Manufacturers produce sheetrock, sometimes called drywall, in many sizes and thicknesses. Thicknesses range from 1/4-inch to 1-inch thick, with the thickest materials sometimes only available by special order. Sheet width commonly measures 48 inches, although lengths are available in 8-, 9-, 10- and 12-foot increments.
Thickness
The most common thickness used on new construction drywall is 1/2 inch. This is standard in situations with 16-inch on-center ceiling joists. Thinner sheetrock may sag between the joists, and heavier materials add to the cost of the project and to the weight of the materials lifted to the ceiling. Use thinner sheetrock for ceilings being installed over old plaster or drywall in a home renovation project.
Length
The standard 4-foot by 8-foot sheetrock piece probably works best on a ceiling. Use longer sheets if you have the right equipment, such as a mechanical hoist to lift the sheetrock in place, and enough help to place the larger materials properly. Larger sheets mean less taping, thus reducing the cost and time involved with that portion of the project. If, for example, a room is 12 feet wide, using 12-foot sheetrock eliminates butt joints and only requires taping on the long sides of the sheets.
Special Considerations
Use 5/8-inch sheetrock if the ceiling joists are 24 inches on center as opposed to 16. The extra thickness of the sheetrock prevents sagging between the additional distance between joists. Thickness also plays a part in soundproofing, and a thicker ceiling drywall may limit sound penetration between the rooms in a multistory home or apartment.
Fireproofing
Type X drywall or sheetrock is fire-retardant. Achieving a one-hour fire rating requires the use of 5/8-inch Type X sheetrock. Fireproofing requirements vary with local building codes. However, one-hour fire ratings usually exist for walls or ceilings separating garages from living spaces or residential units in a multiunit apartment building.
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