Drywall hanging across the bridge in Superior
Superior’s older frame houses give drywall hangers plenty to work with. Rooms that once had plaster over wood lath, ceilings that have dropped a little over the years and porches added in stages all end up needing new board. The job is the same basic work as anywhere else, but the prep and the layout have to suit houses that were built long before standard four-by-eight sheets were common.
Different state, different rules
Superior is in Wisconsin, so the permit process is not the same as it is on the Minnesota side of the bay. Requirements are set locally, and the city is the place to confirm what your project needs. Sorting that out before demolition keeps the schedule from stalling once walls are open.
What older Superior houses need from new drywall
- Framing checked and shimmed after plaster and lath come off
- Thicker board or furring so the new wall meets existing trim
- Moisture-resistant board in kitchens, baths and basements
- Porch walls and ceilings closed in once insulation is installed
Rooms in older homes can be slightly out of square, so sheets are measured and cut to each opening rather than run blindly from one corner. Keeping the gaps tight at the ceiling line and around windows gives the taper a clean edge to work from.
Kitchen remodels in these houses add another layer. Upper cabinets need solid backing, so blocking between studs is worth adding while the wall is open, before any board goes on. Hanging around a new range hood duct, window over the sink or pantry opening is planned so the seams stay out of the most visible spots.
Lake air and basement rooms
Damp air off the bay and older foundations mean basement rooms in Superior deserve extra thought. Walls are framed off the masonry, insulation goes in, and board is held up from the slab. Where a basement has had water in the past, it makes sense to fix that before any drywall is hung.
From Billings Park to the South End, call (218) 522-9671 for a free estimate on drywall hanging in Superior.