Can you make regular drywall mold-resistant?

Author: Mrs. Brionna Ebert Jr.  |  Last update: Friday, November 7, 2025

Use a material other than paper for the outer layer on the drywall panels. This form of mold-resistant drywall typically uses fiberglass mesh instead of paper for the facing and backing. Because fiberglass is a non-organic material, mold has no food source necessary to colonize.

How to waterproof regular drywall?

The most popular way to waterproof your drywall is to use oil- or latex-based waterproofing primer. These primers are made by most paint manufacturers and are designed to prevent mold and mildew from growing on the surface of your drywall.

Is regular drywall mold-resistant?

Drywall is essentially gypsum, with maybe some other additives, and then it has a paper face adhered to it with a water soluble glue. Both the paper and the glue are “mold food” if the drywall is constantly damp, or in unconditioned spaces.

How do you prevent mold on drywall?

Maintaining proper humidity levels is key to preventing mold growth. Use a dehumidifier in damp areas to keep humidity between 30% and 50%. You should also ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms, and use exhaust fans when cooking or showering to remove excess moisture.

Is it okay to use regular drywall in basement?

Using regular drywall in a basement is generally not recommended due to the potential for moisture and humidity issues. Here are some key points to consider:

Is Mold Resistant Drywall Worth The Investment? Damp Solving Water & Mold

Do I need a vapor barrier behind drywall in basement?

The answer is actually twofold. We need to install a vapor barrier against the concrete foundation walls, and we also need to install an airtight vapor retarder behind the drywall, however, the wall must have the ability to dry if moisture happens to accumulate in the wall cavity.

What's the difference between sheetrock and drywall?

One key difference between the two is that sheetrock is a brand name of drywall made by the United States Gypsum Corporation. Another difference lies in their production process; sheetrock has a slightly denser core than drywall due to the addition of a small amount of wood fiber to the gypsum core.

How do 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.

Is mold behind drywall a problem?

Damaging Effects of Water behind Drywall

Mold can only grow where there is enough water to support it. This means that when you have mold growing behind drywall, you have excess water behind your wall.

What can I put on my walls to prevent mold?

For this reason, we highly recommend Suretherm Anti-Condensation Paint. Suretherm helps prevent the route cause of the problem - the moisture! Suretherm Anti Condensation Paint is an internal water-based emulsion that is specifically designed to help deal with internal mould and damp caused by condensation.

Should I replace drywall that has mold?

If you find mold on your drywall, you'll most likely need to get it replaced.

Which side of drywall is mold-resistant?

Always hang PURPLE drywall with the purple side out, or facing into the room.

What is the best primer to block mold?

KILZ® MOLD & MILDEW Primer is a water based primer-sealer-stainblocker that is specially designed for residential surfaces in high humidity, moisture and temperature environments such as kitchens, bathrooms, powder rooms and laundry rooms.

What kind of paint makes drywall waterproof?

Acrylic-Based Waterproof Paint: This type of paint dries quickly and is flexible, making it a popular choice. However, it may require several coats to fully protect against moisture.

How do you reduce moisture in drywall?

The best way to dry wet drywall is to dry it from the inside out. This can be done by using a fan or a dehumidifier. Use a moisture meter to check the moisture levels. Once you have started drying the drywall, checking the moisture levels with a moisture meter is important.

What is the new replacement for drywall?

PVC panels are impact-resistant, whereas drywall is prone to damage. Drywall contributes to landfill waste, decomposing into a pungent-smelling hydrogen sulfide gas. On the other hand, PVC panels are eco-friendly, have a low carbon footprint and can be recycled several times.

Can drywall with mold be saved?

If it is moldy, there has been enough water/moisture to ruin the drywall, even without the presence of the mold. The mold has warned you to replace it.

Does homeowners insurance cover mold?

Homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover mold damage or removal unless it's the result of a covered peril. If the mold in your residence was caused by something sudden or accidental, such as a bursting pipe or some other covered incident on your policy, you may be protected.

What are signs of mold sickness?

Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include:
  • Nasal and sinus congestion.
  • Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes.
  • Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
  • Cough.
  • Throat irritation.
  • Skin irritation, such as a rash.
  • Headache.

Is there a mold proof drywall?

Mold-resistant drywall typically comes in two forms – either with a gypsum core and fiberglass facing or with gypsum material consistent throughout the drywall (also known as homogeneous).

Is purple drywall better than green?

Green drywall, often referred to as greenboard, resists moisture to a lesser extent than purple and is ideal in rooms that have occasional moisture exposure, like laundry rooms.

What is the best mold treatment for drywall?

Bleach & Water

Using a common household cleaner (like bleach) can be one of the best ways to deal with small areas of mold on your walls.

What is the best drywall to use in a house?

Moisture-and-mold resistant drywall is best used for interior walls, especially in areas like kitchens, bathrooms or basements. The best drywall boards for these areas have moisture-resistant cores that prevent water and moisture intrusion from seeping into the board itself.

Can you put plaster over drywall?

Plaster veneer may also be applied to ordinary drywall, or over existing walls, but this requires "gluing" the existing wall surface by painting on a special adhesive compound, and then applying a thin layer of "base coat" plaster.

Do I Sheetrock the ceiling or walls first?

Hang the Ceiling First

This makes it much easier to manage and attach the panels since you will not have to fumble around with the screws, measuring tape, and so on. Screws for drywall lids should be placed no closer than 16” from the wall. This allows the drywall to have a bit of flexibility to prevent ceiling cracks.

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