How To Finish A Concrete Interior Wall Above Grade Gyp?

The appropriate level of finish over interior walls and ceilings depends on several factors, including the type of gypsum panel product, its location within the structure, and critical lighting conditions. The Gypsum Association has released GA-216-2021, Levels of Finish for Gypsum Panel Products, which includes installation of corner beads, trim, control joints, hand and mechanical finishing with setting-type and drying-type compounds, and addresses special environmental and lighting conditions.

Gypsum board finishes are specified by ASTM C 840 and Gypsum Association GA-214-2015. If insulating these walls on the interior side, rigid foam or closed-cell spray foam should be installed. Concrete walls are lined with plasterboard 10mm thick, and then conventional plastering of joints is done. A portland cement skim coat product, such as ardex feather finish, can be used to hide differing seams and fasteners.

The recommended level of paint finish over gypsum board wall and ceiling surfaces varies depending on the specific needs of the building. For example, a strip of cementboard at the bottom, the same thickness as the drywall, and drywall above that should be used. Due to the gypsum board finishing process, the abutting gypsum board seams/joints, fasteners, and accessories must be concealed with fill and finish coats of paint. PlasterMax, ten times stronger than gypsum drywall, is applied directly over the Nudura ICFs and is available in a range of colors and textures.

How to seal a gap between drywall and concrete?

To caulk a gap in a house, clean it of debris, add a backer rod if necessary, or use polymer caulk if the gap is smaller. The caulk is then applied and blended with sand to create a nice texture. The choice between non-sag or self-leveling caulk depends on the size of the project and the amount of prep work required. Caulking should be done where concrete meets a house, but not if the area is enclosed or covered, like a porch, or if water is not entering or flowing towards the house.

What is the cheapest way to cover concrete walls?

In summary, there are various affordable basement wall panels available to enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your basement. These panels can be made from various materials such as brick, stone, wood, rigid foam sheets, decorative panels, flat panels, board and batten, drywall, and wahoo walls. These panels should not only match your style but also withstand moisture-prone areas. Choosing the right panel for your basement is crucial, as it should complement your decor and be easy on your wallet. By incorporating these inexpensive options, you can make your basement more family-friendly and stylish, making it a more enjoyable and cost-effective way to decorate your living space.

Can you plaster over concrete blocks?

Plaster can be applied in two or three coats, depending on the thicknesses listed in Table 4. Two-coat application is commonly used for direct application to concrete masonry and horizontal application. The scratch coat can be applied from the bottom to the top or top to bottom, and must be applied with sufficient force to fully adhere to the masonry. Excessive troweling or movement of the scratch coat should be avoided to prevent breaking the bond between the plaster and masonry.

The thickness is established using screeds and grounds, and a rod or straightedge is used to even the surface. Scratch-coat plasters are scored or scratched to promote mechanical bond when the brown coat is applied, with shallow scratching being adequate.

What do you put between drywall and concrete?

To install hat channels on a wall, use concrete nails and a concrete-nail gun to space them correctly for the size of drywall and insulation. Drive three nails through each side of each hat channel, ensuring eye and ear protection. Frame the wall by adding faux top and sole plates, dropping the top for drop ceilings, and framing around plumbing. Add rigid board insulation between the hat channels for reflective heat. Use a thick zigzag bead of heavy-duty adhesive and cut around any electrical or plumbing.

Attach the drywall, starting with the ceiling and moving down the walls, marking plumb lines on the drywall. Ask someone to hold the drywall in place while screwing it into the hat channels with an electric screw gun. Finish the wall with taping and mudding or hire a professional. Drywall is the most common finish for walls and ceilings, made from gypsum (calcium sulfate) and available in different thicknesses up to 5/8 of an inch. Long sheets create fewer seams and are more soundproof than thinner versions.

What is the best finish for concrete walls?

Concrete wall finishes offer a wide range of aesthetic possibilities, from the classic smooth finish for a sleek and contemporary look, to the more modern and decorative options like exposed aggregate finish, stamped concrete finish, broom finish, polished concrete finish, stained concrete finish, and salt finish. The choice of the right concrete wall finish can significantly impact the visual appeal of a space, whether indoors or outdoors.

Smooth finishes, achieved by troweling the concrete during the finishing process, are popular for interior floors, countertops, and decorative concrete applications, providing a clean and sophisticated appearance.

How do you seal interior concrete walls?

To clean basement walls, apply silicate concrete sealant using a roller or spray-on method after cleaning dirt, oils, paint, and grease. Lightly dampen the surface and apply two to three coats, waiting 10-20 minutes between each. Wipe away excess sealant. Waterproof concrete coating hardens into a rubber-like sealant and is more flexible. Use a special mop for application. Add waterproofing paint after other sealers for additional protection.

How do you resurface an interior concrete wall?

To apply concrete resurfacer, pour a small amount on the surface and spread it evenly with a long-handled squeegee or trowel or brush. Work in segments of 144 square feet at a time, focusing on edges of control and expansion joints. If a second coat is needed, let the surface dry for two to three hours and apply the second coat following the same procedure. Most manufacturers recommend a second coat, but it’s optional. To create clean, professional-looking edges, get to them within the first 10 to 15 minutes of application.

How can I make my interior concrete block walls look better?

Parge Cementitious Coating is a cost-effective method for creating a neat, finished appearance on concrete walls. It involves applying a smooth cement coating, which hides imperfections and can be textured with materials like pebbles or rocks. Color can be added by painting over the cement after coating it with a concrete primer or mixing colored pigment into the wet cement. A waterproofing coating can also be applied over the cement coating. Decorative Stucco Coverings, made of silica, lime, and concrete, creates a classic finish with endless color and texture choices.

How to finish an interior concrete wall?

Concrete block interior walls can be finished using three main methods: painting, pargeting, and wood paneling/drywall. However, these methods can be improved using different Semco applications to create a faster, more efficient, more waterproof, and more convenient method. Painting is the simplest method, ideal for those who prefer a colorful coat on the concrete without worrying about exposed concrete or visible joints. Priming is the only slightly complex step, and using a water-based latex primer and finishing paint is recommended.

Once primed, the wall can be treated like a blank canvas, providing a more visually appealing and functional finish. By incorporating different Semco applications, concrete block interior walls can be treated as a blank canvas, enhancing their overall aesthetic appeal.

Can you waterproof a concrete wall from the inside?

If a foil test confirms water seepage in basement walls, remove existing paint and seal the interior with a waterproof product. This creates a watertight bond, preventing water seepage. Gutters and downspouts channel water away from the house, maintaining structural health. If you lack gutters or sump pumps, consider adding them. If already installed, fasten metal or plastic extensions to capture runoff or excess water and drain it away from the base.