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Discussion Forum

Green Board In Bathroom?

| Posted in General Discussion on March 2, 1999 06:17am

*
Building new home in North West about to drywall. What do you think about using “greenboard” vs standard sheetrock in wet areas (bathrooms)?

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  1. Guest_ | Feb 22, 1999 06:32am | #1

    *
    Using Greenboard in wet areas is an absolute must!!! If you don't, you're next thread will be, "how do I rip all the drywall out of my bathroom".

    Pete Draganic

    1. Guest_ | Feb 22, 1999 06:40am | #2

      *And don't put it in "wet" areas like a shower stall. Occasionally damp is about the limit.MR will sag on the ceiling, I read here? What should you do there?

      1. Guest_ | Feb 22, 1999 06:57am | #3

        *Moisture resistant in the general bathroom and cement board in the shower if it's a built in type.If the bathroom is to be with all installed fixture ie. 1 piece enclosed tub and or 1 piece enclosed shower then WR is fine there too.

  2. Randy_Navarro | Feb 23, 1999 08:45am | #4

    *
    OK Mr. SMB, here's what I think--I think you need
    to can that lead framer off the job and don't let
    the door hit him where the good Lord split him.
    Seriously, though I do think it is worth the few
    bucks more to use the green board. Better to be
    safe than sorry. Loving regards, your favorite
    downline, Flavius Na

  3. Guest_ | Feb 23, 1999 11:21am | #5

    *
    if its anything like our greenboard here down under don't use it at all. We use Hardies Villaboard ( a cement based sheet with recessed edges tha can be set like conventional plasterboard ) throughout all the wet areas.

  4. SMB | Feb 23, 1999 08:12pm | #6

    *
    OK - WR it is mate even if they don't know how to make the right kind "down under".

    If you get a chance to find "mr forearm's" number, send it off to me and take care CHEIF INSPECTOR!

    1. 14-0 | Feb 24, 1999 03:48am | #7

      *I've gotten information from drywall contractors that green is the way to go in and around bathroom but NOT to be used as lid. They say it will not hold up to the weight of insulation. I've rocked both ways - 5/8 reg. board for lid and 1/2 green. No neg. results to report to date.Regards, 14-0

  5. Guest_ | Feb 24, 1999 07:32am | #8

    *
    Drywall manufacturers have a book that details use of their products and I'm sure I've read a dozen times that green board is for walls only and also not the best choice for in shower enclosures as tile backer. Not the best, but it works and is used by those who prefer not to order all the different types of product, etc. And depending on homeowner use, anything can last forever or fail in six months.

    Using green board for walls only,

    Jack : )

  6. lynn | Feb 24, 1999 08:31am | #9

    *
    Got two bathrooms that I remodeled. Both have greenboard on the ceilings and over the showers/tub. One has been in at least 10 years, other about 5. No problems with either.
    You must go with concrete board around the shower/tub walls. anything else won't last a year. I know from personal experience.

  7. Guest_ | Feb 24, 1999 08:48am | #10

    *
    Lynn,

    As you know, greenboard is installed on ceilings against manufacturers wishes and works often.

    Most people including myself skip instructions or just do what others are doing when no-one "one knows" has had problems.

    Many builders don't even bother with green board but then that also depends on the building inspector and customers wants and ideas of what is right or wrong. Any drywall works well in "most"(non-moist) bathrooms...

    Reading the spec books "once in awhile"...

    Jack : )

    1. Guest_ | Feb 24, 1999 09:08am | #11

      *For ceramic tile installations requiring drywall in wet areas, I always use MR drywall, otherwise known as greenboard. In fact, I do believe this is mandatory under the local building code. Perhaps an AIA architect will weigh in here.

      1. Guest_ | Feb 24, 1999 09:14am | #12

        *Rich,Greenboard is a code wet wall thing...and codes are always followed...And the Yankees will always win...Greenboarding the bath walls outside of shower wall areas,Jack : )

  8. msteinkampf_ | Feb 25, 1999 07:52pm | #13

    *
    If greenboard is a no-no for bathroom ceilings, what are you supposed to use?

    1. RF | Mar 01, 1999 08:56am | #14

      *Standard procedure in my area is cement board for tile application, MR board where sheetrock touches plastic or fiberglass tub surround. This is my reccomendation when asked.I've hung MR board on cielings for contractors choosing to ignore the USG handbook,and I,ve butted regular board against tub surrounds.I've seen both applications work without problems.I think the most important precaution for protecting the drywall around a tub surround is a good caulking job to keep water from between the lip of the unit and the edge of the drywall.In a location repeatedly soaked with water any drywall will fail.

  9. SMB | Mar 02, 1999 06:17am | #15

    *
    Building new home in North West about to drywall. What do you think about using "greenboard" vs standard sheetrock in wet areas (bathrooms)?

  10. Guest_ | Mar 02, 1999 06:17am | #16

    *
    What makes MR drywall moisture resistant is the density of the board and the composition of the gypsum core. If it does get wet, it's designed to last about 60 seconds longer than standard board :). If you anticipate that steam, water vapor, or intermittent exposure to water are going to be problems, consider using exterior grade drywall. It's more expensive, but you can't beat the performance. For wet areas, such as showers, you may want to run cementious backerboard over the first 24 inches of wall above the floor( or the first 12 inches above a tub), and then MR-drywall throughout the remainder. Ensure that the gap between the backerboard and the drywall is caulked with silicone.

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