Drywalls are an attractive option for decorative and logistical infrastructure additions. From beautiful patterns to protect against moisture and soundproofing, lots of people opt for them. Are you browsing for drywalls and overwhelmed with options? We’ll help you out.
Your decision on the drywall depends entirely on your garage’s usability, your drywall project budget, and the building codes that apply to your garage. You can choose from various drywalls, including regular, moisture-resistant, fire-resistant, paperless, and soundproof. Each type has pros and cons, which need to be weighed before deciding.
For more information, please continue reading.
Why Is Drywalling The Garage Important?
You may wonder why an extra step like drywalling is even required for the garage. Let us tell you why it is important, a justified investment, and how it makes your house better.
Protection – Garage walls can get a protective layer with drywall, reducing damage chances. This helps maintain a strong structure.
Insulation – An extra layer on the wall is sure to provide insulation! The temperature in your garage can be managed, which increases the garage’s usability.
Moreover, this impacts the temperature of your house as well if your garage and main living space are connected.
Aesthetics – Garages should be given the attention that they deserve. If you wish to spend less than the appearance of your garage, getting drywall can be an effective way to give it a finished look.
Safety – Apart from protecting the walls from damage, drywalling also reduces the risk of fires, making your garage safer.
Value – Drywalling the garage can increase the resale value of your home. A finished garage with insulation and protection can be important to drive your value up.
Types Of Drywall
Drywalls have various types, each fulfilling its own specified function. Below we have listed most of the commonly used types of drywall and their functions. This can give you better insight into which drywall works best for your garage.
Regular Drywall
Regular drywall is exactly what the name suggests. It does not provide additional benefits like insulating the garage or reducing the risk of moisture damage to the walls. This is the most cost-effective option for you.
Moisture-Resistant Drywall
The moisture-resistant drywall is also known as a green board. The main purpose of using this type of drywall is to ensure that moisture does not seep into the structure. These are ideally used in regions with high humidity levels, like coastal areas.
If your garage is used for water-related activities or has most plumbing fixtures installed in it, investing in a green board may be a good idea.
Fire-Resistant Or Type X Drywall
Type X drywall is often referred to as fire-resistant drywall and provides safety against fire. The drywall is very thick and difficult to work with; hence, it is best if you get an expert to do it.
Moreover, the thickness of the drywall makes it a great feature that can provide insulation and soundproof the garage. If your garage is to be used for flammable materials, this is the perfect fit for you!
Paperless Drywall
This drywall is focused on reducing the growth of mold. Due to the added fiberglass, the material is thick and hard to work with, but if you allow an expert to work on the project, this would not be an issue.
Paperless drywalls are perfect if there is a recurrent case of mold growing in your garage.
Soundproof Drywall
The soundproof drywall has a high sound transmission class (STC), so it does not allow much sound to pass through. A soundproof drywall does not provide other advantages, so this may not be a good choice if you are looking for additional benefits.
This is the perfect choice if you plan to make a music studio in the garage.
How To Decide Which Drywall Is The Best For Your Garage?
Now here is the tough part. We have all the information we need on the types of drywalls, but how do we make the final decision? The three most important things to consider when choosing the drywall are your budget, the usability of the garage, and the building codes that apply to your home. Let us talk about these in more detail to offer more clarity.
Budget
The most important aspect of any project in the house is the amount of money that you can spend on it. Explore drywalls as much as you want, but keep your budget in mind.
Some types of drywalls can be very expensive to buy and require expensive installation labor. Choose wisely.
Usability Of Garage
Each type of drywall has its own function; no drywall has all the advantages incorporated into it. Assess why you would use the garage and what activities will occur. By that, think about what your drywalls should look like.
Building Codes
Each state has its code for buildings. Most of these are in place to avoid accidents and ensure the safety of house owners and those around them. Some building codes may call for specific types of drywall, for example, Type X, to ensure no fires are caused.
Keep your codes in mind.
How To Drywall Your Garage?
The ability to DIY drywall installation in your garage depends on your expertise and tendency to take on difficult challenges. Below are some important steps involved in the drywalling process to offer you a slight overview.
- Get your materials, including the drywall panels, screws, compound, utility knife, saw, drill, hammer, and any other tools that may be required.
- Prepare the walls by cleaning them.
- Measure the drywall to precision and cut it.
- Screw the drywall onto the wall.
- Secure the joints in between the drywall panels.
- Sand the area and finish it with a final coat of joint compound.
Final Thoughts
All decisions are difficult, especially when the choices are this many. Carefully assess your needs and options and reach a conclusion that would help you in the longer run.