Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers,
and Tapers
Drywallers work with many different types of tools.
Drywall and ceiling tile installers hang wallboards to walls
and ceilings and install ceiling tile inside buildings. Tapers prepare the
wallboards for painting, using tape and other materials. Many workers do both
installing and taping.
Duties
Drywall installers typically do the following:
- Review design plans to minimize the number of cuts and waste of wallboard
- Measure the locations of electrical outlets, plumbing, and windows
- Cut drywall to the right size, using utility knives and power saws
- Fasten drywall panels to interior wall studs, using nails or screws
- Trim and smooth rough edges so that boards join evenly
Ceiling tile installers typically do the following:
- Measure ceiling tile to match blueprints or drawings
- Nail, screw, or clip in supports
- Put tiles or sheets of shock-absorbing materials on and into ceilings
- Keep the tile in place with cement adhesive, nails, screws, or clips
Tapers typically do the following:
- Prepare wall surfaces (wallboard) by patching nail holes
- Apply tape and use sealing compound to cover joints between wallboards
- Apply additional coats of sealing compound to create an even surface
- Sand all joints and holes to a smooth, seamless finish
Installers also are called framers or hangers. Tapers also
are called finishers. Ceiling tile installers sometimes are called acoustical
carpenters because they work with tiles that block sound. In addition to
performing new installation, many installers and tapers do repair work by
fixing damaged drywall and replacing ceiling tile.
Once wallboards are hung, workers use increasingly wider
trowels to spread multiple coats of spackle over cracks, indentations, and any
remaining imperfections. Some workers may use a mechanical applicator, a tool
that spreads sealing compound on the wall joint while dispensing and setting
tape at the same time.
To work on ceilings, installers and tapers may use
mechanical lifts or stand on stilts, ladders, or scaffolds.
Work Environment
Drywallers often stand on scaffolding to hang drywall.
A good number of drywall and ceiling tile installers and
tapers are self-employed.
Drywall and ceiling tile installers and tapers work indoors.
As in many other construction trades, the work is physically demanding. Workers
spend most of the day standing, bending, or stretching, and they often must
lift and maneuver heavy, oversized wallboards. To work on ceilings, installers
and tapers must stand on stilts, ladders, or scaffolds.
Because the work is dusty, irritating the skin, eyes, and
lungs, workers must wear protective masks, goggles, and gloves. Common injuries
include falls from ladders or stilts, cuts from sharp tools, and muscle strains
from lifting heavy materials.
Work Schedules
Most drywall and ceiling tile installers and tapers work
full time.
Self-employed installers and tapers may be able to set their
own schedule.
How to Become a Drywall and Ceiling
Tile Installer, or Taper
New drywallers typically learn their job by working with
more experienced workers.
Although most drywall and ceiling tile installers and tapers
learn their trade on the job, some learn through an apprenticeship.
Education
Although there are no education requirements to become a
drywaller, high school math and general shop courses are considered useful.
Training
Most drywall and ceiling tile installers and tapers learn
their trade on the job by helping more experienced workers and gradually being
given more duties. They start by carrying materials and cleaning up, and then
learn to use the tools of the trade. They also learn to measure, cut, and
install or apply materials. Employers usually provide some on-the-job training,
lasting up to 12 months.
A few drywall and ceiling tile installers and tapers learn
their trade through a 3- or 4-year apprenticeship. For each year of the
program, apprentices must have at least 144 hours of related technical work and
2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. During training, apprentices learn
construction basics related to blueprint reading, mathematics, building code
requirements, and safety and first-aid practices.
After completing an apprenticeship program, installers and
tapers are considered journey workers and may perform duties on their own.
The basic qualifications for entering such a program are as
follows:
·
Minimum age of 18
·
High school education or equivalent
·
Physically able to perform the work
Important Qualities
Math skills.
Drywall and ceiling tile installers and tapers use basic math skills on every
job. For example, they must be able to estimate the quantity of materials
needed and measure accurately when cutting panels.
Physical stamina.
Because installers and tapers constantly lift and move heavy materials into
place, workers should be in good physical shape.
Physical strength.
Standard drywall sheets can weigh 50 to 100 pounds. Drywall and ceiling tile
installers often must lift heavy panels over their heads to secure onto the
ceiling.
Similar Occupation
Brickmasons, Blockmasons, and Stonemasons: Brickmasons,
blockmasons, and stonemasons (or, simply, masons) use bricks, concrete blocks,
and atural and man-made stones to build fences, walkways, walls, and other
structures.
Carpenters: Carpenters
construct and repair building frameworks and structures—such as stairways,
doorframes, partitions, and rafters—made from wood and other materials. They
also may install kitchen cabinets, siding, and drywall.
Construction Laborers and Helpers: Construction laborers and helpers
perform many basic tasks that require physical labor on construction sites.
Painters, Construction and Maintenance: Painters apply paint, stain, and
coatings to walls, buildings, bridges, and other structures.
Tile and Marble Setters: Tile and marble setters apply
hard tile and marble to walls, floors, and other surfaces.
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