Is There A Mold Resistant Drywall?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Mold thrives in moist, damp environments like basements and crawlspaces, where all it needs to thrive is a water source, oxygen and organic material. … In addition to mold-resistant ,

greenboard

is often used in bathrooms and showers as a mold-preventative building material.

Is all drywall mold-resistant?

Drywall forms parts of most residential structures but

can unfortunately be attacked by mold

if exposed to water or moisture. Since water damage on drywall is inevitable, you can control mold damage by installing drywall that will resist mold in your home in areas likely to attract the growth of the fungi.

What drywall is mold-resistant?


Green Board

.

Green board

is a paper-backed, water-resistant drywall that has a light green “hospital” tint. It is an older form of water-resistant drywall that is gradually being phased out in favor of products that combine both moisture resistance and mold resistance.

Does mold-resistant drywall work?

Drywall forms parts of most residential structures but

can unfortunately be attacked by mold

if exposed to water or moisture. Since water damage on drywall is inevitable, you can control mold damage by installing drywall that will resist mold in your home in areas likely to attract the growth of the fungi.

What's the difference between mold-resistant drywall and regular drywall?

However, the difference between mold-resistant drywall and green board drywall is that green board

is better at preventing moisture

while mold-resistant drywall is good at preventing moisture and also preventing the growth of mold.

Is mold-resistant drywall worth the money?

Mold-resistant drywall is a little more expensive than standard drywall, but the amount of money it can save you from having to repair mold damage is

more than worth the

cost – not to mention the health risks of mold buildup.

Can you make regular drywall mold-resistant?

The chief innovation in mold-resistant drywall is the substitution of

fiberglass mat

for the paper facing used in traditional drywall. This way, moisture cannot adhere to the organic paper material, creating an attractive food source for mold.

Where should mold resistant drywall be used?

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

Can mold resistant drywall get wet?

If your basement floods, or if you have a leaky drain or water pipe, or if your bathroom stays damp for long periods of the day, you've got the necessary moisture, and the mold growth begins. Mold does particularly well on standard drywall because the paper absorbs moisture, and

once it gets really wet, it stays wet

.

Which side faces out on mold resistant drywall?

Function. The

green side should face toward you

when you install greenboard. The brownish side should face away. Another way to identify the correct side is to install the greenboard so the beveled edges face outward.

How can you tell if mold is in your drywall?

Most mold is unmistakable, but sometimes small or largely hidden growths just make a surface look dirty. A quick test for mold can be done when

you dip a swab in diluted bleach (1 part bleach, 16 parts water) and dab it on the wall

. If the spot quickly lightens (or keeps coming back after cleaning), assume it's mold.

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.

Does cement board get mold?

Many professional installers even recommend against using water- or mold-resistant drywall in high-moisture areas. In sharp contrast, cement backer

board does not rot, warp, grow mold, or deteriorate when subjected to

water.

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.

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 is the difference between green and purple drywall?

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.

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.