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what is drywall blocking

by Alexa Feest Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Back-blocking is designed to minimize ridging by placing butt joints between framing members. The drywall is hung perpendicular to the framing members, so that the butt ends can be reinforced along the back of each panel, behind the joint.

Full Answer

How to hang drywall on block walls?

To cut for outlets or other wall fixtures:

  • Use a spiral saw.
  • Note the height of the outlet box or fixture and draw marks on the floor to show where it is.
  • Remove the wires and screw the drywall in place, covering the box and driving just enough screws to keep the drywall in place.

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How to install blocking?

Install a call blocking-device

  • stop unwanted calls
  • divert calls to voicemail
  • show a blinking light when an unwanted call comes in
  • connect callers to a recording with options so a real caller can still get through

How to install stud wall blocking?

Things You'll Need

  • Metal blade chop saw
  • Cordless drill with Phillips head driver bit
  • Tin snips
  • Hex head Phillips metal stud installation screws
  • Magnetic torpedo level
  • 2-by-4 wood studs
  • 2-by-4 metal studs
  • 7 1/4-inch builders saw
  • Tape measure and pencil
  • 2-inch all purpose, coarse thread screws

How to build a block retaining wall?

Steps Download Article

  1. Make a plan or two. A well designed plan will be essential in the building process. ...
  2. Order the materials. You will have a lot of materials to choose from, so take your time and make sure that the color and design will match your home ...
  3. Outline your project area. ...
  4. Excavate your area. ...

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Is blocking required for walls?

So any sheathing edges that don't land on standard framing (studs, plates, windows/doors) need to be supported by blocking. All edges of wall sheathing must be supported by and nailed to framing. This edge didn't land on plates, so install blocking to support it.

How do you put a block in drywall?

10:1513:325 Critical Blocking Areas. Watch this before Drywall! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNice and solid when i when i add those towel bar screws or a ring good to go okay the next blockingMoreNice and solid when i when i add those towel bar screws or a ring good to go okay the next blocking that we want to think about is our toilet paper holders.

What is wall blocking used for?

Blocking provides a solid spot in the wall for attaching things such as cabinets or handrails. In some situations, blocking is required as a fire-stop where a stud bay extends between floors. This keeps the bay from acting as a chimney for a fire. Without fire-stops, a fire could quickly spread from floor to floor.

Why is blocking used in framing?

The primary purpose of blocking is to brace longer frame members such as wall studs against Euler's bending moment, which is a tendency to buckle under vertical compression. The intervals for the blocks are specified in the building code or as calculated by a structural engineer.

Where do I put blocking?

0:031:34How to install stud wall blocking - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe put blocking in bathroom remodels for any number of reasons towel bars grab bars stuff in theMoreWe put blocking in bathroom remodels for any number of reasons towel bars grab bars stuff in the shower supply wall whatever it is in this case it's for a pedestal sink and typically what we do is we'

Does drywall need backing?

0:182:24How to install drywall backing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow as you can see we have joist here that the drywall is going to sit again but your corners areMoreNow as you can see we have joist here that the drywall is going to sit again but your corners are where you usually need to put your drywall backing. So you can put it flat.

Is blocking required?

Blocking is required in several different scenarios. There must be blocking where joists overlap over a center beam and every eight feet for 2×10 and taller joists. A good rule of thumb is to think if the distance between any two rows with blocking is more than eight feet, you must add some more blocking there.

How far apart should blocking be?

Blocking must be equally spaced in rows, maximum of 4 to 6 feet apart. WHY IS BLOCKING NEEDED? Solid wood blocking will help reduce up or down movement and/or twisting of joists.

Do basement walls need blocking?

Blocking for wall framing are short pieces of 2 by 4 that you install between two joists of the basement ceiling. It's not a "building code" thing and it's not optional, you'll more than likely have to install some blocking to complete your wall framing.

When should you block a stud?

0:001:41Wall Framing Blocking - House Framing Tips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey are placed in between the vertical framing members or the wall studs. They will prevent theyMoreThey are placed in between the vertical framing members or the wall studs. They will prevent they will not eliminate. But they will prevent some of these studs from warping twisting or crowning.

Does a 10 foot wall need blocking?

Blocks for safety But many of today's codes do require fire blocks in walls that are more than 10 ft. high, like rake walls. When they are needed, cut the blocks to length and nail them between the studs while framing the wall on the floor.

Do 8 foot walls need blocking?

Fire Blocking Purposes 2, state that fire blocking is required vertically at the ceiling and floor levels and horizontally at intervals not exceeding 10 feet.

Back Blockers are Pre-made or Homemade

Drywall back blocking comes premade and consists of a wood stud with metal bracket supports attached perpendicular to the stud. They can also consist of a simple metal or wood strip.

Fit The Drywall Section In Position

Fit the first section of drywall in place against the wall/ceiling so that its edge rests halfway over the wall cavity, and not over the center of the wall stud/ceiling joist. Install 1 5/8-inch drywall nails through the drywall into the wall studs; for ceilings, use 1 5/8-inch drywall screws.

Fit The Back Blocker In The Cavity

Slide the back blocker into the cavity behind the edge of the drywall section, so that the drywall edge runs along the center of the back blocker stud -- the ends of the blocker's metal bracket supports will face outwards and rest against the inside of the drywall section.

Install The Second Drywall Section

Fit the next drywall section into position so that its edge meets the edge of the first drywall section, over the back blocker's stud. Install 1 5/8-inch nails through the drywall into the regular wall studs. Install 1 5/8-inch drywall screws through the edge of this second drywall section, into the back blocker's stud using a screw gun.

Where did drywall come from?

A substantial amount of defective drywall was imported into the United States from China and incorporated into tens of thousands of homes during rebuilding in 2006 and 2007 following Hurricane Katrina and in other places. Complaints included foul odour, health effects, and corrosion of metal within the structure.

What is a drywall fastener?

Drywall fasteners, also referred to as drywall clips or stops, are gaining popularity in both residential and commercial construction. Drywall fasteners are used for supporting interior drywall corners and replacing the non-structural wood or metal blocking that traditionally was used to install drywall.

What is a drywall panel made of?

Drywall (also known as plasterboard, wallboard, sheet rock, gypsum board, buster board, custard board, or gypsum panel) is a panel made of calcium sulfate dihydrate ( gypsum ), with or without additives, typically extruded between thick sheets of facer and backer paper, used in the construction of interior walls and ceilings.

How long does it take to drywall a house?

As an alternative to a week-long plaster application, an entire house can be drywalled in one or two days by two experienced drywallers, and drywall is easy enough to be installed by many amateur home carpenters. In large-scale commercial construction, the work of installing and finishing drywall is often split between drywall mechanics, or hangers, who install the wallboard, and tapers and mudmen, or float crew, who finish the joints and cover the fastener heads with drywall compound. Drywall can be finished anywhere from a level 0 to a level 5, where 0 is not finished in any fashion and 5 is the most pristine. Depending on how significant the finish is to the customer the extra steps in the finish may or may not be necessary, though priming and painting of drywall is recommended in any location where it may be exposed to any wear.

How is drywall delivered?

Drywall is delivered to a building site on a flatbed truck and unloaded with a forked material handler crane. The bulk drywall sheets are unloaded directly to upper floors via a window or exterior doorway.

What is a type X drywall?

Type X drywall. In Type X gypsum board, special glass fibers are intermixed with the gypsum to reinforce the core of the panels. These fibers have the effect of reducing the size of the cracks that form as the water is driven off, thereby extending the length of time the gypsum panels resist fire without failure.

How wide is a dry wall panel?

Canada and the United States. Drywall panels in the United States are manufactured in 48,-54,-and-96-inch (1.2, 1.4, and 2.4 m) wide panels in varying lengths to suit the application, though 48-inch is by far the most common width. Lengths up to 16 feet (4.9 m) are commonly available, though the most common length is 8 feet (2.4 m).

How tall is drywall?

And don’t scrimp on materials. Drywall is cheap. If the walls you’re planning to drywall are between 8 ft. 1 in. and 9 ft. 1 in. tall, consider ordering special 54 -in.-wide sheets of drywall to avoid an extra horizontal joint. You’ll find 54 -in.-wide drywall at drywall suppliers, or you can special-order it from most home centers and lumberyards.

Where is the blocking nailed?

Normally blocking is nailed to the top plate of the wall during the framing phase , but it’s often missing. If you have to add blocking and don’t have room to swing a hammer, drive screws into the blocking at an angle from below. Check out these 20 tips for working with drywall to make your next build or repair easier.

Can you fasten drywall at the corners?

Framing at inside corners is often inadequate or lacking altogether, making it impossible to fasten the edge of the drywall (left). The solution is to inspect the framing before you start hanging drywall. Make sure there’s at least 1 in. of exposed framing at corners. If not, add another 2×4 alongside the existing framing (right).

Can you hang drywall vertically?

Hanging Drywall Vertically: Avoid Tapered Edges on Outside Corners. If you hang a sheet of drywall with the tapered edge along an outside corner, it will be hard to install the corner bead accurately (left). The corner of the bead will lie too low, making it difficult to cover with joint compound.

Can you measure drywall for exact fit?

There’s no reason to measure and cut drywall for an exact fit. It’ll usually just cause trouble. Jamming in a piece that’s too tight will crumble the edge or break out a corner (left). And removing a piece to shave a too-tight edge is messy and time consuming. A loose fit avoids this problem.

Can you notch drywall around openings?

It’s better to notch drywall around openings rather than to make a joint. For interior walls, simply continue over the opening with a full sheet and cut out the opening after you fasten the sheet (right). Windows on exterior walls are a little trickier. Measure and notch the sheet before hanging it.

How thick is a drywall square?

However, during installation, be diligent about keeping that 1/8-inch space between sheets by using a guide. The blade of a drywall square is about 1/8-inch thick and does the trick. Thin strips of wood can also be used as spacing guides.

When drywall extends a few inches beyond a stud, should it be cut vertically?

When drywall extends a few inches beyond a stud, it should be cut vertically so that it hits the center point of the stud. If the drywall is an inch too short to reach a stud, a second stud can be sistered (or nailed alongside) the first stud to provide an attachment point for the drywall.

How to get lipstick out of a drywall receptacle?

There are many ways around this, but here are three. One easy solution is to apply lipstick on the edge of the receptacle, pressing the sheet of drywall against it , and cutting along the lipstick impression . This is not the best solution, but it will work if you have no other options available. A second way is to run the electrical cables first ...

Why do screws break wallboard?

The screws or nails are driven too deep so that they break the surface of the paper face of the wallboard. This is a bigger problem than you think because once the paper face is broken, much of the holding power of the screw or nail is lost.

Can you cut a hole in drywall?

It's exceedingly difficult to cut a hole in a sheet of drywall and expect for it to perfectly line up with an electrical receptacle that has already been nailed onto the stud. Professionals are good at making the correct measurements; they do this every day. What about for the do-it-yourselfer?

Can drywall be horizontally hung?

A hanging drywall edge may work in the short-term, but in the long-term it can result in cracks and other serious wall issues. Sometimes, the drywall does not horizontally reach a stud.

Can drywall joints fall over framing?

Problem. Ideally, all joints between drywall panels would fall over framing members, where both edges can be screwed down securely—top, bottom, and on both sides. This isn't always possible, though, and in situations where a seam between panels falls over the air—known as a hanging joint—failure of the joint is likely.

What is fire blocking?

Fire Blocking Basics: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know. Holes and gaps in wall and ceiling cavities allow a fire to spread rapidly. They also allow airflow, which feeds a fire. Sealing these gaps slows or may even stop the spread of flames, smoke and gases.

What are the problems with wall cavities?

The Problem: Wall and Ceiling Cavities. Holes and gaps in wall and ceiling cavities allow a fire to spread rapidly. They also allow airflow, which feeds a fire. Sealing these gaps slows or may even stop the spread of flames, smoke and gases.

Do you need to add fire blocking to a basement?

But if you’re finishing a basement, putting on an addition, remodeling a room, or just running pipes or wires through a plate, you’ll need to include fire blocking.

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Overview

Construction techniques

As an alternative to a week-long plaster application, an entire house can be drywalled in one or two days by two experienced drywallers, and drywall is easy enough to be installed by many amateur home carpenters. In large-scale commercial construction, the work of installing and finishing drywall is often split between drywall mechanics, or hangers, who install the wallboard, and ta…

History

The first plasterboard plant in the UK was opened in 1888 in Rochester, Kent. Sackett Board was invented in 1894 by Augustine Sackett and Fred Kane, graduates of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. It was made by layering plaster within four plies of wool felt paper. Sheets were 36 by 36 by 1⁄4 inch (914 mm × 914 mm × 6 mm) thick with open (untaped) edges.

Manufacture

A wallboard panel consists of a layer of gypsum plaster sandwiched between two layers of paper. The raw gypsum, CaSO4·2H2O, is heated to drive off the water then slightly rehydrated to produce the hemihydrate of calcium sulfate (CaSO 4·1/2H 2O). The plaster is mixed with fibre (typically paper and/or glass fiber), plasticizer, foaming agent, finely ground gypsum crystal as an accelerator, EDTA, starch or other chelate as a retarder, various additives that may decrease mildew and …

Specifications

The term plasterboard is used in Australia and New Zealand. In Australia, the product is often called Gyprock, which is the name of the largest manufacturer of plasterboard. In New Zealand it is also called Gibraltar and Gib board, after the registered trademark ("GIB") of the locally made product that dominates the market there.
It is made in thicknesses of 10 mm, 13 mm, and 16 mm, and sometimes other thicknesses up t…

Sound control

The method of installation and type of drywall can reduce sound transmission through walls and ceilings. Several builders' books state that thicker drywall reduces sound transmission, but engineering manuals recommend using multiple layers of drywall, sometimes of different thicknesses and glued together, or special types of drywall designed to reduce noise. Also important are the construction details of the framing with steel studs, wider stud spacing, doubl…

Water damage and mold

Drywall is highly vulnerable to moisture due to the inherent properties of the materials that comprise it: gypsum, paper, and organic additives and binders. Gypsum will soften with exposure to moisture, and eventually turn to a gooey paste with prolonged immersion, such as during a flood. During such incidents, some or all of the drywall in an entire building may need to be removed and re…

Other damage

Foam insulation and the gypsum part of sheetrock are easily chewed out by honeybees when they are setting up a stray nest in a building and they want to enlarge their nest area.

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