Background:
I'm gluing and screwing 5/8 in drywall on the ceiling in my own home. I'm attaching it with screws and construction adhesive directly to the attic joists — which are 16 in OC. I'm placing 12- and 8-by-4 sheets perpendicular to the joists. And I'm putting in one screw at each of the beveled the ends, then four screws in between those two — 6 screws total over the 4-ft width of the sheet.
This is part of a remodel of my own home. Given the much larger cost of the general remodel, I'm not interested in skimping on drywall materials or techniques.
I'm using a drywall screwgun to dimple the screws to just the right depth without cutting the paper.
Question:
What else can I do when installing drywall to reduce the number of drywall screw pops?
Best Answer
Where I'm from, the ceiling schedule for drywall nails and screws is 7" O.C. From your description you're closer to 11" O.C. Particularly when you're using a heavy sheet like a 12' x 4' x 5/8" sheet I recommend strongly a jack to hold the drywall in place as you screw it. You can rent one at any major tool rental yard.
Also may I recommend picking up a carpentry or plasterer's textbook. They offer many helpful tips and techniques for a stellar sheetrock job. Two examples: "Carpentry, 5th edition" by Leonard Koel, or specifically for drywall: Gypsum Construction Handbook, Centennial Edition 2000, published by USG.