drywall
I'm in the process of enclosing my garage. The bottom foot of one of my garage walls is a slab step. Under the drywall on the top part is a one inch thick layer of rigid foam. I need to cover up the bottom piece with drywall, but I'm unsure how to hang it over concrete and still be up to code. I'm thinking of attaching 1 x 2 furring strips and hanging the drywall on those. Is this the right solution? Are there any moisture/insulation concerns with that method in Florida?
Increasing your wall thickness to facilitate 6in insulation is a fine idea, can't hurt. A vapor barrier of 4 mil plastic with taped seams should always be installed between the insulation and drywall. this will stop moisture from the outside from penetrating the back of the drywall and conversely, humidity from inside collecting in the insulation. T111 siding is notorious for not being a tight exterior sheathing, especially when installed without a backer such as OSB or plywood covered with a layer of Tyvec. The interior of the wall will vent itself and ambient moisture in the wall will not be a problem in most cases, as long as there is not any water infiltration into the cavity, you will be fine.
Well, it rained pretty heavily the entire week while I was working, so I waited a day or two before drywalling to see if I could find a leak. I believe whatever was causing the problem was fixed. I think the mold there was from back when that window used to be a doorway.
Here's my fix:
The wall was very unlevel, so I went to Lowe's in search of Lath (my brilliant wife's idea)! I used it to level out the wall and pretty much re-build the wall without having to actually tear it apart. Here's a shot of the lath-ed wall:
I also put some plastic on the bottom to cover the cement area, just in case
And a two shots of the same wall now mudded & tapped:
Best Answer
1x2 furring strips will work but should be pressure treated. I'd also go the extra "mile" and use green or other moisture resistant drywall.