Best Mold-Resistant Drywall. Which Is Best For You?

The best mold-resistant drywall will be discussed in this post. The absence of organic backing is one of the desirable properties of a mold-resistant drywall composition.

For the sake of avoiding the growth of mold, choose for non-paper materials such as fiberglass.

Mold, drywall, and preventative measures are all covered in this article. Read this entire post if you want to learn more about drywalls and mold.

Drywall Buying Guide: Mold / Moisture Resistant vs. Fire Resistant Drywall

For most areas in your home, standard drywall will do, making the choosing of gypsum boards rather simple. However, specialty drywall boards can perform significantly better in some residential situations. They may be required by building codes in some circumstances. After standard, the two most popular varieties of drywall are:

• Resistant to mold and moisture
• The ability to withstand the effects of fire.

Mold and Moisture Resistant Drywall Applications

When it comes to mold and moisture resistant gypsum boards, generally referred to as “green board” or “purple board,” there are a variety of backers that surround the core. Instead of the traditional paper, a treated paper or fiberglass mat is applied to the core, which prevents water vapor from migrating into the gypsum interior. Aside from repelling moisture, fiberglass prevents the growth of mold and fungi.

The gypsum core of the board will be protected from water vapor and humidity, making green and purple backing the perfect alternative for:

• Bathrooms
• The utility rooms
• Changing rooms for the washing machine
• Kitchens
• Basements
• Crawl through crevices
• Workout facilities

Green or purple boards might be used in areas of the home where the humidity is higher than the rest of the house. Mold and mildew can’t grow in them since they don’t hold moisture.

Even though gypsum panels are better at coping with extraordinary quantities of moisture than typical drywall, they have their limitations. To avoid rotting wood, install concrete backer boards around areas where water is frequently and directly present.

Applications for Fire-Resistant Drywall

Even when it seems dry, gypsum’s crystalline matrix inherently holds water. Fire-rated gypsum boards are even more fire-resistant than conventional drywall, despite the fact that it is inherently fire-resistant.

Moisture that is trapped in the core of the wallboard is expelled by flames or severe heat. As the gypsum loses water, it shrinks, cracks, and eventually crumbles to dust. Fire-resistant gypsum slurry is blended with additives at the factory, allowing it to retain moisture for longer in a fire and resist shrinkage.

For the best results, the board should be able to hold its shape and position on the wall or ceiling for as long as possible. Fire-rated wallboards can be used as a temporary barrier for evacuating building inhabitants in the event of a conflagration.

Drywall that is resistant to flames is available in two varieties, both made with chopped fiberglass in the core.

Type X — capable of withstanding one hour of exposure to open flames.

Ceiling board Type C is meant to resist shrinking and falling under its own weight long enough so that people can leave their homes before it collapses.

Building codes often demand Type X or C in certain areas because of the risk of fire.

• Garages that are not attached to the house
• There are walls separating the garages from the living quarters.
• Heating and Ventilation Rooms
• In addition to the ceiling in the kitchen,
• The presence of a fireplace in certain rooms
• Housing complexes with multiple dwelling units

You can even combine fire protection and moisture resistance in one board thanks to the large range of drywall formulations and thicknesses available.

Please call DMS if you need help deciding which drywall kind to utilize. You can count on our decades of experience and knowledge to help your project flourish. Call us right away!

Mold And Drywall

It’s hard to see when mold is lurking in the shadows. Mold spores are omnipresent, and they may infiltrate into even the most difficult-to-reach areas of your home.

Mold spores land on your surfaces, especially if the air is humid. One of the reasons for mold growth in hard to reach places is food.

Mold thrives on the paper backing of conventional drywalls. Mold can grow when there is a lot of moisture in the air.

Mold thrives in a walled-off area because it is more difficult to find and remove. If you need help determining if you have mold growing behind your wall, check out this post.

Drywalls are commonly found in new homes. You’ll find out about the best drywall for mold resistance on the market in this article.

Why choose mold-resistant drywall?

Mold, as previously stated, can be a difficult issue to deal with in the home. You may not discover that you have a mold problem until it’s already too late.

In most cases, water damage that goes unnoticed leads to mold development that is difficult to see. This article may assist you in identifying water damage before it becomes a mold problem.

Choosing mold-resistant materials is a good idea because of the risk of water damage. Your house will survive longer if you employ the items listed above to guard against a mold infestation.

Are mold-resistant materials safe?

Even mold-resistant drywall is generally safe. You must, however, exercise good judgment as a shopper and do your homework.

Several mold-resistant drywalls contain toxic compounds in order to prevent mold from growing. It shields you from fungus, but your family may be at risk for other health problems as a result.

Things to consider when choosing materials

The greatest material for the job isn’t always the most expensive. When it comes to selecting mold-resistant drywall for your home, there are a number of things to keep in mind.

To begin, think about where you are. Then, see if the material you’ve chosen is compatible with the climate in your house, including how humid it is.

Drainage and drying are two other things to keep an eye on. Even if you use a mold-resistant material, you need still take precautions to avoid the growth of mold.

Tips for mold prevention

Preventing leaks is a basic mold prevention measure. In order to keep your house free of undesirable leaks, regular maintenance on your roof is a must.

Water damage and mold growth can occur on your roof, which is your first line of defense against the weather. Checking your roof before and after a storm is essential.

Windows should also be sealed as an additional piece of advice. The caulks around your windows are also exposed to the elements, so they need to be cleaned and inspected on a regular basis.

The water from the rain or gutters could seep into your home if your window seals are compromised. Your windows and the walls next to them would be affected by this.

Mold would be a result of water damage in the future. As a result, it’s critical that you keep in mind these safety precautions.

Mold-Resistant Drywall Review: Pros and Cons

Preventing Mold Growth on Drywall

All three of these conditions are necessary for mold spores to thrive. The paper facing on the drywall panels of gypsum wallboard contains this organic substance (the gypsum core is non-organic and not subject to mold). To prevent the growth of mold on drywall, there are two options:

• Mold spores need oxygen and moisture to thrive. As a result, some mold-resistant drywall has a stronger paper front and backing saturated with a waxy material that blocks moisture and air from reaching the paper. Mold spores are unable to grow without this.
• The drywall panels’ exterior layer should be made of something other than paper. The facing and backing are often made of fiberglass mesh rather than paper in this mold-resistant drywall type. Mold cannot colonize on fiberglass since there is no food source for it to feed on.

A growing number of manufacturers are marketing mold-resistant drywall as moisture-resistant wallboard. Previously, mold-resistant drywall was sold separately from water-resistant drywall. To be clear, manufacturers do not guarantee that their products are mold-proof, but rather resistant to it.

Pros

• Moisture and mold are well protected.
• Quick and simple set up
• Repairs are quick and simple.

Cons

• Significantly more costly
• It’s impossible to ensure mold protection.

Mold-Resistant Drywall Cost

The cost of mold-resistant drywall that is also moisture-resistant is around 50% higher than regular drywall. If you’re looking to save money on your home remodeling, you may want to consider using mold-resistant 4 x 8-foot drywall rather than normal drywall. This cost can be significantly reduced if purchased in quantity.

Maintenance and Repair

The mold-resistant version of drywall is normally a long-lasting, easy-to-maintain wall surface. Keep painted surfaces clean and re-paint them on a regular basis to maintain an effective barrier against moisture. There are a number of ways to repair drywall damage, including taping and refinishing the damaged area with taping compound or removing the damaged area and putting a drywall patch, depending on the severity of the damage.

Design

Drywall is a widely used wall covering in both modest and opulent dwellings alike. In the construction business, it is the de facto wall finish material of choice. Paint, wallpaper, and textured skim-coat plaster can all be applied on drywall. When installing ceramic tiles, it should not be utilized in place of cement board.

Mold-Resistant Drywall Installation

Mold-resistant drywall is installed in the same manner as regular drywall. Several coatings of taping compound are applied after the drywall panels have been fastened or screwed to the bare framing. The joints between the panels are then taped off and lightly sanded. After the drywall has been installed, the trim such as baseboards and window casings are usually nailed in place. The surface is now ready to be painted or given another finish. Because mold-resistant drywall is typically put in moist environments, the best way to protect the surface is to use mildew- and mold-resistant primers and paints.

Top Brands of Mold-Resistant Drywall

The following are well-known names:

• USG’s Mold Tough
• gold-backed National Gypsum Company’s Gold Bond XP bond
• American Gypsum’s M-Bloc
• Georgia Pacific’s ToughRock

Keep in mind that all of these solutions combine mold resistance with moisture resistance, which was a feature of green board drywall in its former incarnation.

Mold-Resistant Drywall vs. Green Board

There is a light green “hospital” tinge to Green Board, a paper-backed, water-resistant drywall with a paper-backed backing. In favor of products that resist both moisture and mold, this older type of water-resistant drywall is being phased out. In areas where humidity is constant, such as bathrooms and basements, green board can be used, although it lacks the mold-resistant properties of newer alternatives. The thicker paper backing on green board has been coated with wax to increase its moisture resistance. This product is still widely available, but if mold protection is your primary goal, avoid it.

Is Mold-Resistant Drywall Right for You?

Drywall that is resistant to mold and mildew in modern construction incorporates the moisture resistance of earlier green board with mold resistance materials and innovation. However, the producers make no claims that these goods are waterproof or moldproof. This product’s high price tag may not be justified in areas that are often dry. In the event of flooding, it will not prevent mold from forming in the drywall and organic wood framing behind it. A mold-resistant drywall is a suitable option for damp places like bathrooms or basements.

The Best Mold-Resistant Drywall

It is currently recommended that the best mold-resistant drywall be made of gypsum wallboard that is not paper-covered. Alternatively, you might go with a gypsum panel or wallboard made of water-resistant fiberglass gypsum.

When opposed to drywall that is covered in paper, the properties listed above will keep your drywall free of mold and moisture. Regular drywall has the advantage of being light, but the paper it is made of can be a feeding supply for mold.

If you’re torn between non-paper-faced and fiberglass, we’d recommend the fiberglass. Mold can’t grow on fiberglass since it lacks any organic content.

DensArmor Plus and Humitek are two of the most popular brands of mold-resistant drywall on the market today. Mold-resistant USG Sheetrock Mold Tough Drywall is an alternative.

A word of caution

Even if you’re using these products, you won’t completely avoid mold infestation. It is still your responsibility to learn about mold avoidance techniques and be aware of your surroundings.

Make advantage of mold-resistant alternatives to drywall as an extra layer of defense. However, it’s important to make sure that the devices you choose are compatible.

Guide for installation

Mold-resistant drywall can be installed in the same way as regular drywall. The first step is to attach the drywall panels to the framing.

You then need to apply drywall tape to the connections between each panel.. After covering it, apply different types of taping compound to the joints.

After each coat, sand the surface. In order to secure trim and baseboards, nail them in place after installing the drywall panels.

After that, use a mold-resistant paint and a wall primer to paint and finish the surface.

Green Board Drywall

In the 1960s, a new type of drywall called “green board” was developed with a wax-coated surface to repel moisture.

Drywall that has been treated to resist mold, mildew, and moisture is known as MMR board. The gypsum core and green board’s outer surfaces are both moisture-resistant.

Eco-friendly and more cost-effective than cement board, green board is a popular alternative for moist portions of a bathroom that aren’t completely soaked with water.

Blue Board

Blue board drywall has been specially treated to ensure that it adheres well to the specially designed plaster and is therefore highly mold and water resistant. In restrooms and other areas with a lot of moisture, you’ll discover it.

In order to get a smooth surface, you don’t need to apply numerous coats of joint compound to blue board – just tape and plaster the seams followed by a thin layer of plaster.

Withstanding inadvertent knocks and noise reduction, blue board (also known as plaster baseboard) is more durable than standard wallboard.

Purple Drywall

To prevent mildew and mold from forming, purple drywall is used in bathrooms and other areas where moisture and mildew are common. Its mold-resistant recycled material placed around a moisture-resistant core makes purple drywall mold-resistant.

National Gypsum’s PURPLE drywall and cement board products are the inspiration for this sort of drywall. Tile backer for splashbacks and shower ceilings is commonly used in bathrooms around basins, toilets, and vanities.

Cement Board for Bathrooms

A waterproof substrate is advised for places susceptible to constant water exposure, such as the splashbacks of bathtubs and showers. Granular cement is molded into sheets of different thickness and covered with fiberglass mesh to make cement tile backing board, also known as a cementitious backer unit (CBU).

With no organic substance, cement board is very resistant to rot, mold, shrinkage and decomposition like plywood and drywall are. It takes longer to install cement board solutions like PermaBase, which are more expensive, because they require a moisture barrier behind them to be really watertight.

Cement board produced by the following major manufacturers:

• Custom Building Products’ WonderBoard is perfect for curved surfaces because of its high degree of pliability.
• USG-produced Durock.
• It’s made by James Hardie Industries, and it’s called HardieBacker.

What is Mold-Resistant Drywall?

As well as moisture and oxygen, mold spores require a source of nourishment in order to thrive. It is possible for mold to grow on the paper surfaces of conventional wallboard, despite the fact that the core of the material is non-organic and naturally resistant.

There are two ways to prevent the growth of mold on drywall:

• Instead of using paper, use a non-organic material such as fiberglass mesh.
• With waxy paper that is thicker, you can keep mold spores from growing.

Mold-Resistant Drywall Installation

Mold-resistant drywall can be installed in the same way as regular drywall.

With drywall tape and mud, the connections between panels are sanded between coatings and bolted or fastened to the framing. Products that are mildew and mold resistant can be applied to the finished surface before it is tiled or painted.

Among the finest bathroom drywall brands, you’ll find products that are mold- and moisture-resistant.

• Mold Tough is a USG trademark.
• The National Gypsum Company manufactures Gold Bond XP, a gold-plated bond.
• American Gypsum’s M-Bloc.
• Georgia Pacific is the manufacturer of ToughRock.

It is true that the latest mold-resistant drywall has a higher resistance to moisture, but that doesn’t mean it is waterproof and will keep mold from growing in the event of flooding. Mold-resistant drywall may not be worth the extra cost in mostly dry areas, but it is critical in bathrooms.

Why you need Mold-Resistant Drywal for your Bathroom?

Toxic mold can pose a severe health concern if it is allowed to grow in the bathroom. Excess moisture and condensation buildup in bathrooms make them particularly vulnerable to mold growth. It’s especially dangerous for small children and the elderly since mold can produce allergens and poisonous compounds that weaken your immune system or cause respiratory problems like asthma. In order to prevent the growth of mold and other hazardous microorganisms, it is important to use moisture-resistant bathroom drywall.

Mold-Resistant Drywall Costs

Compared to conventional drywall, mold-resistant and moisture-resistant drywall costs about half as much. Mold-resistant drywall, on the other hand, is viewed as a selling point by real estate specialists. Mold-resistant drywall is no different from other types of drywall in that it provides a long-lasting surface that is also simple to keep clean.

FAQs

Is mold resistant drywall worth it?

To get the most out of your mold-resistant drywall, you need to place it in areas that are most likely to be affected by dampness and take precautionary measures to ensure that your interior is dry and moisture-free.

Is PURPLE drywall better than green?

This type of drywall, also known as greenboard or greenboard, is water resistant only. Because it’s resistant to dampness, mold, and mildew, PURPLE® drywall, available only from National Gypsum, is the best choice. With that said, several of PURPLE® drywalls have additional advantages, such as resistance to scratches, dents and noise.

What is purple drywall?

In addition to being mold and mildew resistant, PURPLE XP® Drywall may be used in practically every room in the house. Performance. Mold & Mildew Resistant, Moisture Resistant, and Fire Resistant. Area in which the work is being done. There is a lot of storage space in this house.

What is the difference between mold resistant and moisture resistant drywall?

Water-resistant drywall, on the other hand, is often mistaken for it. The term “green board” is used in the construction industry to describe water-resistant drywall. Mold-resistant drywall, on the other hand, does not have a paper face and instead uses fiberglass. In the end, paper is a food source for mold and mildew.

Where should mold-resistant drywall be used?

• Bathrooms.
• Rooms for storing things.
• Laundry facilities.
• Kitchens.
• Basements.
• Get into the tiniest of places.
• Rooms for working out.

Is Greenboard thicker than drywall?

Greenboard is available in two thicknesses: 12′′ and 5/8′′, as opposed to the 14′′ and 12′′ of normal drywall. Keeping that in mind is essential if you’re replacing 1/8″ drywall with greenboard in your home.

What is the best drywall for bathrooms?

Green. A type of mold-resistant drywall, green drywall, is often used in bathrooms because of its ability to withstand moisture. Mold-resistant drywall mud, also known as joint compound, should be used to increase the structure’s resistance to mold. In general, green drywall is more expensive than regular drywall by roughly 20 percent.

Conclusion

You may have found this article on the best mold-resistant drywall helpful in answering your queries. Please, however, keep in mind the precautions and warnings we provided on its application and the need to prevent mold growth.