What are placed behind a drywall?
Here’s everything you should consider before drilling into your wall.
Mounting anything on drywall might seem straightforward, but if you’re not careful, it can lead to damaged walls or insecure mounts. One of the biggest unknowns when mounting on drywall is: what’s behind it? Knowing what lies behind your drywall is critical because drywall alone doesn’t support much weight.
1. Understanding Drywall Structure and Hidden Elements
Drywall is typically half an inch thick, which is not enough to hold heavy items securely. That’s why mounts and other fixtures rely on the support of what’s behind it. Behind your drywall, you may find several essential elements that affect where and how you mount:
- Metal or Wooden Studs:
These are the vertical framing structures within your wall. Metal studs are common in newer construction and commercial buildings, while wooden studs are often found in residential walls. Studs provide the most secure mounting points. - Wiring and Pipes:
Electrical wiring and plumbing pipes often run through wall cavities. Accidentally drilling into these can cause significant damage and be hazardous, especially if live electrical wires or water pipes are hit. - Insulation:
Many walls are insulated with materials like fiberglass or foam, which won’t affect mounting but can make it harder to find studs or sense other materials behind the drywall.
Before drilling, understanding where these components are can save you from potential mishaps.
2. Tools for Locating the Safest Mounting Spots
To identify the optimal location for mounting, you’ll need a few essential tools:
- Stud Finder:
An electronic stud finder is your best friend when it comes to finding studs behind drywall. This device can detect the density changes that indicate where a stud is located. Higher-end models can also detect live wires to prevent accidents. - Magnet:
A strong magnet can help locate metal studs by attracting to the metal frame. This method isn’t foolproof but can be helpful if a stud finder isn’t available. - Tape Measure:
Measuring from a corner or an outlet can help double-check where a stud is likely to be. In most homes, studs are spaced 16 or 24 inches apart from each other.
Using these tools helps locate a safe spot to drill while avoiding hidden hazards.
3. Finding Metal Studs Behind Drywall
Metal studs are a reliable anchor point, but they are trickier to locate and drill into compared to wooden studs. Here’s how to find them:
- Using a Stud Finder:
Start by running a stud finder horizontally along the wall, starting from the edge of a door or corner (where studs are usually located). The stud finder should beep or light up when it detects a stud. - Confirming with Multiple Passes:
It’s essential to pass the stud finder over the area a few times to confirm that it’s consistently detecting a stud. Studs are typically 1.5 inches wide, so a stud finder that lights up for this length can confirm the presence of a stud. - Using a Small Test Drill:
If you’re sure you’ve found a stud, try drilling a small pilot hole. If the drill bit immediately catches resistance, you’ve hit the metal stud. This small test hole is helpful for confirming the stud’s presence and determining how secure your anchor will be.
4. Installing Anchors in Metal Studs with Confidence
Once you’ve found a metal stud, using the right anchors is essential for a secure mount. Regular screws may not be effective in metal studs; this is where Elephant Anchors come in. Elephant Anchors are designed specifically for metal and drywall mounting. They offer superior holding strength and can support heavy objects securely when used correctly.
Final Thoughts
Before mounting anything on drywall, take the time to examine what’s behind the surface. Identifying studs, avoiding electrical wires and plumbing, and using high-quality anchors like Elephant Anchors are the keys to a safe and secure installation. Remember, a little extra caution can make a big difference in avoiding costly repairs and ensuring your mount stays firmly in place.