Hanging drywall in Cloquet’s older houses
Many Cloquet remodels begin with a wall that has had decades of patches. Once plaster, lath or old paneling comes down, the framing underneath tells you how the new sheets will go up. Studs in houses from the mill years were often cut to rough dimensions, so spacing and thickness can vary from one bay to the next. Before the first sheet goes on, we run a straightedge across the wall and shim or plane the high and low spots, because drywall will follow whatever the framing does.
Replacing plaster also changes wall thickness. Plaster and lath together are often thicker than half-inch board, so window and door jambs can end up proud of the new wall. Planning for that ahead of time, with thicker board, furring or jamb extensions, keeps the trim sitting flat when it goes back on.
Old houses near the river also hide surprises once the walls are open, such as knob-and-tube wiring, missing insulation or rot under a window. It is far easier to deal with those while the studs are bare than after new board has closed them in, so we point out anything we notice before hanging.
Board choices that suit Carlton County homes
- Standard half-inch board for most living spaces after a tear-out
- Sag-resistant ceiling board where old plaster ceilings are replaced
- Moisture-resistant board for bathrooms and basement rooms along the river valley
- Fire-rated board on the house side of an attached garage
Newer homes and basement finishes
Out toward the highway, newer houses tend to have straighter framing and open basements, which lets us hang long sheets with fewer butt joints. Basement walls are usually framed and insulated before hanging begins, and the board is kept a small gap off the concrete floor so it does not wick up moisture. Ceilings in these basements often go up in full lengths, which cuts down on the taping later.
Getting on the schedule
Cloquet is an easy drive down Interstate 35, so a single room or a whole floor can fit into the schedule. It helps to have electrical and plumbing roughed in, and inspected where required, before the hanging date. When your framing is ready, call (218) 522-9671 for a free estimate on drywall hanging in Cloquet.