A drywall contractor needs to estimate joint compound for 4,800 square feet of drywall. Using the standard coverage rate of 0.053 gallons per 100 square feet, how many gallons are needed?
Correct Answer
A) 2.5 gallons
Coverage needed = (4,800 ÷ 100) × 0.053 = 48 × 0.053 = 2.544 gallons, rounded to 2.5 gallons. This calculation helps ensure adequate material for proper joint finishing.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option B is correct because the calculation follows the proper formula for material estimation. First, convert the total square footage to hundreds of square feet (4,800 ÷ 100 = 48), then multiply by the coverage rate (48 × 0.053 = 2.544 gallons). Rounding to the nearest tenth gives 2.5 gallons, which accounts for practical application needs.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option C: 4.8 gallons
This answer is too low at 2.1 gallons, likely resulting from calculation errors or improper rounding that would leave insufficient joint compound for the project.
Option D: 2.1 gallons
This answer of 3.2 gallons overestimates the need, possibly from multiplying incorrectly or using wrong conversion factors, leading to material waste and increased costs.
Memory Technique
Remember 'Divide by 100, then multiply through' - always convert to hundreds first when dealing with per-100-SF rates.
Reference Hint
Look up material estimation tables and drywall finishing specifications in the Construction Materials chapter or Estimating section of your reference manual.
More Project Mgmt Questions
What is the minimum R-value required for wall insulation in Florida Climate Zone 2?
A subcontractor brings a new chemical product to your jobsite. Under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), what information must be immediately available to workers?
A construction site has a trench that is 8 feet deep in Type B soil. What is the maximum allowable slope ratio for the trench walls without protective systems?
What is the maximum recommended spacing between drywall screws when attaching to wood studs?
Your crew discovers suspected asbestos-containing materials during a renovation project. What is the first action you should take?
A scaffold platform is 12 feet long and 5 feet wide. If the maximum load capacity is 25 pounds per square foot, what is the total weight capacity of this platform?
Which CSI MasterFormat Division would contain specifications for fire-stopping and firesafing materials?
In tilt-up concrete construction, what is the primary advantage of this method over conventional cast-in-place construction?
Which OSHA standard specifically addresses construction industry safety and health regulations?
A structural drawing shows a beam labeled 'W12x26'. What does the '26' represent?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Contract Administration
60 questions · 70% to pass