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.
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.
If you find mold on your drywall, you'll most likely need to get it replaced.
Moisture-resistant drywall is just like regular drywall as it is made of gypsum. But, the difference is that it has a thicker paper coating with a wax covering for water resistance. You should consider this type of drywall in areas with high levels of moisture or humidity.
It's recommended to use mold resistant drywall in rooms like washrooms, laundry rooms, areas that get a big steamy but not real wet. Ensure you use proper waterproof boards in wet zones like showers. I recommend a double coat of primer/sealer and two coats of paint.
Even if your drywall contains moisture- and mold-resistant properties, it can still be at risk for mold growth if not for careful design, proper construction, and thorough maintenance.
PURPLE drywall, manufactured only by Gold Bond Building Products, is superior because it offers moisture, mold and mildew resistance. In addition, many PURPLE drywall products offer added benefits, including resistance to scratches, scuffs, dents and noise.
phasing out greenboard
This relatively new addition to the drywall market is gradually replacing green board because it's suited to the same tasks but even more water- and moisture-resistant than green board. Paperless drywall consists of a water-resistant gypsum core and a fiberglass (rather than paper) backing.
Regular Drywall, often referred to as whiteboard, is the standard wallboard used throughout most homes. However, it's not suitable for high moisture environments like bathrooms. On the other hand, Greenboard has been the best choice for bathroom walls and ceilings.
Blue Board Drywall
Also referred to as the plaster baseboard, this type of drywall is convenient for veneer plastering as the surface paper has unique retention qualities. Unlike the green board drywall, blue board works great in bathroom areas or places that get in contact with water.
The drywall itself may be easy to repair, but water damage and mold on drywall are often indicators of plumbing leaks. Replacing moldy drywall can cost $1,000–$12,000.
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.
Extensive discoloration, bulging, sagging, damp smells and mold are all signs that your drywall may have suffered irreparable water damage. Removing the moisture source is the priority, but a drywall replacement is often the next step.
Many homeowners attempt to simply repair drywall that is infested with mold, but it should always be fully replaced. If you don't replace every part of your drywall that has experienced mold growth, you're only leaving your home vulnerable to much more damage in the future.
To address these concerns, building codes often specify several key requirements for wet areas. These typically include: Use of moisture-resistant (MR) or mold-resistant drywall in wet areas. Proper sealing of joints and penetrations to prevent water intrusion.
The Ideal Drywall Alternative for Basements
Trusscore products, made from PVC, are mold- and mildew-resistant panels for basement walls and ceilings. They reflect light, they shed water, and they won't expand or swell. And Trusscore products clean up with a simple wipe.
Every use of the shower, bath, and sink contributes to the moisture in the air, creating an ideal environment for mold growth. Installing mold-resistant drywall can significantly reduce the risk of mold proliferation, ensuring your bathroom remains clean, safe, and hygienic.
Cement backer board, such as HardieBacker and Durock, is a popular choice due to their exceptional durability and resistance to moisture. It's made from a cement and fiber mixture, making it perfect for wet areas like showers.
Green board is called that because the face side paper is sea-foam green. The color is only used as a means of identifying this particular type of drywall. What makes this type of drywall different is that it is moisture resistant. Its core is impregnated with water resistant materials.
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.
Purple drywall offers superior mold resistance, fire resistance, and sound-dampening properties, making it an excellent choice for moisture-prone areas, but it is more expensive. Green drywall is more budget-friendly and may suffice for many locations in your home.
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.
While all gypsum-based drywall is naturally fire-resistant, the PURPLE family of products is unique because it also resists moisture, mold and mildew. In addition, some PURPLE drywall products also stand up to scratches, scuffs, dents and noise.
A Level 5 drywall finish involves an additional skim coat of joint compound over the entire surface, providing the highest-quality finish. This level is essential for areas with critical lighting conditions, where the appearance of the wall is paramount. It can deliver a smooth, uniform surface.