How to Remove Sheetrock From Basement Walls

Sheetrock is also known as plasterboard, wallboard or drywall. The region where you live will most likely determine what it is called. Sheetrock could become damaged by water leaking from the ceiling or a flooded basement. Wet sheetrock in a damp basement has the potential of becoming a breeding place for mold. After the first sheetrock panel is removed, the rest of the job should be much faster. Removing sheetrock isn’t a difficult job but it could produce dust.

Cardboard
Tape
Drop cloth
Screwdriver
Bag
Pry bar
Stud finder
Hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Cover vents with cardboard and tape to keep dust particles from settling inside. Cover furniture with a drop cloth and remove wall socket plates. Place wall plates and screws in a bag for safekeeping.
- 2
  Remove baseboards to expose the sheetrock. Place the flat end of a pry bar between the sheetrock and the baseboard, and gently pull the baseboard away from the wall.
- 3
  Locate a sheet seam using a stud finder. Knock a hole near the seam with a hammer. Make the hole large enough to insert the slotted end of a pry bar. Push the pry bar between the wood and sheetrock wherever there is a nail and lift the nail out of the wood.
  Crowbars have one end that is slotted. Use the slotted end to slip under the nail and grab the nail between the slots. Push down on the crowbar to release the nail.
- 4
  Continue to remove the sheetrock by taking out the nails with the pry bar.
- 5
  Remove sheetrock attached with screws with a handheld screwdriver and set the screwdriver on reverse

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