How to Choose Moisture Resistant Drywall

Are you building a house or making some renovations to a current home? If so, you’ll probably need to stock up on some drywall. There are different kinds of drywall depending on your needs, with moisture resistant drywall being one of the most common types. Keeping your home moisture-free is vital, and these drywall boards are the perfect way to do it!

There are two primary types of drywall with moisture resistance, and it can be challenging to choose the right one. So, keep reading to learn about these options and how to pick the perfect drywall for your needs!

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What is Moisture Resistant Drywall? How Does it Work?

The concept of this type of drywall might sound simple, as its purpose is right in the name. But there are some subtleties that you need to pay attention to before making your final decision.

Your two options of moisture resistant drywall include green or purple board. Green board is much more common and simply offers moisture resistance. Purple board is like the next tier up, which offers mold and mildew resistance along with moisture resistance.

These drywall boards are different from regular drywall in the sense of their materials. They contain the typical paper, additives, and hardened gypsum, which is a calcium sulfate-based mineral. But these boards have a wax or fiberglass coating or a moisture-repelling treatment to protect moisture from clinging to them. Plain drywall doesn’t have any protective coatings like this. You may find that the paper layer is a little thicker than traditional drywall as well.

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When Should You Use Moisture Resistant Drywall?

You can technically use moisture resistant drywall anywhere you might have moisture concerns. But the most common areas to use it are in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas. These three places are often prone to high humidity levels. But keep in mind that this type of drywall isn’t waterproof and cannot get submerged in water. It simply resists humidity and prevents it from adhering to the drywall.

If you’re finishing your basement, these drywall boards might also be the best option. Specifically, it might be a good idea to use purple board. Basements often have a higher humidity level than the rest of your home. And this makes them a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

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How to Choose Moisture Resistant Drywall

With an idea of your choices, it’s time to choose your drywall! Use the following steps to help you pick the best option for your home.

1. Consider Where You’re Putting the Drywall

The first step to choosing moisture resistant drywall is to think about where you might need it. How many rooms have water pipes? Do specific rooms feel more humid than others? Or is your entire home prone to moisture due to your location?

Moisture-prone areas in the main parts of the house will often benefit from green board. And areas like basements and garages may benefit more from purple board. These climates are more challenging to control, meaning they may need that extra mold-resistant aspect.

2. Think About Where You Live

What’s the climate like where you live? Is it often humid, rainy, and generally damp? Wet climates can wreak havoc on your home. The more constant moisture there is, the more prone your house is to mold and mildew. So, moisture-resistant drywall like purple board is best if you live in places like Florida, Louisiana, and other damp areas.

However, if you live in a generally dry area, green board will do just fine. You can simply use these boards in the rooms that might be a little more humid.

3. If You’re Unsure, Consult a Professional

If you still feel unsure about which type of moisture resistant drywall to use, there’s no harm in asking a professional. Contractors and even your local hardware store might have some insight that can help you. And if you don’t feel comfortable installing the drywall, it’s always better to hire a professional. You can end up spending more money than needed and making mistakes if you’re unsure about what to do.

4. Purchase and Apply Drywall

Once you know what moisture resistant drywall you need, it’s time to purchase it! You can find it at almost any hardware store or commercial building store.

It’s a good idea to buy drywall with some measurements in mind. So, ensure you measure the area where the drywall is going. Then gather materials like drywall screws and anchors and a power drill to get started. A drywall lift can also help, as the boards can be heavy. Or you can simply hire someone to attach the drywall for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are green and purple board more expensive than traditional drywall?

Yes, moisture resistant green and purple board tend to be more expensive. This is because they have extra protective coatings and generally do more than traditional drywall. Keep in mind that purple board is typically the most expensive of the two. This is because it does more than green board by protecting against mold and mildew.

Can moisture resistant drywall grow mold?

While these boards can repel moisture, they can still grow mold. This is possible for purple board too, if they get submerged in water. Mold growth is possible if the boards aren’t installed properly or maintained correctly during the building process. Remember that no drywall is completely waterproof, so anything is possible.

Does all bathroom drywall need to be moisture resistant?

Generally, it’s a good idea to use moisture-repelling drywall in bathrooms. There are multiple water sources and plenty of humidity in bathrooms. Traditional drywall can quickly become damp and grow mold in these rooms. To be safe, it’s always better to use moisture-resistant options. This will save you the headache of possibly going through the mold removal process.

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Wrapping Up Moisture Resistant Drywall

Moisture is one of the worst issues you can encounter in your home. It can lead to a host of other problems and cost you a lot of hard-earned money. Luckily, taking precautions with moisture-resistant drywall is a simple way to keep moisture at bay. So, head to your local hardware store, choose between green or purple board, and get to work!

Are you looking for other drywall suggestions? Check out our post on Types of Drywall to learn more about your other options!