Walls and Ceilings - drywall

I hired a person to hang drywall in my basement. He used 1/2" for the walls, he used 3/8" for the ceilings. I questioned him about sagging problems on the ceiling since he used 3/8 drywall. His response was it's 16" o.c. and he screwed every 6" so there would not be a problem with the ceiling sagging. He has been hanging drywall for 20 years and never had a problem. I've asked around and was told the sagging problem will occur using 3/8" for the ceiling within 5 to 7 years. I was also told 1/2" would of been ok to use but 5/8" would be "what he should of used". I am now considering to tell him to remove the 3/8" and use 1/2" or 5/8". The total amount of space is over 1500 sq ft. that would have to be re-done. I need advice on what I should do, he is starting to tape and mud this week.

Thanks!!!!

I hired a person to hang drywall in my basement. He used 1/2" for the walls, he used 3/8" for the ceilings. I questioned him about sagging problems on the ceiling since he used 3/8 drywall. His response was it's 16" o.c. and he screwed every 6" so there would not be a problem with the ceiling sagging. He has been hanging drywall for 20 years and never had a problem. I've asked around and was told the sagging problem will occur using 3/8" for the ceiling within 5 to 7 years. I was also told 1/2" would of been ok to use but 5/8" would be "what he should of used". I am now considering to tell him to remove the 3/8" and use 1/2" or 5/8". The total amount of space is over 1500 sq ft. that would have to be re-done. I need advice on what I should do, he is staring to tape and mud this week.

Thanks!!!!

Can't chime in on the sagging issue but I have a peice of info that MAY trump that anyhow. Its called CODE
The Code usually always calls for 5/8th inch drywall. Check with your local officials.

I guess codes vary greatly from place to place. I've always used 1/2 inch for both walls and ceilings (unless it's a garage/firewall situation) and never have an issue with code compliance. I will also say upfront - I'm not an expert - but with 16inch o.c. and 6 inch fastener placement - you shouldn't have any issues. I would have preferred 1/2 in your situation - but am not sure it's truly necessary. I'm sure some more qualified experts will have a more informed answer to that part of the question.

I've never heard of anyone using 3/8" for ceilings. Perhaps he has a bad back like me and prefers the lighter board but it still should have been atleast 1/2"

Does he offer any type of warranty? I doubt he would be willing to rehang for free. I also doubt that he has been using 3/8" rock on ceilings for 20 years. Wish you luck.

Code here is 1/2 ceilings (unless garage, then 5/8 firerock).

This is the first time I have heard about 3/8 on ceilings, unless it is a "rock over plaster".

I don't know about the sag, as I've never seen 3/8 used.

It would ease your mind and be cheaper to go buy another $22 bucket of drywall screws and Put them every 3-4 inches. I did it just took a little more time but was worth the piece of mind.

Jack

It would ease your mind and be cheaper to go buy another $22 bucket of drywall screws and Put them every 3-4 inches. I did it just took a little more time but was worth the piece of mind.

Jack

Usually, the sag appears between the joists when it sags, and not along the joist itself (it is usually caused by moisture and weight).

If adhesive was used, the additional screws won't add much "holding power" to the rock, as the adhesive is run along the entire joist. If adhesive wasn't used, screws could help some.

My .02