Drywall and Drop Ceiling

Construction soon moved into the interior finish stage. The first part of this phase was the installation of drywall. Contractors used all of the drywall that was salvaged during the deconstruction and additional drywall that was purchased. Much of the drywall used was made from 100 percent recycled paper and gypsum. Once screwed into place, the joints are "mudded" or covered with drywall joint compound to create a smooth surface for painting.

The mud patches dry and harden, and are then sanded smooth. Several sandings and applications are often necessary to create a clean surface. Contractors then primed and painted the walls with Eco-Spec Pristine paint, a low-odor, low off-gassing paint made by Benjamin Moore. The track for drop ceiling was installed soon after. Drop ceilings are an inexpensive and flexible way to finish a room.

Contractors had a unique challenge in finishing the ceiling around the VELUX skylight. The track was run around the skylight in a rectangle and then framed out to the opening with wood. The interior of the cavity was finished with drywall.

© 2008 Recycle Ann Arbor. All rights reserved. Questions? Email us at info@environmentalhouse.org.