The Advantages Of The Mold Resistant Drywall
Installing a mold resistant drywall may be advisable, particularly in those regions where the temperature is relatively warm and the air is humid. Drywall is a favorite construction material for interior walls and even ceilings because it needs less drying time and less labor. Unfortunately, this kind of wall is porous and absorbs water and moisture easily. The retention of water for long periods of time provides an environment that is conducive for mold growth. Therefore, the usual advice is that if the drywall material has been exposed to water and is not dried within 48 hours it should be discarded. If mold is able to grow inside the material, no amount of mold and mildew remover would be able to get rid of it. Thus, installing a mold resistant drywall or converting a regular drywall into a mold resistant one using a certain compound is advisable because a drywall that is contaminated with mold growth has to be removed and replaced.
The mold resistant drywall uses a fiberglass mat instead of paper for the inner gypsum slabs. Greenboard, which is especially designed for areas with large amounts of moisture such as the bathroom, is coated with large amounts of cement board or paint. It can be a cheaper alternative to the mold resistant variety but it is less effective in preventing mold growth. It should be noted that this does not mean that mold would not be able to grow in these materials. However, there is a much smaller chance that this will occur.
A possible substitute for drywall is a kind of cement board that is mold resistant. This board can be used for walls, floors, ceilings and even countertops. Instead of a glass mesh or mat, this board utilizes lightweight cement and advanced technology to produce a durable and strong board that resists moisture. Another alternative is to use a waterproofing membrane for floors beneath stone or tile.
To make a regular drywall mold resistant, an antimicrobial compound may also be applied to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold or mildew. This compound may also be used for other products for the home, such as tubs, sinks, wall coverings, vanity tops, countertops, doors and windows. In relation to this, mold resistant insulation is also available to prevent mold growth in this material that is often moist because of condensation.
Whatever the case may be, aside from installing a mold resistant drywall to prevent mold growth in the home, you also want to consider regulating the moisture or humidity in the home. For laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens and basements, the humidity could be reduced by using exhaust fans. For other parts of the home, a dehumidifier may be used if there is no air conditioning system or if the HVAC system is unable to bring down the relative humidity to fall in the range of 30 to 50 percent, which is not conducive for mold growth. It may be advisable to purchase hygrometers for monitoring and measuring the relative humidity.
