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How To Stop Molds In Your Home With Mold Resistant Drywall

One of the major concerns for all building owners is the infestation of molds in places around the house. They deface the building, damage structures and cause health concerns especially for allergic people. Some molds produce toxins which may be harmful to your health. Working with regular drywall can be challenging because it does not need to get too wet for the mold to set in. This is because regular drywall already contains some amount of moisture. The molds feed on the outside paper and even inner gypsum necessitating the need to put up new drywall. Dealing with mold can be tricky at times but with the use of mold resistant drywall it is much easier to prevent them.

How mold resistant drywall is made

There are several ways to make mold resistant drywall. First you can have the laminated kind of mold resistant drywall. In this type manufacturers use fiberglass matting on the front and back while still maintaining a gypsum core. The matting repels water protecting the gypsum. In most cases even the gypsum used is more water resistant compared to that in regular drywall.

There is also the uniform composition method. In this type, the manufacturers forego the matting altogether and instead use a water resistant material throughout. The idea behind mold resistant drywall is to increase its ability to repel moisture thus denying any chance for mold to get a foothold.

There are several types of mold resistant drywall and these are the major ones:

  1. Green board – This gets its name from the green paper cover it has which is treated by a petroleum based product making it resistant to moisture.
  2. Blue board – This comes with a blue paper cover that bonds well with either a skim coat of a plaster finish creating a final result that is moisture and mold resistant.
  3. Cement board – This is made with cement that is reinforced with fiber making a strong base for ceramic tile while giving it a very rigid character. It is used in places of high water and moisture.
  4. Foil back – This comes with a vapor barrier which prevents the transfer of moisture from inside a room to exterior walls and ceiling spaces.
  5. Paperless drywall – This is the most resistant to moisture and mold. It is made of gypsum sandwiched between fiberglass and it is used in areas of high humidity. It is however not ideal in places where there is direct exposure to water like in showers and kitchens.

The advantage this type of drywall offers is that you get to prevent the occurrence and spread of mold in your building. This is especially true in damp environments like bathrooms, basement areas, kitchens, garages, utility rooms and other areas. It also makes the room more energy efficient as it prevents the transfer of moisture between rooms and adds an extra layer of insulation. Mold resistant drywall costs extra dollars than regular drywall but in the long run it is worth the investment. The crucial thing is to get expert advice to know which mold resistant drywall is suitable for your various applications.

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