Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 25, 1999 01:14am | #1

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   Is it a completely enclosed porch? Where/what climate are you located? My reactions are:

   1) looks cheapo
   2) sheetrock (the kind used for walls indoors, etc.) is not suitable for exposure to the elements, particularly water.
   3) sounds like a maintenance nightmare

   Unless I'm missing something, I would tell him no way, or find a different contractor.

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 25, 1999 01:27am | #2

   *Warner - The aesthetics are up to you, but as far as whether drywall is appropriate, there is a product generally known as "soffit board" that is suitable for outside use. It is usually used commercially and USG's name for it is "SHEETROCK brand Exterior Gypsum Ceiling Board". Other than that, regular drywall outside is a definite no-no. If your builder suggests using "green board", or interior moisture-resistant drywall, I wouldn't advise it.

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 25, 1999 01:56am | #3

   *Warner,Look at a sample of beaded vinyl, low maintenance, comes in colors, easy to install. Use crown instead of J-channel.This is the only place I like vinyl. kk

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 25, 1999 02:42am | #4

   *Ditto on Nick's comment re. exterior grade sheetrock. We used it on a rake soffit(7 ft. overhangs) Durabond 90 recommended. The product we used had brown paper. Looks great 4 yrs. later.

2. 
   Bill_Richardson | Sep 25, 1999 05:23am | #5

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   Warner, I'd agree here with the other replies and what sticks in my mind is: future maintenance and repairs. Make it easy on yourself and insist on something other than what is being offered. May be a little more costly now, but what is the price for "peace of mind". Good luck.

3. 
   Guest_ | Sep 25, 1999 08:14am | #6

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   I keep fighting off urges to hang rock in the semi-enclosed porch I built because it would be so damn easy, especially with the angles, and cheap too. But I'm trying to stick with T&G -- it will look right, wear better, and look like a quality job. Porchs just don't have drywall ceilings. An alternative in Plybead, an embossed plywood (from LP?) that I've used for some wainscoting -- saves some labor. (But costs like $27 a sheet!)

   Actually, nailing up T&G is a lot of fun...

4. 
   Tedfrd | Sep 25, 1999 10:01am | #7

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   Personally, I like either the T&G, OR grooved ventlated vinyl soffit with the hidden vents (the vent slots are in the grooves). Nothing like a little air under the roof.

   Recessed lighting would look good here.

5. 
   Guest_ | Sep 26, 1999 12:54am | #8

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   Ceiling fan.

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 26, 1999 06:40am | #9

   *Use type x drywall at least 5/8 thick. they also make drywall that is covered with many things like vinyl and fibreglass making it better for ext, apps., although I feel the expense would be enough to dicount the latter.

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 26, 1999 09:25am | #10

   *How about 1/4 inch thick Hardi Soffit? Cones in 4x8, 4x9, and 4x10 sheets. Smooth or textured surfaces are available. Should not cost more than finished gyp board installed.

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 26, 1999 04:21pm | #11

   *One more vote for no on the sheetrock. I would go with3/8 a/c ply with lattic over the joints befor that. There are many ways to do it as you can see from the posts. Rock is at the bottom of the list.-Rick Tuk

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 27, 1999 04:06am | #12

   *Why wouldn't Green Board work on a porch ceiling just as well as it works in a bathroom. If its primed on all sides before instalation, it will have double protection and if exterior latex is used for a top coat, then it seems like a cost effective way to go. Never considered it before, but why not?

2. 
   Guest_ | Sep 27, 1999 05:07am | #14

   *Tedd- They use it all the time down here. (SE Texas) Super humid, Mega spiders, yet it stands up to the elements ten years plus. The ply- bead looks way cheaper than it is. I vote for true bead board if the budget allows, green rock if not. Hey, it is cheap enough to tear out or cover up if you want a new look. JRNicholson

6. 
   Warner_Granade | Sep 27, 1999 05:07am | #13

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   Our builder has mentioned that he plans to use sheetrock for the ceiling on our wrap-around porch. That sounds a little fragile to me. Should I be concerned? The porch will be on the south and east corner if that matters