Dilemma dilemmas Ten do's and don'ts to make your job easier

If you're new to drywalling, you need to familiarize yourself with some of the basic tools and methods. Here are the top ten things to know to make your next drywall project as simple as possible.

1. Make the right preparation

Before starting any new project, you should have an inspection to make sure your work will comply with local building codes. You also want to measure your space carefully in order to buy the right amount of drywall.

2. Maintain a constant climate

You may be surprised to hear it, but the climate of your space can have an impact on your drywall work. Temperature and humidity can affect the treatment of joints. You want to make sure that the area you are working in is at 55 degrees for two days before the project starts and two days after completion.

3. Wear protective equipment

Dust from drywall (gypsum dust) can cause a lot of irritation to the eyes and lungs. You want to make sure that you wear glasses and a mask to protect yourself from any health problem. The air in which you work must also be well ventilated.

4. Know your tools

The first thing you will need is a basic utility knife to cut drywall. A T-square will also be useful when cutting square and a drywall saw will be useful when you have to cut obstacles in the room. A keyhole saw will help cut down smaller obstacles (such as electrical boxes).

You may find it difficult to place drywall on the ceiling. If this is the case, you may want to consider renting a drywall elevator. This tool is used by professionals to keep the drywall in place while nailed or screwed to the joists.

To put these nails and screws in place, you can use two tools. First, there is a drywall hammer. This hammer is made to create a dimple around the nail without breaking the surface of the paper. Second, you can use a screw gun for drywall. This tool (like the drywall hammer) allows you to drive the screw without damaging the surface of the paper.

There are also specific tools for finishing. Ribbon knives of different sizes will help you achieve a smooth seal. With each layer, you will want to use a sticky knife that is longer than the previous one you used.

5. Know your attachments

You can not use any old screws or nails lying around  to install   drywall. There are nails and screws specially designed for drywall that you will need to purchase at your hardware store or  home improvement   store. You should use ring-tipped nails, which will keep the drywall in place and prevent nails from coming out later. There are also different sized screws for drywall depending on the thickness of your drywall.

6. Cutting and framing

If possible, use a complete sheet of drywall. When you have to make a cut, first mark the gypsum with your knife. You should then be able to break the drywall back and make it break the cut.

You want to make sure all your crampons are in place and evenly spaced. No edge should be without support over a distance of more than two feet and all corners should be nailed.

7. Ensure good insulation

Before sealing your walls, you must make sure you have inserted the right insulation. It is also important to take into account moisture and vapor barriers.

8. Know your compounds

Once your drywall is in place, you will want to proceed to registration and finishing. The joint compounds are in the form of a powder or in the premixed state. If you use a powder compound, there are two different textures. The first type is a tape compound, which is used during the taping phase. It is stronger and more fluid than the surfacing compound used for finishing, the layers. There is also an all-purpose compound, halfway between an adhesive tape and a batting compound.

9. Finish the joints

Before starting to glue, make sure all fasteners are pushed under the surface. You also want to make sure the corners are installed on all your outside corners.

Registration is actually a four-step process that should take you about four days. You start with the tape, which involves applying a compound to the seams and inserting paper tape. This first layer of masking tape should level everything. Your next two layers should smooth the surfaces and you should use a slightly wider ribbon knife for each application. Your last layer is a finish.

10. Sand, premium and paint

Now that your drywall is in place, you can sand the room, then prime and paint. People are often quick to skip the sanding process, but to ensure smooth walls; you will want to devote as much attention to this step as any of the others.