Gypsum wallboard is not required throughout a dwelling however it is widely used as an interior finishing material. Gypsum wallboard is required on the garage side of the wall between the house and garage, in enclosed accessible space under stairs, on a wall of a building less than 3 feet from a property line, and for separations between dwelling units where two or more dwellings exist in the same building.
Gypsum board may not be installed until adequate weather protection is provided. Gypsum wallboard intended for interior use may not be used in areas exposed to the weather.
Application
For application of gypsum wallboard, interior non-bearing studs may be 2 X 3 studs spaced not more than 24 inches on center. Exterior or bearing walls must be 2 X 4 minimum and spaced not more than 24 inches on center.
Other framing supporting gypsum board, such as for soffits or furring may be 2 X 2 material. If the furring is applied against a solid backing such as foam sheathing on a foundation wall, it may be 1 X 2 material.
All edges and ends of gypsum wallboard must occur on framing members except those edges and ends that are perpendicular to framing members. All edges and ends of gypsum wallboard should be in moderate contact except in concealed spaces where fire resistive construction or diaphragm action is not required.
Fasteners
Nails used to fasten gypsum wallboard must conform to Table R702.3.5.
Screws for attaching gypsum board to wood framing must be either Type W or Type S, must be approved for drywall application, and must penetrate into the wood a minimum of 5/8 inch. For 3/8 inch gypsum board the minimum screw length must be 1 inch, for 1/2 inch gypsum board the minimum screw length must be 1 1/8 inch, and for 5/8 inch gypsum board the minimum screw length must be 1 1/4 inch.
Nails or screws used to anchor gypsum wallboard should not break the facing paper.
| Thickness of Gypsum Board |
Application | Orientation of Gypsum Board to Framing |
Maximum Spacing of Framing Members (inches o.c.) |
Maximum Spacing of Fasteners (inches) |
Size of Fasteners for Application of Gypsum Board to Wood Framing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nails a | Screws | |||||
| 3/8" | Ceiling | Perpendicular | 16 | 7 | 12 | Nails: 13 gage, 1 1/4" long, 19/64" head;0.098 diameter, 1 1/4" long, annular-ringed; or 4d cooler nail, 0.080" diameter, 1 3/8" long, 7/32" head. Screws: Screws shall be Type S or W and penetrate into wood framing a minimum of 5/8". |
| Wall | Either Direction | 16 | 8 | 16 | ||
| 1/2" | Ceiling | Either Direction | 16 | 7 | 12 | Nails: 13 gage, 1 3/8" long, 19/64" head;0.098 diameter, 1 1/4" long, annular-ringed; 5d cooler nail, 0.086" diameter, 1 5/8" long, 15/64" head; or gypsum board nail, 0.086" diameter, 1 5/8" long, 9/32" head. Screws: Screws shall be Type S or W and penetrate into wood framing a minimum of 5/8". |
| Ceiling | 24 | 7 | 12 | |||
| Wall | Either Direction | 24 | 8 | 12 | ||
| Wall | Either Direction | 16 | 8 | 16 | ||
| 5/8" | Ceiling | Either Direction | 16 | 7 | 12 | Nails: 13 gage, 1 5/8" long, 19/64" head;0.098 diameter, 1 3/8" long, annular-ringed; 6d cooler nail, 0.092" diameter, 1 7/8" long, 1/4" head; or gypsum board nail, 0.0915" diameter, 1 1/8" long, 19/64" head. Screws: Screws shall be Type S or W and penetrate into wood framing a minimum of 5/8". |
| Ceiling | Perpendicular | 24 | 7 | 12 | ||
| Wall | Either Direction | 24 | 8 | 12 | ||
| Wall | Either Direction | 16 | 8 | 16 | ||
- A pair of nails spaced 2 to 2 ½ inches apart may be used with the pair of nails spaced 12 inches on center.
Special Rules For Water-based Texture Finishes & Support Of Insulation
Three-eighths inch gypsum board may not be used on a ceiling in either of the following situations:
- Where a water-based textured finish is to be applied.
- Where it will be required to support insulation above a ceiling.
On ceiling applications that will receive a water-based textured finish, either hand or spray applied:
- Gypsum board must be applied perpendicular to the framing.
- 1/2 inch thick gypsum board must be used for 16 inch on center framing.
- 5/8 inch thick gypsum board must be used for 24 inch on center framing.
- As an alternate to 5/8 inch gypsum board, ½ inch sag-resistant gypsum ceiling board may be used.
Moisture Resistant (MR) Gypsum Board
Regular gypsum wallboard may not be used as a backer for tile or wall panels for tubs or showers. Moisture resistant gypsum board or other approved materials must be used in these locations.
Moisture resistant gypsum board may not be used in the following locations:
- Over a vapor retarder.
- In areas subject to continuous high humidity such as saunas or steam rooms.
- On ceilings where frame spacing exceeds 12 inches for 1/2 inch gypsum board and 16 inches for 5/8 inch gypsum board.
- All cut or exposed edges, including those at wall intersections, must be sealed as recommended by the manufacturer.
The following web sites provide helpful information regarding gypsum wallboard:
Gypsum Association
DoItYourself.com
For more information, contact at 952-548-6320.