Green building & new bldg code

[Rob Tucker]

I used 1/4" hardipanel and screwed it to the metal studs. Nothing under laying the panels. Then applied standard mesh joint tape and a skim coat of Imperial plaster. It costs more than drywall but then the better stuff generally costs a bit more. I had no problem getting the plaster to stick to the panels but you do want to hose it or wet it first otherwise the dry panels suck the moisture out of the plaster.

I used steel studs and track. Another cheap trick is to put 1/2" of diatomaceous earth in the floor track. This will discourage roaches from making a home in the dark spaces. Also useful under cabinetry.