Replies

1. 
   DaveMason2 | Apr 30, 2004 01:12am | #1

   I've never used it on a ceiling before if it's what I'm thinking it is. I've only used the hat channel type on ceilings. 

    Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't RC-1 the type that is only attached on one side , shaped kinda like Z metal?

      Dave

2. 
   Zano | Apr 30, 2004 03:02am | #2

   RC-2 is available but used to be a special order.  All steel manufdacturers carry it..tell your drywall distributor to call their steel stud supplier.

3. 
   G80104 | Apr 30, 2004 03:32am | #3

      We always used RC on walls & Hat Channel on ceilings.  I think you can find more information on this @ http://www.pac-intl.com/rc_update_12_02.html  

   
   

   ---

   Edited 4/29/2004 9:06 pm ET by G80104

4. 
   bobsam | Apr 30, 2004 03:52am | #4

   RC-1 is a sound deadening system that is used for  to reduce sound from traveling from one space to another, as on first floor ceilings to reduce noise on the second floor or on parting walls between apartments. It nails on one edge to the studs ( usually horizontally) then the drywall is screwed to the RC-1

                            It can be bought at most drywall or metal stud supply houses.

5. 
   trimnailer37 | Apr 30, 2004 05:34am | #5

   i see rc-1 used all the time here on ceilings in condos and such, w/ 5/8 rock. seems spongy and flimsy to me, and annoying to screw to. i only use rc-2, but i'm a carpenter who occasionally rocks, not a rocker. i am a rock star, however.

1. 
   si | Apr 30, 2004 08:12pm | #6

   Thanks for the input.  The sponginess is exactly what I am concerned about; just does not seem that a channel held only on one side would solidly support the hanging weight of 5/8 rock.

   I will see if I can get someone to order the RC-2 for me.

1. 
   Zano | Apr 30, 2004 11:15pm | #7

   The sponginess of the RC-1 is fantastic.  Besides reducing noise it also acts a force damper so that you will never see a crack or any other disfunction of the drywall.

1. 
   si | May 01, 2004 12:00am | #8

   Now that's something I had not thought of.  So this is a plus, even on ceilings?

   Any other comments/thoughts on this aspect?

1. 
   Zano | May 01, 2004 01:49pm | #9

   The main cause of drywall failure is wood shrinkage and second is humidity.  When the wood shrinks and then moves, the flexibility of the RC-1 prevents the movement of the drywall..thus no failure.  Yes, great on ceilings.  The best way to prevent on walls and ceilings is to use RC-1 on them.  If you want to use drywall glue on RC-1 then go ahead.  Use 1 5/8" fine thread screws not 1 1/4"..the longer screw works better when you are screwing as the RC-1/drywall moves when you screw it.

2. 
   si | May 01, 2004 03:01pm | #10

   Thanks for the advice.  With RC-1, can I space the channel at 16" OC, or do I need to go 12"?    And as far as screwing, follow "normal" spacing?

   Much appreciated.

3. 
   Zano | May 01, 2004 10:24pm | #11

   16" oc is the norm and follow normal screwing - put 4 screws on the channel in the field.

4. 
   si | May 02, 2004 03:15pm | #13

   Thanks everyone for the advice; Should have the first room's ceiling done this week.  We'll see how soundproof it is in short order; it's a guest room in the basement, but under the 2 yr old's wood-floored playroom.  :)  

5. 
   nikkiwood | May 02, 2004 08:43pm | #14

   RC-1 channel works great on ceilings for all the reasons others have mentioned. Here are a few other points to remember:

   1) The RC channel can be attached either parallel with the ceiling joists or perpendicular to them (16" OC).

   2) You can attach them with screws, but we often use a framing nailer with 2" nails.

   3) It is CRUCIAL that the sheet rock be installed perpendicular to the RC channel -- otherwise you can depend on getting cracks along the seam.

   4) Some drywall suppliers will tell you to use 1" screws for 5/8" rock. But as someone else noted, the channel will flex when the screw hits it, so you will have an easier time with 1 1/4" or even 1 5/8" screws.

   5) For attaching the sheetrock, use fine thread screws (as compared to coarse thread); the hi-lo screws sold by drywall suppliers also work, but the fine thread screws are cheaper, and available in any home center.

6. 
   si | May 02, 2004 09:09pm | #15

   Revisiting one thing for clarity...spacing the screws.  I know it it vital to miss the joists; screwing thru the channel & into the joist negates the benefit.

   But since we are running the rock perpendicular to the 16"OC channel, that leaves us with the three 14.5" gaps to hit with screws.   Would you recommend two per gap (I think that works out to ~8" spacing?)

7. 
   Zano | May 02, 2004 11:24pm | #16

   Would you recommend two per gap (I think that works out to ~8" spacing?)

   Yes that's good - that makes 4 in the field of the rock.

6. 
   crosscutter1 | May 02, 2004 05:18am | #12

   I DO ALOT OF RENOVATIONS AND THE CHANNEL BEING NAILED ON ONE SIDE HELPS THE ROCK FLOAT & HANG LEVEL. THINK ABOUT THE WEIGHT THAT IS HUNG IN A COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS DROP CEILING & TAHT IS HUNG BY WIRE

7. 
   Anukeen_Sprout | Oct 05, 2019 09:01pm | #17

   I had the same concern, so I just called the manufacturer, ClarkDietrich. They told me RC-1 is fine for hanging 5/8" drywall from the ceiling. Upgrade to RC-2 for multiple sheets.