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Proper Sheetrock Nail Spacing is the Key to Preventing Loose Panels, Weak Joints, Multiple Nail-Pops, and Other On-going ProblemsYou will only need to check the sheetrock nail spacing on the butt joints and the edges of your panels if drywall construction adhesive was used in the hanging stage. Most cases of do-it-yourself drywall involve drywall installation over wooden framing. If adhesive wasnt used to hang your drywall panels to the wood framing, then youll want to systematically check each separate part of the job (for example the butt joints, the inside corners, the outside corners. etc.). Each separate part is shown in the Sheetrock Nail Spacing Checklist at the end of this web page. Also, if you used nails to hang the walls (without adhesive), THEN YOU MUST USE DRYWALL SCREWS FOR THE FOLLOWING STEPS.Butt Joints: This is the most critical area. Check the distance between the fasteners. THE SHEETROCK NAIL SPACING SHOULD RESEMBLE THE BUTTONS ON YOUR SHIRT! The maximum spacing should be 5 inches. If your butt-joint fasteners measure at 6 or more inches, then place another screw in between them. When it comes to butt joints:Tip: It is often easier to drive screws into a butt joint with a standard-cordless screw gun (drywall screw guns can prove to be awkward for getting the perfect angle on the screw). Also remember that if youre having trouble hitting the stud and the joint gap is minimal, you can place the screw directly on the centerline (as shown below). This is better than taping over panel edges that arent fastened down.  In the photo above, the butt joint did not line up perfectly with the stud. To use this method, BOTH PANELS MUST REST ON THE STUD. In other words, never try to build a butt joint where one side is unsupported and floating in space. In the case shown above, the panels are bonded and fastened over a plaster wall. Recessed Joints: |