The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Drywall
Drywallis the rigid gypsum-based board that forms most walls in homes.
Drywall is either screwed or nailed directly to the wall studs.
A non-load-bearing wall supports only its own weight.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
In some homes, load-bearing walls are 24 inches apart, on-center.
Insulation
Exterior walls usually have fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool, or foam insulation.
Older homes may not have insulation behind the drywall.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Interior walls usually do not have insulation but sometimes they may have it as a soundproofing rig.
Headers
Headers are horizontal members that run across the top of doors, windows, and entryways.
The wider the header above the window, the larger the window.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Thus, you receive more air and light.
Outlet cables tend to be about 12 inches high.
Light switches are around 48 inches high, so expect to see electric cables around that area.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
You should not find loose electrical wires: only wires bundled together as either metal- or plastic-sheathed cables.
Pipes will run vertically more than horizontally through walls.
Fireblocks
Fireblocks are short horizontal studs added perpendicular to the wall studs to slow fire movement.
Grace Maina / Getty Images
Many fire codes require fireblocking, which is a simple, effective fire barrier between floors.
It can seal vertical and horizontal concealed draft openings.
FOTOGRAFIA INC. / Getty Images
Vermin and Insects
Even the tightest wall may end up withspidersand cobwebs.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Rats andmicedie within walls and remain there until found during remodeling projects.
DR pics24 / Getty Images
Construction Debris
Careless builders sometimes let construction debris fall down wall wells.
There is a good chance that you will encounter some screws or nails.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Keys sometimes snap off on their own and fall into the wall.
you’re free to hang items from drywall by driving fasteners through the drywall and into the studs.
This provides maximum support for shelving, cabinets, large pictures, and mirrors.
FOTOGRAFIA INC. / Getty Images
Where no studs are available behind the drywall, you canuse drywall anchors.
Sheetrock is a brand of drywall or gypsum panel owned by USG.
The term Sheetrock is sometimes used to refer to drywall in general.
DR pics24 / Getty Images
It costs between $7 and $16 per square foot to frame and drywall a room.
How to Determine if Exterior Walls are Load or Non-Load Bearing and Why Thats Important.
2308.5.1 Stud Size, Height and Spacing.
Building Code 2021 of Illinois.
Advanced Wall Framing Technology Fact Sheet.
157.78 MINIMUM MAINTENANCE STANDARDS.
City of Hollywood Inspection Code.
R302.11 - 2018 International Residential Code (IRC)
