Question 1

Can drywall go straight over the vapour barrier in an Ottawa wall?

Accepted Answer

Yes, drywall goes over the vapour barrier. The vapour barrier sits on the warm side of the wall, and the board is installed over it. Ontario's Building Code (9.25.4.3) says products installed as the vapour barrier protect the warm side of wall, ceiling and floor assemblies. These are minimums for new work; ask the City how they apply to your renovation. The vapour barrier has to be in place and intact before the board goes up.

Question 2

Half-inch or five-eighths drywall for walls in a Kanata renovation?

Accepted Answer

Ontario's Building Code does not name one board thickness for every wall. It sets a minimum of 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) for board that supports insulation (O. Reg. 163/24, 9.29.5.4.(1)), and its Table 9.29.5.3 sets the maximum spacing of supports by board thickness, orientation and whether the surface is painted or textured. These are Building Code minimums for new work; ask the City how they apply to your renovation, and ask the contractor which thickness suits the framing in your rooms.

Question 3

Screws or nails for new drywall under Ontario's Building Code?

Accepted Answer

Ontario's Building Code sets out fastener spacing for both options. Screws and nails are both permitted; the choice affects spacing requirements, and those requirements differ between walls and ceilings. Nails vs. Screws: What the Code Sets Out For nails on ceilings, Ontario's Building Code (clause 9.29.5.8) requires them no more than 180 mm apart along each support, or in pairs spaced about 50 mm apart with each pair no more than 300 mm from the next.

Question 4

Re-boarding a whole room in a Vanier house, what goes in the quote?

Accepted Answer

Re-boarding a whole room means taking out the old board if it is coming off, hanging new board, taping the joints, finishing to a named level and sanding, so the quote should price each of those. Published Toronto and Ontario contractor prices for hanging, taping and finishing run about $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot of board, meaning the wall and ceiling area covered, not the floor area; these are not Ottawa prices.

Hanging New Drywall

Can drywall go straight over the vapour barrier in an Ottawa wall?

Half-inch or five-eighths drywall for walls in a Kanata renovation?

Screws or nails for new drywall under Ontario's Building Code?

Re-boarding a whole room in a Vanier house, what goes in the quote?