Barony Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 I started looking at the PDF on codes, and quickly concluded that I have a simple question and I'm sure someone here can answer it a lot quicker than I could find it.Pulled some sheet rock down from the ceiling in the basement to do a little work. Am I required to put back up 5/8 or can I put up 1/2? I thought I saw somewhere that 1/2 is now OK to put up for ceilings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roofer Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 5/8 typically. There is some ceiling rock that is 1/2" now though. It will say right on the pieces and the price will let you know also. Only reason is for sagging. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farmboy1 Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 I agree with roofer. Sheetrock on ceilings is normally 5/8" becuase more floor/roof systems are 24" O.C. and sagging is a problem. 5/8" rock also is considered "Fire rock" and needs to be used in situations where a fire barrier is needed, i.e. garage to house walls and ceilngs.They do have a high strength 1/2" rock to get away from the weight that seems to work good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparcebag Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 If its a repair hole and surrounding rock is 5/8 go with 5/8,If its taped right you wont notice the patch.However if its the whole ceiling,I'd go with the 1/2 inch rated for ceilings,just because its lighter and easier for one to install. On the other hand if existing is 1/2 and your patching, go with 1/2...5/8 would leave a hump and be very noticible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barony Posted August 6, 2008 Author Share Posted August 6, 2008 I've got whole rooms pulled down (no patching), so I think that the ceiling 1/2" will be the way to go. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
upnorth Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 If you are not having it inspected, code won't really come into play. I would go with 1/2 inch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roofer Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 There should be a permit issued already when he pulled it down to do some "work". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walleyeseeker Posted August 7, 2008 Share Posted August 7, 2008 If the floor joists are 16" on center, you can use 1/2" for the ceiling. You can use 1/2" that is made for larger spans if you can find it. Roofer is right, 5/8" will sag less, but I have put up plenty of houses where we used 1/2" to do ceilings on lower levels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparcebag Posted August 7, 2008 Share Posted August 7, 2008 If the floor joists are 16" on center, you can use 1/2" for the ceiling. You can use 1/2" that is made for larger spans if you can find it. Roofer is right, 5/8" will sag less, but I have put up plenty of houses where we used 1/2" to do ceilings on lower levels. Ya can get all the 1/2 inch 24" span rated rock at any big box do it yourself store Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PETERSONRJ Posted August 7, 2008 Share Posted August 7, 2008 You can use 1/2 inch on 24 o.c. if you're not texturing. If you're looking at the IRC book make sure you read the exceptions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barony Posted August 7, 2008 Author Share Posted August 7, 2008 I'm 16 on center, so looks like 1/2" is the way to go. Have the wife helping, so this will make momma happy too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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