Is Moisture Resistant Drywall Really Necessary?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If you need to replace your after water damage or mold issue, it would be a good idea to replace it with moisture-resistant drywall. 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.

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.

Does moisture resistant drywall work?

Moist walls form a good environment to mold growth if something is not done about it. Installing moisture resistant drywall in the bathroom can help prevent growth of mold . ... Trying to apply paint over your regular drywall in the effort to seal away moisture is not worth.

Is mold-resistant drywall worth it?

Mold resistant drywall grows mold and mildew much slower than regular drywall, but it's only worth the investment if you install it in rooms that are most prone to damp problems and if you put preventative efforts into keeping your interior dry and moisture-free.

What is the best drywall for moisture?

Specially treated gypsum panels are a good choice for bathroom walls and other damp areas–but don't use them in shower enclosures or other very wet spaces. Moisture/mold-resistant drywall has a distinctive green face paper and a darker, moisture-resistant backing paper.

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.

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.

Do I need moisture resistant drywall in garage?

Standard drywall panels contain compressed particles of gypsum covered with thick paper. That's fine in your home, but unless you're finishing your garage as a living space, complete with insulation and a heat and air system, moisture-resistant drywall is preferable .

Does cement board get mold?

Unlike wood-based materials such as plywood or products that contain some wood such as drywall, cement board lacks organic matter, making it resistant to mold, rot, shrinkage , or decomposition.

Does a bathroom need mold resistant drywall?

Nor will it prevent mold in the case of flooding, when water saturates the drywall and the organic wood framing behind it. 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 .

What is the difference between green and purple Sheetrock?

What's the difference between PURPLE drywall and traditional green drywall? Traditional green drywall (also known as greenboard) is only moisture-resistant . PURPLE drywall, manufactured only by Gold Bond Building Products, is superior because it offers moisture, mold and mildew resistance.

Where should mold resistant drywall be used?

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

What type of drywall is moisture-resistant?

Green board drywall , also known as moisture-resistant drywall, has a green covering that makes it more resistant to moisture than regular drywall.

When should I use mold-resistant drywall?

Space prone to moisture such as bathrooms and laundry rooms are also typically most prone to mold – which can be disastrous and costly to the structure of your home. Walls and ceilings in these spaces that are often damp due to humidity or splashing are suitable for mold-resistant drywall.

How do you waterproof drywall above a shower?

Prime the drywall with oil- or shellac-based primer . These coatings protect against moisture better than water-based primer, but they are noxious, so wear a respirator while using them. Spread the primer with a paintbrush or roller and let it dry before painting.

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.