Does glue have to be used at all if enough screws are used?
Glue is not used to adhere the drywall to the studs. Screws or nails should be used generally at 6" to 8" on center along sheet borders and 12" to 13" on center in the sheet’s “field”. Drywall glue is used to prevent “nail pops” or movement between drywall and wood studs if wet wood is used during construction and later dries and shrinks, creating space between the drywall and studs. Glue can also be used to help with sound as it will absorb some of the vibration in the walls.
In short, glue is usually not a requirement, it’s a preventative measure and an option. A certain number of screws or nails are required by most building codes to fasten the drywall to the studs.
We use Glue ans well as screws to attach the drywall to the studs. We have found the use of glue greatly reduces the number of “Nail Pops”.