For Class 1 and 10 buildings Gyprock Aquachek™ 10mm is a moisture resistant board that is ideal as a wall and ceiling lining in bathrooms and laundries. It is an ideal substrate for waterproofing and as a liner board under wall tiles.
Using regular drywall in a bathroom is not recommended due to the high levels of moisture and humidity typically found in that environment. Instead, it's advisable to use moisture-resistant drywall, commonly referred to as ``green board'' or ``blue board,'' which is designed to withstand damp conditions.
Acrylic: These panels offer a high-gloss finish similar to glass, making them a popular choice for modern bathrooms. Acrylic bathroom wall panels are lightweight, easy to install, and can be cut to size easily.
Standard drywall consists of gypsum sandwiched between sheets of paper. Unfortunately, when exposed to a lot of moisture, the organic material in the paper can serve as a growth medium for mold. That makes standard drywall a poor choice for bathrooms, where humidity is high.
For areas subject to direct exposure of water such as shower, baths and basins, it is still recommended to apply a waterproof membrane over Ultra-Base MR 60.
In residential projects Gyprock Aquachek 10mm is ideal for use in bathrooms, laundries, ensuites, and toilets. Because Aquachek 10mm is not subject to moisture movement and has extremely low water absorption characteristics, it provides an excellent, stable substrate for ceramic tiles.
Plasterboard swells when wet and may pull away from fasteners and remain insecure even after drying. The fixing system used for the plasterboard, including fasteners, adhesive and also the frame, must therefore be inspected and assessed by a professional for damage.
Even if there is no huge water leak such as from a hole in the roof, the steam and moisture of showers, bathtubs, and boiling pots can potentially affect the structure and safety of a house or building. This is why vapor barriers are needed in areas that are more moisture-prone.
Apply a waterproofing membrane, such as a liquid waterproofing compound or a sheet membrane, to create an additional layer of protection against moisture penetration. Next, ensure that all joints and seams are properly sealed using a waterproof joint compound or tape.
Regular drywall can mold or deteriorate in high humidity. The best drywall for use in a shower is cement board. Greenboard, purple drywall, and blueboard are all water-resistant but not waterproof. You can add a waterproof membrane or waterproof primer for extra moisture protection.
Paint is by far the cheapest way of giving your bathroom walls a makeover. But as you can imagine, not all kinds of paint work for bathroom walls. You have two different options – water-resistant paint and waterproof paint.
Green Board Drywall – An excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and attics, green board drywall is mold resistant and typically comes in 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch thicknesses. A thick layer of green paper is applied to the surface of the gypsum, and a wax coating is applied over the paper.
Green board is highly efficient in bathrooms and kitchens, where moisture is frequently in the air, but it is not the drywall that should be set behind tile in your shower or any other areas where it can come in direct contact with water.
In fact, PVC panels are the best option available for bathroom wall coverings.
Comprising a gypsum core encased in paper liners, it's available in various thicknesses, typically ranging from 10mm to 13mm. Standard plasterboard is your go-to option for most interior wall and ceiling applications. It's cost-effective, readily available, and serves as the workhorse of the construction industry.
Blue Board Drywall
It is perfect for wet areas because it has great mold and water resistance qualities. It was not made for tape, mud or paint but it certainly does a good job at minimizing noise and offering low emissions. Overall, we can say that blue board is the best choice when it comes to performance.
Bathroom waterproofing with liquid membranes is perhaps the easiest and cheapest modern method of waterproofing, which can be applied to any surfaces that come into contact with water or moisture.
Regular drywall is not recommended in bathrooms as it can easily absorb this moisture and mold or even disintegrate. Instead, bathroom walls should be constructed from drywall that is resistant to mold, mildew, and moisture. The best product to use for bathroom walls is MMR drywall, also known as green board.
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.
Both are designed to keep moisture out of your home and can be made from various materials. But there are a few key differences, the most apparent being that moisture barriers are better at keeping out liquids, and vapor barriers are better at keeping out water in its gaseous state.
Extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam boards
XPS foam boards are highly recommended for bathroom insulation because of their moisture-resistant properties and good thermal performance.
Envelope testing has shown that sealing the interior drywall (airtight drywall approach), or carefully installing a polyethylene barrier under the drywall, and/or sealing the exterior sheathing is a more effective way to minimize air leakage.
Water damage is a significant concern for gyprock ceilings, especially in areas prone to leaks or condensation. Leaking roofs, plumbing issues, or faulty waterproofing can result in water infiltration. The moisture weakens the plasterboard, causing it to sag, swell, or crumble.
Gyprock Aquachek is manufactured to meet or exceed the requirements of water resistant grade gypsum plasterboard as per AS/NZ 2588 Gypsum Plasterboard, and satisfies the requirements of the Building Code of Australia for wet area wall linings in residential and commercial buildings when installed according to Gyprock ...
The Timeline of Mold Growth on Water-Damaged Drywall
That being said, if moisture isn't addressed within 24 hours after water damage has occurred, then mold will most likely begin to grow. Mold grows best in warm, dark areas with high levels of humidity and a food source (in this case cellulose).