Replacing sheetrock? Expert tips for home improvement projects
HOUSTON -- Sheetrock and insulation. For many Harvey victims, these are the first items of concern after the flood.
Daniel Quiroz, assistant manager of Home Depot, gave Eyewitness News several expert tips for making sure you rebuild the right way:
Make mold elimination a priority
If your house flooded, you need to spray mold control in the areas where you are installing new sheetrock first. Spray it to the height of the water line, and let it dry before installing insulation and sheetrock.
Gather the right insulation
Quiroz said there are a couple of options for insulation, including:
- R-13: Fits perfectly for 2x4 studs
- R-19: Typically seen in attics, and used for 2x6 studs
- Spray insulation: Used in attics typically
- Foam insulation: This may be a good option, but requires a special order
Also, don't forget these must have items:
- Gloves are absolutely necessary when handling insulation, Quiroz said, or you will pay for it later when you are scratching repeatedly.
- A regular utility knife, needed to cut your sheetrock.
- The right screw: If you're going to hang new sheetrock, Quiroz said the 1 5/8-inch screw is what you need to drill through the sheetrock and into the studs.
- Spackle or putty, used to cover the screws.
- Sandpaper, needed to sand out rough edges.
A helpful hint for a clean wall
Before you sand out the screw holes, make sure your spackling paste or putty is completely dry, Quiroz said.
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