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Ceiling Drywall Screw Spacing

Chris_King | Posted in Green Building Techniques on

Hi all,
Currently have 1/2″ drywall secured to the ceiling with nails every 12″. Going to be pulling out the old fiberglass batts up there since it’s mostly destroyed and covered in mouse droppings. My plan is to just cover it with blown in cellulose. Can anyone recommend how far apart I should add extra support screws to reach about R60 in the attic? I know standard spacing for screws is 12″ just not sure if I should count the current nails for anything and do every 24″ for example. Ceiling joists are 2×10 of that makes a difference for weight issues.

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Replies

  1. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay | | #1

    Chris,
    Nails need to be spaced 7 inches apart for ceilings. Either ring-shank drywall nails or drywall screws will work fine. For more information, see:
    https://www.usg.com/content/dam/USG_Marketing_Communications/united_states/product_promotional_materials/finished_assets/sheetrock-gypsum-panels-installation-guide-en-J371.pdf

    There is no need to alter fastener spacing to account for cellulose. For more information on this aspect of the job, see How to Install Cellulose Insulation.

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