Overview
Here, we compare two common drywall installation methods and the benefits of using screws exclusively instead of a combination of screws and nails, highlighting why Renoduck’s approach ensures superior quality and long-term value for homeowners:
- Renoduck Method (Horizontal Installation + Screws Only): Drywall is installed lengthwise (horizontally) to reduce seams and increase wall stability, and only screws are used for fastening to prevent movement and long-term issues.
- Vertical Installation + Screws & Nails (Standard Contractor Practice): Drywall is installed standing up (vertically), aligning edges with studs, and is fastened with both screws and nails, leading to higher maintenance needs and structural concerns over time.
Comparison Table
| Aspect | Renoduck (Horizontal Installation + Screws Only) | Vertical Installation + Screws & Nails |
| Seam Reduction | Fewer seams (one at mid-wall height) for a cleaner, smoother finish | More seams (one at every stud), increasing the risk of visible imperfections |
| Structural Strength | Ties studs together, reducing bowing/twisting, ensuring long-term durability | Less reinforcement; studs may shift over time, leading to weak points |
| Finish Quality | Easier to mud and sand, reducing visible imperfections and ensuring a flawless appearance | More seams and fastener pops require extra finishing, increasing labor costs and imperfections |
| Impact Resistance | More stable, reducing damage from minor impacts and maintaining wall integrity | Less stable, higher chance of cracking near seams, leading to costly repairs |
| Fire Resistance | Horizontal seams slow the vertical spread of fire by creating a more continuous barrier, preventing flames from travelling directly through stud cavities. Additionally, screws provide a more secure hold, preventing drywall from detaching prematurely under extreme heat. | Vertical seams allow fire to spread quickly between studs, and nails can loosen under high temperatures, increasing thelikelihood of drywall failure. |
| Long-Term Maintenance & Cost | Minimal maintenance required; no nail pops, fewer cracks, and a long-lasting professional finish | Higher maintenance required; frequent nail pops, visible seams, and drywall separationover time increase repair costs |
Failure Timeline
1-3 Years
- Renoduck: Walls remain structurally sound; fewer cracks, no nail pops, maintaining a pristine look.
- Vertical + Screws & Nails: Higher chance of seam cracking due to stud movement and nail pops appearing, requiring early maintenance.
5-10 Years
- Renoduck: Maintains strength and appearance with minimal repairs, ensuring long-term homeowner satisfaction.
- Vertical + Screws & Nails: More visible seams, drywall separation at joints, and increased nail pop repairs, leading to costly upkeep.
10+ Years
- Renoduck: Still performing as intended; minor touch-ups needed, maintaining a polished and durable finish.
- Vertical + Screws & Nails: Nail pops and seam issues require frequent maintenance and repainting, leading to additional expenses.
Conclusion
Choosing Renoduck’s horizontal drywall installation with screws only ensures a flawless, long- lasting, and maintenance-free finish. Unlike traditional methods that rely on vertical installation with nails, which lead to cracks, nail pops, and frequent repairs, our approach guarantees superior durability, enhanced fire resistance, and long-term cost savings.
By reducing vertical seams and ensuring more secure attachment, horizontal drywall with screws enhances structural integrity, improves the home’s appearance, and minimizes costly repairs over time. Invest in Renoduck’s superior method for a home that remains strong and beautiful for decades.