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Posted: 5/11/2024 12:37:19 PM EDT
Remodeling an old house with 2x4 rafters. Don't want to have any additional weight than necessary so leaning towards the 1/2, which says it is sag resistant, but don't want to spend time an effort and have it sagging soon. What experiences have you all had?
Link Posted: 5/11/2024 1:08:59 PM EDT
[#1]
It's not the 2x4 joists you need to take into account, but the spacing of them. If it's 16" OC spacing then 1/2" is standard.  
Link Posted: 5/11/2024 1:25:50 PM EDT
[#2]
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Quoted:
It's not the 2x4 joists you need to take into account, but the spacing of them. If it's 16" OC spacing then 1/2" is standard.  
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This.
Link Posted: 5/11/2024 1:32:37 PM EDT
[#3]
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Quoted:

This.
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They are 16 in spaced.
Link Posted: 5/11/2024 5:53:58 PM EDT
[#4]
Worried about weight, Use 3/8” 4'x8' or 4'x12' sheetrock
Link Posted: 5/12/2024 2:45:06 AM EDT
[#5]
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Quoted:
Worried about weight, Use 3/8” 4'x8' or 4'x12' sheetrock
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Not exactly. The USG 1/2" "ultralight" drywall, 4x8 sheet weighs just over 39lbs. The USG 3/8" 4x8 weighs just under 39lbs. The USG 1/4" 4x8 weighs just under 30lbs. The USG 5/8" 4x8 weighs just under 71lbs.

If you have the 1/2" USG or comparable product that is lighter than standard drywall, and your ceiling joists are 16" OC that's probably your best bet. If buying from a big box store, the weights are listed on the product page.
Link Posted: 5/12/2024 3:26:20 PM EDT
[#6]
Cool.

I never thought of using the ultralight sheets.
Link Posted: 5/12/2024 4:03:41 PM EDT
[#7]
If it matters, Check you local fire code. The purpose of 5/8” Sheetrock is to create a longer lasting fire barrier at the ceiling. If you’re not having it inspected or don’t worry about the fire resistance, don’t worry about it. You can use a thin plywood.
Link Posted: 5/12/2024 4:11:32 PM EDT
[#8]
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Quoted:
If it matters, Check you local fire code. The purpose of 5/8" Sheetrock is to create a longer lasting fire barrier at the ceiling. If you're not having it inspected or don't worry about the fire resistance, don't worry about it. You can use a thin plywood.
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When we build our Michigan house in 2010 5/8" on the ceilings was code for the fire rating. The wife wanted 12' sheets to reduce the amount of joints she had to mud on the vaulted ceiling, thank God I bought a drywall lift and the lift extension
Link Posted: 5/12/2024 5:00:23 PM EDT
[#9]
Properly screwing it to the ceiling  is going to dictate how secure it is whether 1/2 or 5/8 (screws just below Flush but not tearing the paper) My house is 1/2” and was nailed up- been that way for almost 40 years, but it’s quite loose (will be an easy demo) and there have been nail pops in the past. We are going to 5/8 when it’s replaced. Imo it’s gives a better final product flatter and stronger for pretty minimal extra cost.
Link Posted: 5/12/2024 5:40:00 PM EDT
[#10]
We just did 80 yo house that had odd staggering of studs.  We added a couple of cross braces and 1/2.  They used 1/8 board, popcorn coating and r8.  They drilled the ceiling fan right to the 1/8 4x8 boards.

1/2 with r32 and real electrical boxes and braces.
Link Posted: 5/12/2024 5:42:52 PM EDT
[#11]
Check your code. I think 1/2” is standard in most cases inside the house; 5/8” X-rated in garages
Link Posted: 5/13/2024 5:36:52 AM EDT
[#12]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Properly screwing it to the ceiling  is going to dictate how secure it is whether 1/2 or 5/8 (screws just below Flush but not tearing the paper) My house is 1/2” and was nailed up- been that way for almost 40 years, but it’s quite loose (will be an easy demo) and there have been nail pops in the past. We are going to 5/8 when it’s replaced. Imo it’s gives a better final product flatter and stronger for pretty minimal extra cost.
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Back in '79, we took a course at the USG plant where they taught you all of the ins and outs of working with sheetrock.
On ceilings, their rule was: 1 screw on each edge, and "three in the field".  That means 5 screws across the sheet.
Adhesive isn't really necessary if you're doing it properly.
Link Posted: 5/14/2024 10:23:38 PM EDT
[#13]
1/2” unless you need a specific fire code rating.
Link Posted: 5/16/2024 10:08:55 AM EDT
[#14]
5/8 on ceilings is becoming more popular with either 24" OC ceiling joists, rafters, and trusses or with 16" OC now due to the weight of insulation on top causing it to sag. 24" OC should be 5/8 regardless, but with energy codes requiring r-70 attic insulation, 5/8 is becoming the norm even with 16" OC due to the weight of the insulation. At 16" OC with 2x4 rafters your insulation weight is negligible, so 1/2" ultralight should be fine. You might also consider putting some foam board insulation of some type below the rafters to get some extra insulation.


I'm not a sheetrocker, but am a nerd, so there's that.
Link Posted: 5/19/2024 8:25:40 PM EDT
[#15]
5/8 is better

More dense. It helps deaden sound. Better fire rating
Link Posted: 6/5/2024 8:28:57 PM EDT
[#16]
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