He says that It will eventually sag. It is screwed to the joist properly and everything. It is now ready to paint. I did all my ceilings with 3/8. I have posted this question before and the concensus was that I should not worry about. But my electrician said something again to me about it. He said that it was dangerous. I really don't want to redo my ceilings. He has got me worried. Should I be, or is he just blowing smoke?
2007-10-01 05:26:41 · 8 answers · asked by shaggy 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Tell you electrician to stick to electrical. I am a builder and have used 3/8 on a lot of ceilings. So long as you screwed it of good, you won't have to worry about it in your life time.
2007-10-01 09:57:04 · answer #1 · answered by shawnd518 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
I used 3/8 in. sheetrock on my ceiling. My electrician says that I should rip it down. Should I?
He says that It will eventually sag. It is screwed to the joist properly and everything. It is now ready to paint. I did all my ceilings with 3/8. I have posted this question before and the concensus was that I should not worry about. But my electrician said something again to me about it. He said...
2016-02-09 19:57:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If joists or studs are 16" on center or less you can use 3/8" but you should check your local building code. Secondly using 5/8" on a ceiling is absurd.(well, maybe if the ceiling job is in a mental hospital or something like that) Can you imagine anything ramming into your living room ceiling and making a hole?? What all the extra strength for?? Dimwitted. Thirdly if you have a fire you HAVE A LOT MORE PROBLEMS TOO WORRY ABOUT than whether there was 3/8" drywall on the ceiling or 1/2". Think about it!
Fourthly, the claim that 3/8" on the ceiling is too weak and might sag is bullsh*t. At 16" centers I have 3/8" drywall ceilings screwed and glued for many years in EVERY room in the house now--- flat as a pancake. Again, what in hells name is going to ram into my ceilings and crack them or put holes in them?? Jeeze. Common sense. About the only objection I can see is generally electrical outlet boxes have tabs for 1/2" drywall not 3/8. And 1/2" might be slightly cheaper than 3/8". Aside from that some people insist on going over board in thickness and then don't even glue the drywall to the studs and/or joists !!
2016-04-17 18:52:00 · answer #3 · answered by John _____ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most drywallers I work around like to put 5/8 on ceilings. But some use 1/2 inch. I've never seen 3/8 used anywhere around here. It's not dangerous. It may sag but it won't explode or anything. But we electricians don't know the drywall trade. We're electricians. Call a local drywaller and ask him.
2007-10-01 16:12:10 · answer #4 · answered by John himself 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
More than likely it is not code. You need to check with your local county or city building inspectors to see if you have a potential issue.
3/8" has the potential to sag quite readily and will take place most often with couple of season changes. Its the natural water content change that happens that causes sag. And no amount of fasteners will stop this.
3/8" is generally reserved for plaster re dos (since the plaster is usually 3/8" thick.
1/2" for ceilings is considered a minimum.
2007-10-01 08:47:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
3 8 Drywall
2016-10-02 09:51:28 · answer #6 · answered by francene 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell your electrician to mind his own beeswax. Then install 1/2" rock over the 3/8.
2007-10-01 14:37:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My personal opinion is not to use it. Most building codes require 1/2" for ceilings and exterior walls. If your ceiling joists are on 24" centers, definitely replace it. I believe it will bow within a year.
2007-10-01 05:34:21 · answer #8 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will likely sag in a couple of years, but, you can strip with with a 2x4 or something decorative that is running cross ways of the joists to give it support, maybe do a pattern or something like that. Use 2x4's and make fake beams or something that would be cheap and easy. Best of luck.
2007-10-01 09:51:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is no problem with 3/8" sheetrock on your ceiling, as long as it is fixed securely. He is just trying to get you to waste your money on new. My husband is a builder and we have done exactly the same as you.
2007-10-01 05:34:34 · answer #10 · answered by gillian s 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋