Frequently Asked Questions

Gluing is a way of installing drywall that involves applying special adhesive between the studs and drywall before securing it with minimal fasteners as required. This method reduces the number of fasteners needed to secure the drywall panels to the framing members. Although there are some areas in the US and Canada where gluing is required, it is not required and generally not done In Volusia and surrounding counties, Check your area for requirements.

Staggering the drywall joints is required. It strengthens the walls and creates a better appearance of the final product.

If you see visible signs of mold, the issue is most likely deeper. It’s always recommended to have an experienced professional handle mold problems. In some cases, the mold spores have multiplied, become air born, and possibly gotten into air conditioning ducts, linens, clothes, and furniture. If you find mold on a section of drywall, it is very important to move all surrounding household items from the area to allow the affected areas to dry as quickly as possible and slow down the spread of harmful particles. In all situations, no matter how minor, a state certified mold specialist should be consulted.

Primer is required by all drywall manufacturers for a proper wall finish.

Drywall mud and the surface of drywall are two very different products with different characteristics that will not look uniform on a painted wall that has not been primed. The surface of drywall is made from recycled paper. During the manufacturing process, as much ink as possible is removed from the paper’s previous use. However, a significant amount of ink is left behind. The ink is acidic, and paint does not adhere to or cover acids well. Also, paper is very porous, and it absorbs paint much more quickly than drywall mud. Drywall mud is wet and pliable, and as it dries, it absorbs into the surface of the drywall. Properly sanded drywall mud is not porous like drywall paper.

Priming leaves behind a surface which is sealed, and evenly absorbable for the paint. Quality products like KILZ or Zinser should always be used for priming. There are many products on the market which don’t work. Keep this in mind. When buying a product, remember when the price is too good to be true, it usually is.

The cost of interior plaster is significantly higher than the cost of drywall. Before the 1960’s, plaster was the go-to interior product. Drywall was developed as a more economical and less labor-intensive alternative to plaster and lathe. An additional option, the cost of which falls between that of plaster and drywall, is “wone cote”, which is a modernized version of plaster.

If your house was constructed with plaster and lathe, it is likely an older, home, and you may need to replace the electrical, plumbing, or other structural elements. If there is a need to update the wiring or plumbing, replacing the plaster and lathe with drywall is suggested. But if not, it's best to leave the plaster walls as they are, as plaster walls have many benefits such as extreme durability.

:Drywall is cost effective, readily available, easy to cut and quick to install.

However, it is prone to water damage, not as durable as other materials and difficult to recycle.

One significant problem with drywall is that it produces smelly and potentially lethal hydrogen sulfide gas when left to decompose in landfills. It can also leach dangerous sulfates into the groundwater supply. An estimated 75% of drywall ends up in landfills, but efforts are increasing to promote recycling.

While drywall is made of some pretty sturdy stuff, it can sustain damage when exposed to water for too long. If moisture damage isn't addressed quickly, the structural integrity of the drywall becomes compromised, causing it to become soft, weak and susceptible to mold growth.