Forums > Specific Focus > Home, Garden & Construction in Mexico

Judy in KC

May 6, 2002, 10:44 PM

Post #1 of 8 (10485 views)

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Sheetrock?

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Have any of you used sheetrock in your houses? We had not planned to but a friend visiting us from Mexico (a Mexican) the other day suggested that we would say a lot of money by using sheetrock. What is your experience?

Loco

May 6, 2002, 11:42 PM

Post #2 of 8 (10476 views)

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non load bearing dividers?

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how would you attach (and why) sheetrock to a cement, brick, block wall. You'd need a stud wall (metal, wood) unless you are going to glue it ... but then, I still ask why? There is as much prep for drywall as a cement wall. Maybe just some divider walls?

Rolly

May 7, 2002, 7:28 AM

Post #3 of 8 (10474 views)

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Sheetrock?

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It is highly unlikely that you will save money because of the cost of the wood framing that would be required. Wood of any kind is very expensive in Mexico. Sheetrock is also more expensive here than in the USA. You won’t find many workers who are experienced in working with it. Then there is the cost of preparing the surfaces for plaster and painting which would be an added cost above what is required for a brick wall.There is a good reason why Mexican homes are built the way they are. If drywall (sheetrock) construction were cheaper, you can bet Mexican homes would be built that way. I think your friend has given you bad advice.If you’d like to see a Mexican house being built, click below.

Carl Carlson

May 7, 2002, 3:52 PM

Post #4 of 8 (10473 views)

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Sheetrock?

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One reason to use sheetrock would be insulation. That is, if you fir out the wall with wood or steel, you can create a great space for insulation. Also, because the firring is not structural, you can save money with widely spaced firring strips.Carl Carlson

John

May 11, 2002, 9:48 PM

Post #5 of 8 (10474 views)

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Sheetrock?

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I recently saw a small house being built near PV and the builder-owner (a local builder) was using sheet rock and metal studs on the second floor for some interior walls. Perhaps he was concerned with the weight of unsupported walls.

Esteban

May 13, 2002, 5:40 AM

Post #6 of 8 (10473 views)

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Changing the rules of construction in your area

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Steel framed houses with sheetrock interiors are widely used around the world but it's considered "alternative" here in Mexico. It can be done and done well if the design is engineered correctly. You don't have to have the massive footings that are needed for heavy concrete/brick walls. In Mazatlan, all the larger commercial buildings are steel structually with foam/wire/concrete skim coats. I think, in the bigger cities, you could find a crew to put a steel frame home together but you'd have to do your homework. As to cost, you'd have to crunch the numbers to see if it works. My feelings for most alternative building styles are that if you aren't experienced in the technique, you'll either spend more money or equal amounts compared to the normal building technique of your area. Guess that's the price of educating yourself.

ALopez

Jun 13, 2002, 11:29 AM

Post #7 of 8 (10473 views)

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Sheetrock?

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I agree with previous answers as far as saving money. If you however want your hause to have an american frame construction it will be somehow a little cheaper if you buy bigger stock pieces then have them cut to the size you need : ex
for your typical 2x4 get "polines" which are 4x4 then cut'm in half. Also I'd not recomend you using gypsum boards, instead any "yesero" (equiv. to drywall hunger in US) can do their work over a metal lath nailed to studs, just like here in the good'ol days. Good Look.
Alvar Lopez

peter

Oct 1, 2002, 6:26 PM

Post #8 of 8 (10474 views)

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Sheetrock?

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: Have any of you used sheetrock in your houses? We had not planned to but a friend visiting us from Mexico (a Mexican) the other day suggested that we would say a lot of money by using sheetrock. What is your experience?ok in the USA thats all that is being used, ecept for in older houses that have plaster and they still use sheetrock sometimes. i know because i hang the stuff. cheeper ? yes light weight ? yes plus its easer to work with :)