Walls and Ceilings - Should I Apply Two Layers of Drywall?

Hello -

The walls of my home are uninsulated.

I debated between the guesswork of blowing insulation into the walls or tearing them out and insulating with R-13 bats and decided on the latter.

Although I'd prefer plaster walls, I've torn them out of my bedroom and now I have up to 1" gap between the studs and window/door trimming.

Questions:

1) I'm guessing it's OK to double 1/2' drywall on exterior walls due to the fact that the weight is shifted to the basement walls below. However, I've torn out a 3rd wall (next to our chilly basement staircase) and so I am concerned about the added weight of the drywall there - although it is directly above the main support of the house. Would you recomend this approach?

2) As an option, would it be advised to screw on 1/2" strips of plywood to the studs then screw the 1/2" drywall to that? What about the gap between the insulation and the drywall caused by the strips of plywood? big deal or not?

3) Just out of curiosity... which is heavier? Drywall or Plaster per square foot?

I'd appreciate any advise I could get. Thanks very much in advance!

~R.D.I.Y.'r

1). I wouldn't double the drywall in view of #2

2). use 1/2" plywood or osb furring, then drywall and no, the added gap is not a big deal.

3). cement is heavier than gypsum, so your old plaster and lath is heavier than drywall.

XSleeper...

thanks for your input! Appreciate that you took the time to answer!

~ RDIY'r