Hanging drywall on metal studs is very similar to hanging it on wood studs.
Metal studs offer several advantages over wooden studs for wall construction. They are lighter than wooden studs, making them easier to transport and install. Metal studs are also heat- and pest-resistant although they are susceptible to moisture. When hanging drywall on metal studs, use the recommended screws to ensure a secure installation. The screw spacing for installing drywall on metal studs is the same as for wood studs.
Screws
When attaching drywall to metal studs, use fine-thread drywall screws of the appropriate length for the thickness of drywall. The fine threads screw into the metal of the stud, creating a tight bond. The sharpened tip of the drywall screw will easily penetrate most metal studs under moderate pressure. For thicker-gauge metal studs, self-tapping screws are available. These screws have a cutting tip that will drill a pilot hole into the stud for the screw to thread into.
Ceiling Mount
The screws support the entire weight of drywall mounted to ceilings or other horizontal surfaces. It is important to use an adequate number of screws to support the weight of the drywall and to evenly space the screws to avoid bows or warping. Starting at the outside edge, install screws at the corners and every 12 inches along the perimeter. Then install screws at 12-inch intervals across the surface of the drywall.
Wall Mount
The screws that hold drywall to vertical surfaces, like walls, have much less work to do. However, on metal frame construction, the drywall provides a significant amount of stability to the framing. It is important to securely fasten the drywall to the metal studs to provide rigidity to the wall and prevent bows and cracks in the drywall. Install screws at the corners of the drywall and at 16-inch intervals along the perimeter. Then install screws at 16-inch intervals across the surface of the drywall.
Screw Installation
When properly installed, the heads of the drywall screws should be slightly below the surface of the drywall without tearing the paper coating. Running a flat trowel over the surface of the drywall will reveal screws that are not properly countersunk. A metallic "clicking" noise from the trowel indicates a screw head that sticks out above the surface of the paper. Installing screws too deeply will tear the paper and greatly reduce the screws' holding power. Screw guns and adapters are available preset to the ideal depth for drywall screw installation.
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