There are several reasons you might want to remove drywall from your home. These include needing to install an airduct, repairing a small section of the wall, or simply having renovations.
Thankfully, drywall sheeting can be easily removed with a few simple steps. This guide will help you understand the process and do it properly.
Before you start your project, there are a few things you need to do to prepare. They are as follows:
1. Shut off All Utilities
Utilities such as electrical wires, plumbing pipes, and gas lines are often located behind wall cavities. A stud finder can indicate what is behind the drywall sheet you intend to remove. However, it is always best to shut off all utilities before starting any drywall removal project.
2. Ready the Room
Before starting your project, take some time to prepare the room. Remove any unnecessary furniture and isolate the workspace by closing doors and windows. If you can’t move the furniture, cover it with plastic drop sheets to prevent drywall dust from settling on it. The size of your project will determine the level of preparation required.
You’ll need the following tools and equipment:
- Drywall saw
- A utility knife
- A dust mask
- A prybar – A stud finder
- A hammer with a claw
- A strong magnet
- Masking tape
- A drill with screwdriver bits
- A stud finder
How to Take Off Plasterboard Sheets
1. Use the stud finder to locate utilities and areas where you need to be careful. Mark these areas with masking tape.
2. Detach the mouldings. Depending on the scope of your project, you may need to remove skirting boards or baseboards and, window moulding and cornices, anything attached in front of the drywall sheeting.
3. Use the utility knife to cut the drywall tape along the edges of the section of drywall you wish to remove. For an entire wall, this will be in the corner and possibly the ceiling line, plus sections where individual sheets join. If you’re unsure where sections of the drywall sheet join up, go to the next step and cut drywall tape when you identify where it is.
4. Locate the nails or screws holding the drywall with the magnet. The drywall will be attached to the timber framework via nails or screws.
Use the drill and screwdriver bits to remove the screws. Use the magnet and drill to locate and remove the screws until all screws from the entire sheet or section you wish to remove are gone.
Start at a corner of the drywall, if possible. If not, create a hole in the drywall using the prybar. The goal is to make a segment of the drywall you can pry up and loosen the sheet. If the sheeting breaks, repeat the process. Continue until the entire sheet or section you wish to remove has been removed. If you’re removing a specific drywall area, use a drywall saw to cut a clean edge.
5. Take out the nails that are left in the timber structure. Use a claw hook hammer or pry bar to get rid of any nails that are left.
Conclusion
You may need to remove drywall when renovating a room, repairing damage, or gutting a house after a flood. Prepare the walls for removal and follow the few simple steps mentioned above to get the job done quickly.
If you are looking for a registered plastering company, call We Plaster & Recruit. We provide the best drywall services throughout Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Queensland areas. Get in touch with us now to request a quote.