Drywalling around a garage door may seem daunting, but with the right techniques and tools, it can be accomplished efficiently and effectively. If you renovate your garage or tackle a new construction project, proper drywall installation around the garage door, tack, ceiling and walls is crucial for a polished finish.
In this article, we’ll guide you into various aspects of drywalling around a garage door, offering tips and step-by-step instructions for a flawless result.
So without further ado, let’s get started…
Table of Contents
Needed Tools
- Drywall Sheet
- Drywall Screws
- Screw Gun
- Utility Knife
- Drywall Saw or Rotozip
- Tape Measure
- T-Square or Straight Edge
- Drywall Sanding Block
- Drywall Joint Tape
- Joint Compound (Mud)
Code For Drywall in A Garage
Any remodeling or new construction for a garage requires a building permit and knowledge of drywall codes for garages. You can obtain a building permit from your local building authority. Building permit codes may vary between states and countries.
Luckily code for drywall in a garage laid out by International Residential Code and is common all across the USA.
Dwelling-Garage Separation Requirements
- Separation from Residence and Attics:
- Material: Not less than 1/2-inch gypsum board or equivalent applied to the garage side.
- Separation from Habitable Rooms Above the Garage:
- Material: Not less than 5/8-inch Type X gypsum board or equivalent.
- Structure(s) Supporting Floor/Ceiling Assemblies:
- Material: Not less than 1/2-inch gypsum board or equivalent.
- Garages Located Less Than 3 Feet from a Dwelling Unit on the Same Lot:
- Material: Not less than 1/2-inch gypsum board or equivalent applied to the interior side of exterior walls within this area.
How To Drywall Around Garage Door Track [Step-By-Step Guide & Safety Tips]
Drywalling around the garage door track requires precision and attention to the right measurement, cutting, and detail to ensure a seamless finish. A step-by-step guide to tackle this task is here:
Step 1: First, clear the area around the garage door track, removing any obstruction.
Step 2: Take the right measurement of the space, and cut the drywall accordingly to fit around the track, leaving space for adjustment if needed.
Step 3: Use a utility knife to notch the drywall to accommodate the track carefully.
Step 4: Secure the drywall in place using screws, ensuring it is flush against the wall and track.
Safety Tips
When drywalling around the garage door track, achieving professional results requires careful planning and execution. Consider these tips:
Proper Measurement: Take accurate measurements to ensure the drywall fits precisely around the track. Proper measurement also helps to reduce wastage and money.
Use Level: You must use a level to install the drywall straight and plumb.
Apply Joint Component And Tape: Apply joint component and tap to seal any gap between the drywall and track for a seamless finish.
Also Read: How To Open Garage Door Without Remote [Self-Applied Methods]
How To Drywall Ceiling With Garage Door Track [Easiest Way]
Drywalling the ceiling around the garage door track presents challenges such as slotted steel angles that hold the garage door track up, the size of the drywall, etc. Here’s how to do it right:
Step 1: The best way to drywall the garage ceiling with slotted steel angels attached is to remove all of them, apply the drywall, and then reattach all the angels through the drywall. This process required extra work but provided a clean and seamless installation.
Step 2: Install furring strips perpendicular to the track to provide a secure surface for the drywall.
Step 3: Measure and cut the drywall to fit the ceiling, accounting for obstacles such as lighting fixtures.
Step 4: Secure the drywall to the furring strips using screws, making sure it is flush with the surrounding walls.
Also Read: Garage Door Is Not Opening But Motor Is Running [Solved]
How To Install Drywall Around The Garage Door Support Brackets
Proper installation of drywall around the support brackets is essential for structural integrity. Follow these steps to proceed:
Step 1: Measure and cut the drywall to fit around the support brackets, leaving space for adjustments.
Step 2: Install the drywall, ensuring it is flush against the brackets and securely attached to the surrounding wall.
Step 3: Apply joint compound, drywall screws, and tape to seal any gaps and create a smooth finish.
How To Install Drywall to Edge of Garage Door Opening
Different methods exist to install drywall to the edge of garage door opening. We’ve mentioned them below:
Method 1: Use Vinyl J-Trim
Step 1: First, use a Vinyl J-Trim to finish the edges of the drywall neatly.
Step 2: Make sure the edge of the drywall is even with the edge of the door trim( the frame around the garage door).
Step 3: Install J-channel all around the perimeter of the drywall. J-channel is another type of trim that helps secure the edges of the drywall and gives a clean finish.
Step 4: Before finishing up, have the installers remove the old weatherstripping (the material that seals the gap between the door and the frame to keep out drafts and moisture). Then, they should put new weatherstripping in place as the final step.
Method 2: Creating Support For Brackets:
This method helps to provide additional support for the brackets. First, place a small rectangle of plywood or solid wood underneath each bracket, ensuring it’s the right thickness.
Then, cut the drywall to accommodate these supports, similar to how you would cut for a wall socket. This extra step can help ensure stability and durability for the brackets.
How To Add Wood Shim to Drywall for the Garage Door Opener?
Sometimes homeowner encounters a common challenge when upgrading their garage door opener- aligning it with the existing torsion bar frame. This situation requires adding 2″ of wood shim to the drywall to ensure proper alignment. However, the location of studs in the wall can be tricky, especially if they’re made of metal or hidden in unconventional places.
Finding Structural Support
When your stud finder fails to detect wood studs, consider alternative methods for locating structural support. Remember, if studs are undetectable, they could be made of metal, and some stud finders are equipped to detect metal as well. Additionally, focus your attention on corners where structural support is typically concentrated.
Solution 1: Anchoring Wood Shims to Existing Structure
One approach to adding 2″ of shim involves anchoring 2×4 pieces directly into the drywall. While this method is feasible, it’s crucial to ensure proper anchoring and structural integrity. Unitize sturdy screws and anchors to secure the shims firmly in place, preventing any risk of instability.
Solution 2: Building a Sturdy Frame
Alternatively, you can construct a robust frame from the ground up, providing a reliable base for mounting the garage door opener. Consider using materials like cinderblocks fixed to the ground with cement for added stability. Prioritize thoroughness and sturdiness throughout the construction process, and consider utilizing a laser level for precise alignment.
Should I Mount Garage Door Hardware to Studs Through Drywall, or Directly to Studs?
When installing garage door hardware, such as brackets and supports, it’s essential to consider the best mounting method:
- Mounting directly to studs provides maximum stability and support for heavy hardware.
- If mounting through drywall, use appropriate anchors to ensure a secure hold.
Drywall Above or Around the Overhead Garage Door
Installing drywall around or above an overhead garage door presents challenges, especially when there’s minimal clearance between the door components and the ceiling.
For example, with a 10-foot wall and a 9-foot high overhead door, the space is already tight. Moreover, considerations for aesthetics and safety are paramount, making it essential to explore viable solutions.
Solution 1: Work Around Existing Space
Step 1: Assess the available clearance and determine if notching around the opener or recessing the drywall into the joist bay is feasible.
Step 2: If recessing the drywall, ensure it doesn’t put stress on the opener’s travel rod and conder aesthetics by creating a longer recessed section if necessary.
Solution 2: Remove Door Parts for Installation
Step 1: Consult a professional garage door technical to safely remove the springs and door parts.
Step 2: With the spring removed, adjust the blocking to recess the drywall by half an inch along the wall for aesthetic reasons.
Step 3: Once the drywall is installed, the professional can reinstall the door parts securely and safely.
Final Steps and Considerations:
Safety First: Never attempt to handle garage door springs without proper knowledge and training due to the significant risk of injury.
Professional Assistance: When dealing with complex issues like garage door components, seeking the expertise of a professional ensures safety and proper installation.
Aesthetic Considerations: Take into account the visual appearance of the installation, ensuring it meets your aesthetic preferences while maintaining structural integrity.
By carefully considering the available space, safety concerns, and aesthetic preferences, you can effectively address the challenge of installing drywall around or above an overhead garage door, creating a seamless and visually appealing finish in your space.
Conclusion
Drywall around a garage door requires a proper planning, precise measurements, and attention to detail. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you can achieve satisfying results and create a polished finish that enhances the appearance and functionality of your garage space.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or tackling your first drywall project, mastering the art of drywalling around a garage door is within reach with the right tools ad know-how.
