Can You Use Moisture Resistant Drywall On Ceilings?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Many local building inspectors will tell you to

avoid putting water resistant on your bathroom ceiling

, and that's actually for your own protection, even though using it that way may not be a problem. … Since bathroom ceilings tend to collect a great deal of moisture this is a common weak point for the material.

Can you use mold resistant drywall on the ceiling?

Moisture/mold-resistant drywall is used mainly as a wall covering over 16-in. o.c. framing. If you plan to install it on a ceiling, use

1/2-in. panels over 12-in

.

What kind of drywall do you use for a bathroom ceiling?


Conventional drywall

is commonly used for ceilings in non-shower/tub areas of bathrooms, although some builders prefer to use moisture-resistant drywall — aka greenboard — instead. Moisture-resistant drywall is similar to standard drywall but has face paper that's treated for extra resistance to mold and moisture.

What drywall is best for ceilings?


5/8-Inch-Thick Drywall

When installed on ceilings, 5/8-inch-thick panels are less susceptible to sagging between the joists than 1/2-inch panels. Adding popcorn texture or another type of heavy surfacing material can add to the weight problem, making 5/8-inch drywall a better choice for ceilings.

In what rooms should moisture-resistant drywall be used?

  • Bathrooms.
  • Utility rooms.
  • Laundry rooms.
  • Kitchens.
  • Basements.
  • Crawl spaces.
  • Work-out rooms.

Is moisture resistant drywall required by code?

Changes made to the 2006 International Residential Code (IRC)

no longer recognize moisture-resistant

, paper-faced drywall (commonly known as “green board”) as a suitable tile backing material in wet areas such as tub and showersurrounds.

What is the difference between moisture resistant and mold-resistant drywall?

However, people generally confuse it with water-resistant drywall. Water-resistant drywall is commonly referred to as green board in the trade. However,

mold-resistant drywall doesn't have the paper facing and has fiberglass instead

. Paper is an organic material that ultimately can become mold and mildew food.

Is drywall OK for shower ceiling?

Drywall and

Greenboard


Drywall can be used above the non-tub and shower

areas of your bathroom. However, some areas of your bathroom that are exposed to water and moisture such as the expanse just above the shower will necessitate the use of greenboard or drywall that is properly moisture resistant.

Do you need green board on a bathroom ceiling?

Why

it isn't Recommended for Bathroom Ceilings

Greenboard weakens more than standard drywall does when it gets completely saturated. Since bathroom ceilings tend to collect a great deal of moisture this is a common weak point for the material.

Do I need moisture resistant drywall in bathroom?

Installing moisture resistant drywall in the bathroom

can help prevent growth of mold

. This type of drywall should however not be installed behind ceramic tiles. … Regular drywall will not protect your property from water and mold damage. You will have to replace your cheap drywall if it's exposed to moisture or mold.

What thickness drywall is used on ceilings?


One-half inch panels

are standard on the ceiling. Drywall comes in large, flat, gypsum-core panels wrapped with a strong, paper skin. The panels, which are 4-feet wide, are available in lengths ranging from 8 to 16 feet.

How long should drywall screws be for ceiling?

If you're using 5/8′′ drywall for the ceiling you should use

at least 1 5/8′′ coarse

threaded drywall screws. This gives you 1′′ to screw into the joist. Screw sizes less than 1 5/8′′ may stop the drywall from being properly attached to the joist.

Do you drywall ceiling or walls first?

  1. Hang Ceiling Drywall First. When hanging drywall, always hang the ceiling first. …
  2. Hang The Walls Next. When hanging the drywall on the walls, always hang the top sheet first. …
  3. Measurements. When hanging the bottom sheet, cut the drywall to fit around electrical j-boxes and plumbing rough-ins.

Does moisture-resistant drywall work?

Modern

mold-resistant

drywall combines the moisture resistance of older green board with materials and engineering that also make it quite resistant to mold. … But in rooms that experience frequent humidity and are often subject to mold and mildew, such as bathrooms or basements, mold-resistant drywall is a good choice.

How do you protect moisture from drywall?

The best way to waterproof your drywall is to use

a waterproofing primer

. You can find both oil- and latex-based waterproofing primers made by most paint manufacturers. These products are created specifically to prevent mold and mildew on the surface to which they are applied.

When should I use moisture-resistant drywall?

It is best to use greenboard or other water-resistant drywall in the

large areas of bathrooms, kitchens

, and other areas where the drywall may be subjected to lightly damp conditions, humidity, and the occasional minor splashes of water.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.