Walls and Ceilings - Drywall for strength?
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homemaker
02-11-09, 04:22 PM
Wow! I can't believe it's taken me so long to find this website. It is so cool.
I am wondering if drywall is important to the structural integrity of a house, or if it is just for show. If the corners crack, is it okay to do cosmetic repairs only?
I am wondering if drywall is important to the structural integrity of a house, or if it is just for show. If the corners crack, is it okay to do cosmetic repairs only?
marksr
02-11-09, 04:35 PM
Welcome to the forums!
I suppose there might be a minimal amount of structual value because it ties the studs/rafters together but you will be fine making cosmetic repairs to the drywall.
I suppose there might be a minimal amount of structual value because it ties the studs/rafters together but you will be fine making cosmetic repairs to the drywall.
clawfirst
02-16-09, 04:35 AM
Welcome to the forums!
I suppose there might be a minimal amount of structual value because it ties the studs/rafters together but you will be fine making cosmetic repairs to the drywall.Actually drywall increases the sheer strength of any wall or floor, just like a sway brace does on a roof. In fact in the building code I use will allow for longer spans in floor joists i fthe cieling is either boarded, sheathed, strapped. It is not minimal at all.
I suppose there might be a minimal amount of structual value because it ties the studs/rafters together but you will be fine making cosmetic repairs to the drywall.Actually drywall increases the sheer strength of any wall or floor, just like a sway brace does on a roof. In fact in the building code I use will allow for longer spans in floor joists i fthe cieling is either boarded, sheathed, strapped. It is not minimal at all.
homemaker
02-17-09, 01:30 PM
Do tape and mud also add strength? If the tape and mud job was lousy, should a person start over and try to make it stronger, or is it okay to spackle or caulk the cracks and not worry about what's going on behind the scenes?
clawfirst
02-17-09, 01:52 PM
If you cant drive a pickup truck through the joint, it was probably just poor taping. If however you have large diagonal cracks not on joints, something is wrong structually.