Step of self-tapping screws when fixing drywall

In extremely rare cases, carrying out repairs using GCR, you can do without screws. If a frame made of metal profiles is used, self-tapping screws are used without fail. They can not only fix the GCR, but also the profiles themselves, which are part of the sheathed frame. The pitch of the self-tapping screws when fixing the plasterboard affects not only the quality of the fastening of this building material.

What affects the distance between the screws

First you need to understand what affects the fastening spacing.

1. The larger the pitch, the lower the consumption of fasteners. When working with large areas can be decently save on screws, if you place them at a sufficient distance from each other.
2. The smaller the gap between the screws, the more secure is the grip. If the screws are screwed too far apart, the GCR can sag and even be damaged under its own load. This is especially true for ceiling installation, where great attention should be paid to the safety of the structure being constructed.
3. Drywall can not only fall off due to poor installation, but also start to blow a little under its own weight or due to excess moisture. If the distance between the screws when fixing the drywall is not too large, then this will not happen.

Which step to choose

Above, we have already considered which factors may influence the plasterboard mounting step. On the basis of them, some rules for the optimal assembly of gypsum boards have long been defined.

The optimum fastening interval is 15-30 cm. It all depends on the assembled design.

The pitch of the self-tapping screws when fixing the plasterboard to the ceiling should not exceed 15 cm. Note that, even using thin plasterboard ceiling, the weight of the sheet will be significant. He is constantly in limbo and creates static pressure on the fasteners, so the gap between them should be so small. Otherwise, there is a risk that the screw will burst the drywall and it will disappear under its own weight.

On the ceiling we observe an interval of 15 cm and a chess order at the joints.

There may be more spacing for attaching a drywall wall, but this depends on the number of support frame profiles. For example, a sheet can be mounted vertically to three profiles. Then we choose a gap of 20 cm. If the sheet is screwed horizontally to six profiles, then a step of 30 cm will be quite enough. Additional profiles make the mount more reliable, which means that the gap can be increased.

You can also proceed as follows: fasten the gypsum board along the perimeter with a pitch of 15 cm, and in other places with an interval of 25 cm regardless of the number of profiles used.

What else to pay attention

It is not enough to know what the pitch of the self-tapping screws should be when fixing the drywall. It is also necessary to clearly understand what distance should be receded from the edge of the sheet:

• fastener can not be screwed into the very corner of the plasterboard, you need to retreat 5-10 mm from each edge;
• fixing the sheet with screws along its edge, it is also necessary to retreat 5-10 mm from the edge;
• the distance between the self-tapping screws, screwed into the edges of the two joined sheets, must be at least 15 mm.
• Do not place self-tapping screws on the same level along the edge of two joined sheets. Be sure to comply with chess order. The offset of the screws must be at least 10 mm.

In some cases, the frame is sheathed in two sheets. After what distance to fasten drywall screws in this case? Masters are of the opinion that when mounting the second layer, the pitch between fasteners should not exceed 25 cm.