Modern bathroom can be like a spa with a variety of special touches, from colour and texture of tile to gleaming surfaces of garden tubs and walk-in showers. However, this home-spa resort can be common source of mold because ofits frequent exposure to water. Whereas moisture and mold can cause respiratory, allergic reactions and other detrimental health problems. No matter, if you want a magnificent spa environment or a functional bathroom layout, you should effectively manage moisture and high level of humidity in this area. Creating a healthy oasis in your bathroom starts from installing drywall and protecting walls and studs from mold and moisture content.
We will not discuss the process of bathroom drywall installation as it is nearly identical to a project in any other room. The biggest difference only liesin the type of gypsum board you choose. It should resist the effects of moisture buildup and mold.
Standard drywall is the most popular material for different home constructions, but it is inappropriate choice for your bathroom as it is exposed to moisture, swells, deteriorates and molds. The biggest mistake is to use it as a tile underlayment in bathtub or shower installation. Remember, unprotected gypsum board is not stable or durable enough to stand up to the bathroom environment for a long term.
Instead of drywall, there are other options for your bathroom and shower installation with whichyou do not have to worry about moisture or mildew caused by steamy showers or splish-splashing at bath time.
– Tile Membrane is excellent for installing ceramic tiles over standard gypsum drywall in wet areas, as it is very reliable, water- and vapor-resistant material. The only disadvantage of membrane is its high price.
- Cement Board is specially designed for wet areas in bathrooms and kitchens, it is hard, durable, naturally moisture- and mold-resistant, thatwill not rot, disintegrate or swell when exposed to water.The only significant minus is its weight, therefore, the heavy sheets of cement board are difficult to install.
– Composite Boardcombines perfect water-resistance of cement board and the ease of installation of gypsum board. This material is an ideal solution for tile underlayment, as well as a wallboard for bathroom drywall installation.
As you see, existing alternatives to standard drywall can have their own drawbacks. Proper bathroom drywall installation depends on wise balance between differences in durability, cost and ease of application.
