Drywalls are commonly used in our garages not only for decorative purposes but also for partial insulation and security purposes. That’s why you would find drywall of different types and of different sizes. This might be a little confusing for you. So, what drywall to use in a garage?
You can use regular ½-inch thick drywall for your garage. If you have an attached garage, you have to follow the local codes. Use 5/8-inch X-rated drywall on the ceiling for better safety and soundproofing. Buy the standard 4 by 8 foot sheets. If you have some knowledge of these things, you can easily install ½ inch drywall.
There is much more to consider and understand. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear idea of this topic.
Different Types Of Drywall
Based on their purpose, there are mainly 6 types of drywall.
- ½- inch thick regular drywall
- Fire-resistant drywall
- Mold-resistant drywall
- Plasterboard
- Soundproof drywall
- VOC-absorbing drywall
What Drywall To Use On The Garage Ceiling?
When it comes to ceilings, 5/8-inch drywall is the way to go. They are more durable, thick, and mostly fire-resistant. If you have a shared living room above the garage, then you must use these drywall panels.
Is Mold Resistant Drywall Necessary?
Many garages are not insulated. This causes the garage to become too cold or too hot. Eventually, the moisture level can build up gradually inside the garage. As a result of this, you may notice some mold spores on the drywall.
That’s why it’s important to check if your drywall is mold resistant or not. But keep something in mind, mold-resistant drywall is not always waterproof.
Even if you have used mold-resistant drywall, you should get your garage insulated ASAP.
Should I Get Fire Resistant Drywall?
Some communities have a local code that commands you to use fire-resistant drywall in garages. In the US, IRC table R302.6 clearly says that you must have at least ½ an inch of drywall on garage walls that are shared with the house.
These drywalls can slow the spread of fire with their specialized non-flammable fibers. Type X is mostly used as fire-resistant drywall. They are 5/8 inch thick and come in standard 4 by 8-foot panels. You can also use 2 ½ inches of drywall to get a similar result.
The problem with fire-resistant drywall is that they are more expensive. You’d have to pay 20% extra for these. But considering the safety standards, you should get them.
Do I Need To Get Soundproof Drywalls?
We do most of our heavy work inside the garage. These buzzing, cracking, and hammering sounds can annoy our family members and the neighborhood. We also spend a decent amount of our free time inside the garage.
That’s why it is wise to soundproof your garage. But obviously, that comes with a price. Soundproof drywall costs three to four times more than regular drywall. They are thicker and have more laminated layers of joint compounds, plastic, and gypsum.
Waterproof Drywalls Should Be Your Top Priority
If your garage is not properly insulated, the walls frequently come in contact with water, and the moisture level is high, then you should get waterproof drywall.
Water can ruin your drywall. Since they are made of gypsum and paper, water can cause them to crack and form molds. And it’s entirely impossible to wash your car without drenching the walls.
Waterproof drywall is partially waterproof. However, there are many mold-resistant drywalls that will work perfectly in this situation.
They cost a lot more than standard drywall. But if you want a perfect installation, you can waterproof your regular drywall. Just apply a layer of mold-resistant primer followed by a layer of mold-resistant paint.
Consider These Things Before Getting Drywall For Your Garage
As we mentioned earlier, drywall comes in different options, serving different purposes. Before you get into business, you should educate yourself about the factors you need to consider. Some of the important factors are mentioned below.
Drywall That Suits The Weather
Our garages are not always weather-resistant. Unlike our houses, garages cannot sustain the internal temperature for long if the outside temperature is fluctuating.
That means the weather can be too cold, too hot, or too moist for rainy reasons unless you have insulated your garage. Also, there are many devices like air conditioners and heaters that can damage standard drywall made of gypsum.
That’s why you should get weather-resistant drywall of the highest quality for garages that are not insulated. In an insulated garage, if you think it can withstand the moisture, you can get regular drywall.
Select The One That Suits The Purpose
Some drywall is suitable for walls while others are suitable for ceilings. Similarly, there are some regular drywalls and some specialized drywalls that are waterproof, fire-resistant, or soundproof.
Choose according to your needs, because once you’ve used the drywall on your garage, it’s really tough to change them and costly too.
The Size Of The Drywall Panels
Larger drywall panels are always preferable. They will save both your time and money, and also make the place look well-furnished. Having said that, you must also consider that the bigger the panels are, the heavier they will be.
The standard size is 4 feet by 8 feet, which will perfectly fit a garage with a height of 8 feet. You should place them horizontally. You can always cut the drywall panels according to size.
For the ceiling, you should go for the larger options. They will allow you to have fewer seams.
Follow The Local Code
The local code is something that commands you to follow a guideline set by the local building authority. If the garage is attached to the home, you must follow the fire code standards.
It varies from community to community. But mostly you’d need to buy X-rated drywall for this purpose.
Conclusion
There are many types of drywall available. But, what drywall to use in a garage? You can use standard ½ inch drywall on the walls and 5/8 inch drywall on the ceiling. But it is always better to use drywall according to the local code.
Fire-resistant drywall works the best. There are some costly and long-lasting drywalls available that will make your garage mold resistant, waterproof, and soundproof all at the same time. It is wiser to invest in them.
