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I’m remodeling a finished attic and the walls were tongue and groove wainscoting from the 1940s(4 coats of lead paint). I’ve replaced the blown insulation with new fiberglass and want to put up 4′ sheets of 3/8″ bead board. Does this have to go on top of drywall? It’s not flimsy like paneling so I don’t want to drywall if it’s not necessary. Thanks.
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Brian,
By "bead board" I am assuming you are talking about a panneling product that mimics traditional milled tongue and gooved wood boards with a double bead in the middle and a single bead along both of the edges.
A drywall substrate gives a panneled wall more substance. It also provides some protection in the case of fire, reduces air infiltration between the pannel joints, and gives you a surface that you can glue the pannels to. It may be required by code in your area. As a minimum, I would consider using 3/8" drywall. Vertical joints do not have to be taped or finished. I would, however, finish any joint between a wall and a ceiling to eliminate a possible source of drafts.
We own a rental that came to us with panneled walls. The panneling is heavier than most (at least 1/4"). It is applied to the studs (no drywall substrate). It looks pretty bad. I can see every stud.
Bottom line, your call.
Steve
*I agree with Steve.There are two issues for me when I do this type of remodel.First is the code. Here in SoCal, all interior living spaces need drywall, 1/2 minimum, except in fire areas, where 5/8 is mandated. So if this is a living space, check your code.Second, where I have cheated, and not pulled a permit, is the issue of depth and casings. Most original beadboard was a full 8' long, and applied over 1x4 nailers, with no plaster underneath it. Casings were applied over that. So if you apply those 3/8" sheet goods, like you bead board or T1-11, the wall won't match the casings. So sometimes a 3/8" drywall is just the thing to fir out the beadboard, and cheaper than real wood.
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I'm remodeling a finished attic and the walls were tongue and groove wainscoting from the 1940s(4 coats of lead paint). I've replaced the blown insulation with new fiberglass and want to put up 4' sheets of 3/8" bead board. Does this have to go on top of drywall? It's not flimsy like paneling so I don't want to drywall if it's not necessary. Thanks.