“Belly bands” or “drywall rips” are terms commonly used to refer to a strip of gypsum panel inserted in
the gap between two horizontally applied panels mounted one against the ceiling and the other just
off of the floor. A belly band gets the name from being a narrow band of ripped gypsum panel applied
in the middle of the wall, or the “belly.” This practice should be avoided due to the finishing challenges belly bands create, however, GA-255 provides installation recommendations when drywall rips are unavoidable. Get it now.