Double Drywall Installation

[jeff41071]

Hi,

A drywall contractor recently installed a new ceiling in our kitchen. The ceiling was previously plaster, and the studs were uneven. Rather than shimming the ceiling to make it level before the installation, the drywall was installed over the uneven studs.

When we noticed that the ceiling was uneven, the contractor installed another layer of drywall over the first layer. This made the ceiling appear more even, although not perfect.

So my question is whether this double installation is a best practice. A friend has told me that it is not, and that the right approach is to shim the ceiling first. The idea of attaching two layers of drywall is not something I have heard of previously.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

[Snoonyb]

The shortest distance to your wallet, was not quality.

[jeff41071]

Besides not being best practice, is this typically a code violation? Is there a safety issue?

[Drywall DIY Guy]

Double sheets are used on walls for soundproofing with no problem. I would not think it would be a problem on the ceiling but to know for sure, check your local codes. You may want to install some extra screws since you are holding up twice the weight if you decide to keep both sheets up.

I find it odd that the contractor did not simply take down the first layer and shim it and then refasten. Is this drywall finished? If not, I think I would just take it all down (or hire someone to do so), shim it and place the first layer back up. You would need a lift or a support of some type to hold it in place when you remove the screws.

[jeff41071]

Thanks for your thoughts. The ceiling is "finished" at this point, although the dryall contractor has not yet received his final payment.

It looks decent at this point, but I'm not sure how it will look when it is painted, especially along the seam where the ceiling meets the wall (they will be two different colors) - I'm not sure that it will be perfectly straight.

Although, our long term plan is probably to put up some type of molding so I'm not sure that it will make a big difference.

[Aurora]

Above and beyond the aesthetic factors I'd be worried that he did the job right. If you had a lath and plaster ceiling to begin with you had at least 3/4" to 1" to penetrate. First layer of sheetrock would need at least 2" drywall screws to get a bite into the ceiling joists. A second layer of rock would require at least 3" sheet rock nails to hit the joists.

I would call the building dept and ask if this is accepted practice or code to put double sheet rock on the ceiling over plaster.

Find out how your contractor put up the rock (how long were the screws and did he use mastic or glue) and how thick was the sheet rock he put up? (1/2" or 5/8").

My major concern would be will the ceiling come crashing down due to improper or inadequate installation.

[Drywall DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by Aurora

My major concern would be will the ceiling come crashing down due to improper or inadequate installation.

To eliminate the concern that not enough screws were used, you could simply place some additional screws yourself. Use a stud finder to locate the studs and apply 1 1/2" or 1 3/4" screws a few places on each stud. Set the screws slightly below the surface. Fill in screw depressions with drywall joint compound and a taping knife. You will need several coats to fill the depressions since the mud shrinks.

Or you could insist that the contractor add some more screws since he could have prevented this in the first place.