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Building Homes or Extensions/Put dry wall on ceiling in the basement

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Expert: - 9/3/2008


Question
Dear Dan,
I try to put dry wall on ceiling in the basement and want to make it as higher as it can go. Can I nail the dry wall directly onto the structure wood without leaving any space between the air duct (out-going and in-taking))and dry wall. Please advise. Thanks. JZ


Answer
JZ, yes you can nail drywall directly to the bottom of the floor joists.  The long dimension of the drywall should go across the joists, not the same direction as the joists.  I do not understand what you are asking me about the HVAC grilles.  I assume they are not right together, if you are asking if the drwall can touch the duct work, sure it can.  You need to have a plan for getting a finish grill attached.  I hope this answered your question.  




HVAC - trade term for Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning.
Duct work can vibrate and if your drywall does actually touch, there can be a drum effect.  Air conditioning duct can sweat violently if not wrapped as the cold pipe encounters warm air.  Not usually an issue if the duct is exposed, a major issue in an attic.  I assumed these ducts were going to serve the basement space, hence the comment on having a plan for a finished grille installation tapped to the ducts.  If the ducts are simply going elsewhere, forget the comment.  Be very careful about punching nail or screw holes in the duct work.

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Dan Griffin

Expertise

I can answer almost all questions related to the total construction process. My expertise is in commercial construction, though I can field most any residential question. I have hands on experience in concrete, heavy equipment, masonry, all phases of carpentry, interior finishes, and I am fairly strong in mechanical and electrical.

Experience

I have over 20 years experience as a commercial carpenter and commercial construction superintendent. I have another 20 years experience in facility management for a major school district.

Organizations
My favorite hobby for he past 12 years has been singing bass in a The OkChorale men's barbershop chorus and the Mature Moments quartet.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Bachelor's degree in English and Math. I have completed many continuing education hours in the building trades. I hold a Master Carpenter card from the AGC, Associated General Contractors.

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