Pittsburgh Drywall Installation

If you own a home, chances are pretty good that it contains some drywall. Since it is quick to install and inexpensive, it's easy to see why drywall is the most popular choice for interior walls in the country. If you're looking to finish a basement or attic, or if you're planning an addition or garage remodel, drywall installation will most likely be a part of the job.

Moisture Problems in Pittsburgh Drywall Installation
In Pittsburgh, drywall installation is a very common task, but some places in the home might be more or less suited to the work than others. Due to the large amount of moisture in the air and the frequent threat of precipitation, Pittsburgh attics, basements, and garages are often subjected to significantly higher levels of moisture than other rooms of the house (though, for many reasons, they are often the most desirable places to remodel). When drywall is exposed to excessive moisture, it has a tendency to break down and become soft over time. If your new wall is exposed to too much water, your investment might end up in pretty sad shape.

In Pittsburgh, and pretty much everywhere else, bathrooms pose a big problem when installing drywall. With the extremely moist conditions present in your average bathroom, it is common for the finishing tape to become loose due to moisture in the air, as well as for the boards themselves to get damaged by prolonged and direct contact with water. Here, the drywall must be protected and installed utilizing the proper techniques to make sure that it will hold up.

Drywall and Impact Problems
No matter what you do, drywall will not hold up to a strong impact. Even a moderate impact (bumping the wall with the edge of a table while moving it, etc.) can cause a noticeable dent or even a hole. Rodents, or even the family dog, can also cause holes in drywall. Though you probably can't do too much about most situations that would dent or put a hole in your drywall, putting stoppers behind doors and taking extra care when moving furniture is certainly a precaution worth taking.

Pittsburgh Drywall Finishing
Drywall is generally put up in large sheets and then screwed into a wooden frame to create a wall. Next, the mud, which covers screw holes and fills in the joints where the drywall boards meet, must be put in. Taping down the joints and another application of mud often follows this. After you've finished with the basic drywall installation, Pittsburgh homeowners will have yet another task to begin: deciding what sort of finish you want for your new wall.

Many different finishes are available that range from completely smooth to highly textured. To get the most out of drywall finishing, Pittsburgh residents should take a look at the different options they have to choose from before the project begins, as it might make a difference in both cost and installation technique. Textured finishes can be made to mimic classic materials such as plaster by putting on a thick layer of joint compound and spreading it with a trowel or texture can be sprayed on (which is more popular because it takes less time). Smoother finishes look more contemporary and are good surfaces for paint or wallpaper. If you?re installing wallpaper, keep in mind that it is important to prime and seal the drywall before you stick the paper to it to avoid damage if it is ever removed.

Prices of Drywall Installation in Pittsburgh
Though Pittsburgh drywall installation is generally consistent with figures around the country (the national average cost is about $2,000), Iron City prices go as high as $6,000 and dip below $1,000 on the other end. The price of your particular project will vary by size, and in some instances, by finish. Most drywall installation is completed in just a few days, but larger jobs might take a week or two.

Rate This Article

OVERALL RATING Be first to rate this article!

YOUR RATING

Saving Rating...

Log-in to save your ratings!

Recommend This Article

Digg
Reddit
Del.icio.us

ServiceMagic Articles To-Go