Although it may be pricier, opting for mold-resistant drywall, commonly referred to as green board, can prove to be extremely advantageous when it comes to installing drywall in bathrooms. While the initial cost may be higher, the potential savings on future mold problems make it a worthwhile expenditure.
Other Examples of such moisture-prone areas include kitchens and laundry spaces.
How does mold-resistant drywall work?
Mold-resistant drywall normally resists mold infestation through its paper and gypsum interior layer. This layer is known to be less permeable to moisture as compared to that of the standard drywall.
It is also made up of mold inhibitors which prevent mold infestation. There are however other kinds of mold-resistant drywall that are able to resist moisture and mold growth despite having different materials as part of their core.
Fiberglass is one of such materials which is used to make interior facings instead of paper. There are also mold-resistant panels that are entirely made of gypsum.
Most common types of mold-resistant drywall
Fiberglass facing
The non-organic nature of fiberglass means that it is can be used for the facing and backing of mold-resistant drywall panels instead of paper. It is this non-organic nature that prevents mold growth by not providing any organic material which can be used by mold as food.
Homogeneous
Homogeneous drywall is usually made up of gypsum in its entirety. This means that it does not have any extra layers for example paper facing and backing which may attract mold by retaining moisture.
Does mold-resistant drywall guarantee 100% dryness?
Despite being more moisture resistant when compared to other drywall variations, mold-resistant drywall can still get wet. This is especially common in areas where moisture has found its way behind the drywall possibly due to water leakage.
Mold-resistant drywall is thus recommended due to its ability to resist moisture and mold for long periods of time and not because it is completely not vulnerable to wetness.
Can you paint over mold-resistant drywall?
Yes, you can. Even though it is possible to paint over mold-resistant drywall, it is important to use an effective primer all over its panels so as to cover its original color.
Failure to do this often makes the original color of the drywall shine beyond the coats of paint being applied. Proper cleaning and drying should also be done before commencing the painting.
When to install mold-resistant drywall?
Mold-resistant drywall should be installed when certain spaces are exposed to excessive moisture which is usually the breeding ground for mold. The bathroom, kitchen, and laundry rooms are examples of such spaces in a home setting.
It is therefore important to keep moisture and water from finding their way into the inner layers of the walls and ceilings of such spaces. Mold-resistant drywall is particularly designed to perform this function through its mold inhibiting core made up of fiberglass and gypsum.
Can you use it in different “rooms”?
In a shower/bathroom
Mold-resistant drywall can be used in a bathroom setting as long as the said area is not prone to flooding. This is because flooding is known to saturate the wood framing behind it with water thus rendering it ineffective when it comes to mold resistance.
It should also not be used on surfaces that are frequently and directly prone to water exposure such as those surrounding bathtubs and showers.
In garage
Garages that have not been finished as living areas with proper air circulation and heat systems usually require mold-resistant drywall in order to prevent any moisture build-up which may lead to mold infestation.
In Basement
Mold-resistant drywall is especially suitable for basements due to its rather poorly ventilated and damp nature which fosters mold growth. Leakages that may result in the settling of stagnant water can also take long before being detected if they occur in basements.
It is therefore recommended to install mold-resistant drywall in your basement so as to counter its mold-supporting features.
In the kitchen
Kitchens whose walls are prone to water damage can especially benefit from the moisture-resistant qualities of mold-resistant drywall.
How to install and hang mold-resistant drywall?
Taking Measurements
Taking the measurements of the ceilings and floors using top-down and bottom-up techniques respectively is normally done in order to transfer the right dimensions onto the drywall panel. A tape measure is the best instrument for such a task.
Corners are normally used as starting points for horizontal measurements. Objects that stick out of the wall such as pipes should also be measured in order to ensure proper circular cuts are made. The drywall panel should then be chalked according to the dimensions acquired.
Cutting
Cutting the chalked dimensions is normally done using an either razor or fixed blades. This is because they facilitate deep cuts which are able to break the panel surface of the drywall. Cutting should also be done on the side of the drywall panel that has been finished.
Any excess drywall is usually removed by folding and cutting it in angles of between 45 and 90 degrees. A drywall rasp can then be used to smoothen out any rough areas in the newly cut panel edges.
Attaching
The drywall panels should then be placed in a position that aligns them to the measurements that were previously made. An extra hand or two is normally required for this exercise so as to ensure that the drywall panels are held in place for fastening.
Fastening
This is normally done using a screw gun which fastens the screws onto the studs behind the panels. It is important to ensure that the surfaces of the drywall sheets do not break during this process.
Screws should be installed in 6-inch intervals along the perimeter and 12-inch intervals in the body of the drywall panels.
Maintenance and repair
The durability of mold-resistant drywall makes it extremely easy to maintain. This generally involves periodic cleaning and repainting of painted surfaces so as to maintain an effective moisture barrier.
When there is a need for repair as a result of drywall cracking, a taping compound is normally used to tape and refinish the cracked area. Drywall patching is also done in cases where the drywall damage is beyond taping. Engaging experts in such cases is highly recommended.
Home Garden Guides is a great tool that quickly matches you with the best drywall specialists in your locality. You can get three estimates from local drywall professionals in a matter of two minutes. Kindly follow the steps below to enjoy this great service:
- Scroll to the top of the page and enter your zip code
- Answer questions about your drywall job
- Your mold drywall details are forwarded to three local experts who will send you a price estimate for your job with some friendly advice.
Top brands of mold-resistant drywall
The top brands of mold-resistant drywall are known to contain both moisture-resistant and mold-resistant qualities.
They include Mold Tough from The USG Corporation, Gold Bond XP from The National Gypsum Company, Tough-Rock from Georgia Pacific, and M-Bloc produced by American Gypsum.
Difference between mold-resistant drywall and green board drywall?
Just like mold-resistant drywall, green board drywall is also used to prevent moisture build-up in extremely humid areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. When being used in the bathroom, it is often covered with cement board and bathroom paint.
It is generally cheaper than mold-resistant drywall since it is not as good at preventing mold infestation. It can therefore only be regarded as moisture-resistant as opposed to its mold-resistant counterpart which is both mildew and moisture resistant.
FAQ's
Yes, it is. Drywall panels that are both mildew and moisture resistant are known to cost about 50 % more than their standard counterparts.
Yes, it is. Fiberglass facing which is normally used to make mold-resistant drywall can take up to 300 degrees before catching fire.
Drywall gypsum whose makeup is 21% water also contains fire-resistant qualities which allow it to release steam that inhibits heat transmission when exposed to fire.
Mold-resistant drywall is normally green in color.
Dry your Surfaces
This ensures that there is no excessive moisture that can foster mold growth on your surfaces. When there is either flooding or leakage, make sure to dry your surfaces within 48 hours of water exposure.
Interior Sensitivity
Be aware of any signs of mold infestation such as a musty smell and allergic reactions and act decisively in order to determine the source and eliminate the mold growth before it takes over your house.
Damaged organic surfaces should also be replaced with non-organic materials which cannot be fed on by mold.
Exterior Awareness
This usually involves draining out any accumulating water that may saturate the ground from the outside thereby causing mold to grow into your house from the outside. Any rotting organic material near your house should also be discarded.
Yes, you can. Mold-resistant drywall can be used on ceilings in either 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch panels over 12-inch and 16-inch centers respectively. Unfaced insulation should however be used if the ceiling is insulated so as to prevent the creation of a double vapor barrier.
No, it is not. Mold-resistant drywall can only become toxic if improperly treated with substances such as mercury and Sulphur which can pollute the environment.
The brown side of the drywall should face away with the green side facing toward you.
