using this method, just like the pros do. Continue reading to learn how!

How to Cut Drywall With Only 2 Tools

Many people naturally want to place the tape measurer hook at the edge of the drywall sheet for stability, but this is actually wrong. Instead, the tape measurer hook should be placed along the drywall board where you will be making the actual cut.

From there, you must place the tip of the utility blade against the tape measurer hook and then hold it in place by pinching it with your thumb. Steadily move your free hand to the end of the drywall board and pinch your thumb and forefinger together on the tape measurer at the right increment.

Here’s where practice will pay off for you. In one swift movement, simultaneously move your knife and hands down the drywall using a consistent downward pressure. Once you have completed the cut, simply snap off the scrap piece and cut the paper liner on the other side to separate it entirely.

Practice is the Real Secret

Be sure to practice this method of drywall cutting before making it a staple move in your work. Furthermore, be sure you are wearing all the proper protective gear to reduce the risk of serious injuries. If you are not adept in drywall work, or have little to no experience working with drywall materials, it is not recommended to start with this method of cutting. Learn the basics first, practice for a long time, and then commit to improving your skills as you ride the learning curve. This is the best method of becoming a skilled handyman in any trade.

Indianapolis Drywall Services You Can Trust

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 when you need professional drywall services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured drywall company that provides residential and commercial drywall work at competitive prices. Our highly trained and experienced drywall contractors are fully equipped to provide quality drywall repair services regardless of your projects size and scope. And as a licensed, bonded, and insured company, we guarantee all of our drywall work. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today.

How to Hang Pictures on Walls

Posted on August 8, 2016 by bittnerdry

Drywall Installation and Repair 317-269-7319

Decorating your home gives you the platform to showcase your individual style. And what better way is there to express your unique flair and personal history than to hang pictures all around your house? But hanging up pictures takes some time and patience, as well as, a small amount of skill set. In order to get the best overall look, it is important to hang pictures evenly and level. And not just pictures, but other home décor items too, like coat racks, shelving, mirrors, and even personal documents like school diplomas. It is also important to know how to hang items properly so you do not damage your drywall.

If you are feeling a little intimidated about of hanging items on your walls, then you need to review the following guide to learn how to do it all on your own from now on!

What You Need:

• Stud Finder
• Laser Level (carpenters level)
• Tape Measure
• Hammer
• Nails
• Pencil (or painters tape)
• Frame-Backing/Hanger Kit (optional)
• Wall Anchors (optional)

Where to Start

When hanging pictures, you want to be sure the center point of either the picture or the grouping is at eye level. Too high will look odd, and too low will be obtrusive. When grouping items together, be sure to consider them as one whole unit, and use similar sizes, shapes, and colors for a coherent theme. It is helpful to arrange groups on the floor in front of the wall first, so you can adjust as much as you want in order to achieve the desired look. When you have special art, consider hanging them in areas where they can be spotlighted most often, such as foyers, entry ways, and dining rooms.

Another important aspect to consider before hanging wall pictures is anchor weight. Be sure the hanger is strong enough to support the weight of the frame and the art when hung on the wall. You may need to use wall anchors for areas that do not have available wall studs. It is recommended to purchase an assorted hanger and frame-backing kits. These kits come with a wide variety of hardware for hanging items on walls, such as sawtooth hangers, ring hangers, wire and eyelet hangers, and assorted wall anchors.

Step 1

Hold the picture at eye level against the wall.

Step 2

Mark the wall at the top center section of the frame using a pencil or removable painters tape. If it is too heavy or large, use a laser level.

Step 3

Find the “adjustment measurement” by measuring the distance between the top of the frame and the mounting hanger or center of the stretched wire.

Step 4

Underneath your original wall mark, make a second mark using the adjustment measurement. This second mark will indicate where the actual mounting hanger will attach on the wall.

Step 5

If you require wall anchors, install them first. You will need additional tools for pictures that require wall anchors, including a drill, drill bits, fasteners, and more.

Step 6

For pictures that do not require wall anchors, use your hammer to insert a nail into the second wall mark where the mounting hanger goes.

Step 7

Once the nail is in the wall, use both hands to hang the picture on the nail by either the mounting hanger or the stretched wire (whichever one your picture has).

Check out our article on how to remove old wall anchors if you have some left over from previous decor!

Indianapolis Drywall Services

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for professional drywall repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide a wide range of drywall services, including patchwork, hole repair, crack repair, installation, grid ceilings, custom textures, and more. Whether commercial or residential, our team of licensed drywall contractors are fully-equipped to get the job done in a time frame that’s convenient for you! Call 317-269-7319 to learn about our Indianapolis drywall services, prices and availability, today.

Choose Drywall by Local Builders for Professional-Level Drywall Repair and Installation in Central Indiana!

Posted on June 2, 2016 by bittnerdry

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Drywall by Local Builders is a locally-owned and operated drywall construction company based out of Indianapolis, but provides residential and commercial drywall repair and installation service for residential and commercial properties throughout Central Indiana. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured drywall contractors with more than 10 years of experience working with a variety of properties and projects. For residential properties, we offer a wide range of repair and remodeling work, including basement drywall service, ceiling repair, drywall patching, wall repair, and more. As for commercial properties, our services include everything from metal stud framing and new construction drywall, to full-service remodels, new additions, grid ceilings, and more. With our inventory, staff, and top-choice materials, we can provide ultimate drywall service and repair regardless of your projects size or scope. And now, we have a brand new website for you to enjoy!

A Brand New Website for You!

Drywall by Local Builders has just launched a brand new website that comes with a long list of customer conveniences and amenities. We are proud to announce that our new site is totally user-friendly! We made is simple for you to browse our services, and learn more about drywall repair and installation work. Peruse our various webpages that outline specific services you may need, including custom drywall textures, drywall repair, remodels, and more! Not only can you take a closer look at our company credentials and services, you can learn some valuable information about drywall on our FAQS page! Read through a list of frequently asked questions about drywall for a better understanding of drywall history, misinformation, useful information, and more.

Indianapolis Drywall Services You Can Trust

As licensed, bonded, and insured drywall contractors, you know you can trust our service. But as an extra bonus, we provide a Satisfaction Guarantee on all our drywall work, no matter how small or large the job. Whether you need a door knob hole patched up, or full-service drywall installation for an entire new addition, your property is covered. We are the true industry professionals to call for outstanding results that stand the test of time.

Drywall by Local Builders

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 to learn more about the incredible Indianapolis drywall services we offer. Don’t forget we also service all of Central Indiana, as well as the Metro Indy areas. We offer free estimates, written estimates, flexible scheduling, free advice, and friendly phone service too. Call 317-269-7319 for drywall repair and installation in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding locations today.