[tjuser23]

I just finished putting up my ceiling drywall in my basement.

It is USG ultralight 1/2" drywall, the ultralight is all that my supplier carries in 1/2". Initially I read that the ultralight is stronger, and since it is lighter and sag resistant you can use less screws.

I went 12" (5 screws) on butt edges and 16" (4 screws) in the field. After finishing up the ceiling though I don't like it, it seems like too few screws on a ceiling especially since my trusses are 24" OC.

I am thinking about adding 3 more screws in the field in between the 4 already there, which would be about 8" in the field and then adding 2 more screws in between the 5 on the edges, which would give about 8" on the edges but not spaced evenly.

Any suggestion on where to add screws to properly secure the drywall to the ceiling?

I attached a couple pics of what I currently have.

BTW, the ultralight drywall seems to be more brittle and crumbles easier on the edges so I want to be careful not to put screws too close together....

 

[ront02769]

You definitely need another one between the existing field screws, another between the edges wouldn’t hurt. Ron

 

[Colbyt]

I fully agree with ront02769.

 

[tjuser23]

You definitely need another one between the existing field screws, another between the edges wouldn’t hurt. Ron

So 3 extra in the field for a total of 7 and 4 extra between the edges for a total of 9?

That isn't overdoing it on the edges? Won't cause any harm if a couple edges blow out?

 

[Davejss]

Around d here we don't attach drywall directly to joists or trusses. The framers install strapping, aka furring 16" o.c. perpendicular to the joists and the drywall gets attached to the strapping.

 

[tjuser23]

Around d here we don't attach drywall directly to joists or trusses. The framers install strapping, aka furring 16" o.c. perpendicular to the joists and the drywall gets attached to the strapping.

Sounds like a lot of extra work? That is pretty rare around here. Most of the new construction I've seen around here is just installed right to the bottom of the trusses

 

[joecaption]

Only way that spacing would have worked is if you would have used drywall adhesive first.
No way would I have used 1/2" on a ceiling!
Far more likely to get screw pops and sagging over time.

 

[ront02769]

All depends on where you are. Where I am, one by three firring 16” on center is pretty standard.....esp given the relatively new utilization of trusses at 24” as opposed to stick framing at 16”. And the utilization of “lightweight 1/2” rock). As to your specific situation, I told you what I think you need. Do whatever you want (btw, your nailing pattern would likely have worked if you glued the sheetrock to the trusses). Ron

Ron

 

[3onthetree]

Here's the USG data sheet for lightweight

 

[tjuser23]

Here's the USG data sheet for lightweight

Thanks! Looks like I’m a little light in the field. It’s interesting that their data sheet doesn’t specify closer screws on the butt ends.

Another thing that is crazy is according to that data sheet if I glue a 12’ panel it would only require 19 screws!

 

[3onthetree]

Those are maximums. Most people install probably closer to 9", and still probably default to 5/8" for 24"o.c. (me included)

 

[tjuser23]

Those are maximums. Most people install probably closer to 9", and still probably default to 5/8" for 24"o.c. (me included)

Thank you!

The interesting thing is from what I see in new construction most builders are using 1/2" everywhere ceiling included, granted the builder's houses I see are basic production houses so maybe they are just going for the cheapest option.

So in my situation you would do what ront02769 suggested and add another screw between all of the existing screws, edges included?

 

[Old Thomas]

1/2” is fine for a ceiling. If it is not glued, put in as many screws as you want.

 

[mark sr]

I always thought the main reason for using adhesive was so you wouldn't need as many screws - makes the finishing job easier. It's better to have too many screws than not enough.

 

[jeffnc]

The butts aren't the issue, the issue is the field using 24" spacing. 24" spacing is irrelevant at the butts. The butts don't know if the spacing is 24" or 16".


The field is the issue, and more screws at 24" spacing will help.