While mold occurs naturally, it can become a serious problem in a home. Mold spores drift in the air and land on organic substances in moist, oxygen-abundant settings. Once established, mold spreads quickly and can cause health issues like respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and other serious conditions.
To combat this common and dangerous problem, manufacturers now produce mold-resistant drywall. This substance stops mold from sticking to surfaces, keeping it away even in damp environments.
What Is Mold-Resistant Drywall?
Manufacturers make mold-resistant drywall with a gypsum core and a non-organic facing material. This prevents mold spores from attaching to and penetrating the wallboard. The wallboard lacks the organic material necessary for mold growth. This is different from standard drywall, which has a paper face that mold thrives on.
Mold-resistant drywall generally costs about 30 to 50 percent more than standard drywall. Mold-resistant drywall costs more. Usually only necessary in places with a lot of moisture, like bathrooms and laundry rooms. In these areas, the added cost can be worthwhile if a leak or high humidity occurs.
How Does Mold-Resistant Drywall Work?
Mold-resistant drywall works by creating an environment that mold cannot thrive in. Despite the surface getting wet because of moisture or humidity, this kind of drywall does not allow mold to take root or thrive.
Mold-resistant drywall is the same as regular drywall, made of non-organic, non-flammable gypsum. Gypsum is a compound of dihydrate calcium sulfate and water, formed into lengthy, stiff panels. These sheets then cover with different facing materials: paper, fiberglass mesh, or wax-embedded paper.
The key difference lies in the facing material. Mold-resistant drywall uses either fiberglass or a wax coating over a thicker paper face. Fiberglass is completely non-organic, preventing mold growth.
The wax-coated paper, known as “green board,” is moisture-resistant, which helps prevent mold spores from penetrating and growing on the paper. While the wax itself is not mold-resistant, it effectively keeps moisture out, thereby reducing the chances of mold growth.
What is the difference between green board and mold resistant drywall?
Mold-resistant drywall and green board, a water-resistant type of drywall, are not the same. Mold-resistant drywall features a fiberglass facing that effectively prevents mold growth because of its non-organic materials. Green board is moisture resistant because of wax in its paper facing, but it still has organic materials on both sides.
If a flood occurs, mold-resistant drywall performs well because it lacks organic materials for mold to feed on. Green board, however, is only moisture-resistant on its front. Its paper backing can still absorb moisture, creating an ideal environment for mold growth. Therefore, green board is not the best choice if true mold resistance is the goal.
To address this issue, most drywall manufacturers now produce a single product that is both mold- and moisture-resistant. However, it’s important to note that no manufacturer produces completely waterproof or mold-proof drywall.
Mold, though naturally occurring, can become a serious problem in a home. Mold spores float through the air and settle into organic materials in damp, oxygen-rich environments. Once mold starts growing, it can spread fast and lead to health problems like breathing issues, allergies, and other serious conditions.
To combat this common problem, building material manufacturers now produce mold-resistant drywall. This material prevents mold from sticking to it, stopping mold growth in damp environments.
How to Install Mold-Resistant Drywall
Installing mold-resistant drywall follows a process similar to standard drywall installation. First, measure, score, snap, and cut sheets of drywall to fit the wall dimensions. You affix these sheets to the wall studs by screwing or nailing through the face of the drywall into the bare studs behind.
Once you securely mount all sheets, the next step involves taping the joints and applying joint compound (mud) to cover the fastener holes. Use fiberglass mesh tape on joints to prevent mold growth by eliminating organic material for mold to attach to. You can use paper tape cautiously in corners and joints between walls and ceilings where fiberglass mesh tape may not be suitable. This method of installation helps mold-resistant drywall prevent mold growth in damp areas of the home.
Where to Use Mold-Resistant Drywall
You don’t have to use mold-resistant drywall everywhere in your home. However, it’s a good idea to consider using it in specific areas. Areas with high moisture or humidity from appliances, fixtures, or environment can benefit from mold-resistant drywall.
Good places for mold-resistant drywall are kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, mudrooms, and other damp areas. Also beneficial around appliances or fixtures that generate moisture or condensation, such as air conditioners or refrigerators.
Basements and crawl spaces are also prime candidates for mold-resistant drywall. These areas tend to be dark, warm, and moist, creating optimal conditions for mold and mildew growth.
Bottom Line
Installing mold-resistant drywall in areas susceptible to humidity and moisture can help prevent unhealthy mold growth. This material costs more than regular drywall, but its mold resistance makes it worth it for a healthier home.
Contact ROA Drywall For Drywall Installation Services
ROA Drywall offers drywall installation services in Austin, TX. As local drywall contractors in Pflugerville, TX, we have 15 years of experience in drywall installation and repair services. If you’re looking for local drywall contractors for your project, we can assist you. Contact us today by calling (512) 293-9899 or fill out the form below.