Should I use cement board or green board for my shower?
Two options you may consider for your shower are cement board and green board. A cement board is best for your shower because it features cement and is more water-resistant than a green board. Even though the green board is applauded for its moisture resistance, it isn’t waterproof and can sustain water damage from splashes or puddles of water.
What is the best shower shower board?
A cement board is best for your shower because it features cement and is more water-resistant than a green board. Even though the green board is applauded for its moisture resistance, it isn’t waterproof and can sustain water damage from splashes or puddles of water.
Is green board a good backer for a shower stall?
Green board is not the proper backer for a shower stall unless a complete waterproof-membrane system is applied over it. Even then, I still believe that cement board is the proper substrate to use. In the early 1970s, I was one of many tilesetters who used green board.
Is it safe to use greenboard for bathroom walls?
However, in Brazil (where drywall is kind of a novelty yet) the manufactures recommend greenboard for bathrooms and describe treatments to make it safe to use (even with tiles), not only that, but cement board is very difficult to come by here.
Should you use green board or cement board in a shower?
Greenboard Drywall Definition Cement backer board such as Durock is best used for tile in highly wet applications such as shower stalls, with greenboard and other water-resistant drywall panels kept only to high-humidity areas. Greenboard's paper facing alone does not inhibit mold growth.
Is it code to use green board in a shower?
Changes made to the 2006 International Residential Code (IRC) no longer recognize moisture-resistant, paper-faced drywall (commonly known as “green board”) as a suitable tile backing material in wet areas such as tub and showersurrounds.
What kind of drywall do you use in a shower?
Look into cement board if you need waterproof drywall. This type of waterproof drywall is designed for wet areas such as showers and bathtub surrounds. Be cognizant that cement board requires a moisture barrier behind it, which makes the installation process longer than moisture-resistant drywall.
Can you use green board behind a shower surround?
Paper-faced gypsum board will not prevent moisture penetration and should not be used in wet areas (BSC 2009a). Non-paper-faced fiber-reinforced gypsum board, moisture-resistant gypsum board, or “green board” products are also not recommended behind tub surrounds (BSC 2009a).
What is the best backer board for a shower?
Cement boardCement board is a good, reliable backer board that works well on both floors and walls. Keep in mind that most tile setters err on the side of caution and brush a waterproofing membrane on top of cement board when it is in wet areas like showers or tub surrounds.
What is the best material to use behind shower walls?
acrylicWe recommend acrylic as the best shower wall material. Acrylic is the best system to use for shower walls because it is the safest, least high maintenance, and easy to install, meaning your shower could be done in as little as one day.
Can I use PURPLE drywall in shower?
Ensure your bathroom is an oasis, not a petri dish In your bathroom, the forecast always calls for a chance of showers – or maybe a bubble bath. That's why easy-to-install PURPLE XP® Drywall is moisture-, mold- and mildew-resistant, so you can keep walls and ceilings fresh and clean for years to come.
Whats better green or PURPLE drywall?
What's the difference between PURPLE drywall and traditional green drywall? Traditional green drywall (also known as greenboard) is only moisture-resistant. PURPLE drywall, manufactured only by Gold Bond Building Products, is superior because it offers moisture, mold and mildew resistance.
How do you waterproof drywall in a shower?
It is possible to waterproof drywall in a shower by covering the drywall with a waterproof membrane. This waterproof membrane can be bonded to drywall with thinset adhesive to create a waterproof layer. Never tile directly over drywall in a shower.
What's the difference between green board and cement board?
Composition Greenboard is a special kind of drywall made with gypsum and an especially thick layer of paper that is coated with water-resistant wax. On the other hand, cement board is made out of a cement slurry that is reinforced with fiberglass mesh.
How do you install a Greenboard shower?
1:152:40How to Install Green Board Drywall : Wall Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we'll push it up tight. And put our screw. In. So then you'll go ahead and screw off all yourMoreAnd we'll push it up tight. And put our screw. In. So then you'll go ahead and screw off all your green board and your drywall and space your screws about 18 inches apart. On every stud.
Do I need a vapor barrier behind cement board in shower?
If it's a cement board, you need a vapor barrier, because cement retains moisture, which means the wood next to it is always damp. It does retain moisture, but the advice given by others here is to move the waterproofing between the tile and cement board with products like Redguard or Ditra.
Should Green board be used in bathroom?
IS GREEN BOARD WATERPROOF? Green board is water-resistant – it is not waterproof. Green board is highly efficient in bathrooms and kitchens, where moisture is frequently in the air, but it is not the drywall that should be set behind tile in your shower or any other areas where it can come in direct contact with water.
Can you use cement board in a shower?
Generally, cement boards can be used as shower backing. They can withstand high moisture and water exposure without rotting, warping, or deteriorating. They also do not promote the growth of mildew and molds, making them the best substrate to use with tiles.
Is Green Board mold-resistant?
In addition to mold-resistant drywall, greenboard is often used in bathrooms and showers as a mold-preventative building material. Though it's less effective at preventing mold than mold-resistant drywall, it's generally also less expensive.
Do you have to use mold-resistant drywall in a bathroom?
Space prone to moisture such as bathrooms and laundry rooms are also typically most prone to mold – which can be disastrous and costly to the structure of your home. Walls and ceilings in these spaces that are often damp due to humidity or splashing are suitable for mold-resistant drywall.
What happens when moisture gets behind tile?
When moisture gets behind the tile, the paper facing on green board becomes mold food. The waxy coating is like a mold appetizer. In the late ’70s, cement board came into the picture and has proved to be a superior product.
Is cement board better than tile?
In the late ’70s, cement board came into the picture and has proved to be a superior product. It is a bit more work to cut and install, but when tile is installed over it with thinset cement, the system does not fail. As a test, I once installed a couple of pieces of tile on a small piece of cement board, then dropped it into a pond behind my house. After two months, I couldn’t separate the tile from the board.
What is Greenboard?
Greenboard is a drywall type that homeowners use for covering walls in damp or humid areas within the home interior. Although, it is commonly regarded as waterproof. Greenboard has no waterproof or water-resistant capabilities. And professionals do not recommend installing greenboard in areas with high water contact levels, such as shower stalls or bathtub walls.
What is greenboard drywall?
Greenboard is a drywall type that is suitable for use in areas with high humidity levels like bathrooms. Although manufacturers produce greenboard from standard drywall components, and it contains a gypsum core. Greenboard is reinforced with additional elements to provide extra moisture-resistant properties.
Should you DIY or hire a professional to install a greenboard in your shower?
The average cost of having a professional install greenboard as a tile backer board is $1.25 per square foot and can range between $1.05 to $1.45. An advantage of hiring a professional is the guarantee of a higher quality job. And the assurance of minimal post-installation issues.
Why does my greenboard ceiling fail?
A significant number of greenboard bathroom ceilings fail due to the collection of moisture and steam from showers and hot baths. The excess moisture buildup weakens the greenboard structure making it lose rigidity and eventually sag. However, the issues outlined above do not mean you can not install a greenboard ceiling for your bathroom.
Can you drive screws through a greenboard?
An important tip is to use lots of screws when attaching the greenboard. But avoid driving the screws completely through the greenboard to retain the integrity of the structure. You can use lots of screws
Is greenboard a good material for DIY?
A significant advantage of greenboard is easy to install and has lower installation costs than other moisture-resistant tile backer boards, e.g., cement boards. Greenboard is also easier to install, making it the ideal construction material for DIY projects.
Can you put greenboard in a shower?
You can not install greenboard in a shower or other wet areas within the bathroom because water contact can ruin it. Greenboard is NOT designed to be waterproof, but its excellent moisture-resistant qualities make it a suitable option for use in damp spots in bathrooms.
What is green board?
Green board is basically sheetrock with a waxy paper face. It's not as stiff as cement board, nor as waterproof, both of which are nice to have when applying tile.
What is the best product to use to keep green board dry?
If you decide to use it, see if you can find a product called 'redgard'. It's a paint-on waterproofer that should help keep the green board dry.
How far up should a shower be waterproof?
Basically, it says that the junction between the wall and the floor must be waterproof treated up to at least one feet up the floor (using various methods). Shower areas should be completely waterproof using the same technique, and after that you can install tiles using a flexible grout and mortar on top of the waterproofed drywall. ...
Can you use Schluter Kerdi over drywall?
I'm not sure if it's available in Brazil, but if you can get it - I'd recommend using Schluter Systems. They have a product called Schluter Kerdi that can you even install over drywall in a shower installation. I've used it here in states on a bathroom remodel. Here's more info about it:
Can a greenboard be used as a backer for a shower?
It means "Greenboard" can still be used in bathrooms (and other areas), it just cannot be used as a backer for tile in a shower or tub surround. It can be used in areas not subject to direct water exposure (tub/shower surround), and areas of noncontinuous high humidity (bathrooms).
What is the difference between green board and drywall?
Another critical way these two differ is in thickness. Green board is significantly thicker than drywall, making it sturdier and more soundproof than its alternative.
When was green board made?
Green Board: A Brief Overview. Green board was first brought to market in the 1960s and is a type of drywall with some level of water resistance. This partial water resistance may sometimes be confused for a complete waterproof nature.
What are the pros and cons of cement boards?
This isn’t an exhaustive list as it only focuses on these boards as tile backers. Mildew and mold resistant: Cement boards have better longevity than gypsum panels and even covered varieties like green boards.
What is cement board?
Cement board is a DIY low-impact alternative to applying cement directly. For ease of installation, this type of siding is pre-fabricated with cement and fiber reinforcement. The idea is to make a semi-cement tile backer that isn’t as sturdy as cement but makes up for cost-effectiveness and flexibility.
What is the best material for shower tile?
Two options you may consider for your shower are cement board and green board. A cement board is best for your shower because it features cement and is more water-resistant ...
Is cement backer board harder to cut?
Harder to cut: After precision-cutting the initial layer, one can just bend to break gypsum core boards. However, cement backer boards are harder to cut as they require precision-cutting throughout the entire board. Remember, the layers are homogenous.
Is green tile water resistant?
Resist moisture: Drywall tile backer can rot and promote the growth of mold if exposed to a high-moisture environment. Green boards are semi-water-resistant, which makes them ideal for homes in regions where interiors are often humid.
What type of board should I use for tile?
The second best is to use the fabric covered foam board like Kerdi-board covered by a waterproof membrane .This material is specially designed for tile installation. It is light , easy to cut , but more expensive and harder to find than cement board.
What happens if wallboard gets wet?
On the other hand, if wallboard gets wet, it starts swelling and turning into a paste. It loses what structural strength it does have, and tile will start coming loose from it.
Why use Wedi board over Schluter?
The schluter backer is nice, but also very pricey. The reason I use the wedi over the schluter is the eye/finger test. It just seems and feels stronger. But when dealing with this expensive product, to each his own.
How thick is cement board?
If you choose to use cement board, use the thicker product in larger sheets, it comes in 4X8 sheets 1/2 or 5/8 inches thick. The 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch in 3 ft. by 5 ft sheets at the home improvement stores just isn’t rigid enough to resist deflection, which will cause grout joints to fail.
Is green wallboard waterproof?
Green board is not waterproof. It was made, not to go behind tile, but to be a better alternative to regular wallboard for the wall area adjacent to the tiled area that gets coated frequently with condensation. (Think: above the tile tub surround, the ceiling above a tub surround) Supposedly it is more mold/mildew resistant than regular wallboard. That being said, I’ve seen both regular & green wallboard work, neither of them molding, and I’ve seen both regular & green wallboard mold due to the condensation. A good bathroom exhaust fan is helpful for this problem.
Can cement board be used on wallboard?
So, theoretically either wallboard or cement board can be used, if done properly.
Is it necessary to seal a shower?
By rights, if the shower is properly constructed and sealed, moisture and water exposure to the substrate should never be an issue. Since nothing is ever perfect and things fail, we have to maintain layers of protection as a contingency plan.
How long does it take to replace a green board?
Just rip out the green board and replace it if you ask me. It only takes 15 minutes and what have you lost, $50 maybe.
What causes mold on greenboard?
2nd issue is one we usually overlook....it's the condensation factor of air conditioned space abutting outside walls. Even using Redguard or a similar product, you run a pretty good chance of mold on the exterior facing face of the greenboard. When 75 degree air hits 100 degree air, moisture is pulled out of the air and condensates on the surfaces....wood/paper & drywall then become a food source for mold. Any moisture getting behind or condensation can also gradually rot the framing. We see a ton of this in Atlanta.....in most older homes that work on intown actually.
Can you put greenboard in wet areas?
You absolutely don't install greenboard in wet areas anymore....PERIOD. The problems with most of us contractors is that we just do what our Dads taught us or what we learned years ago....most of us are never looking to learn new techniques. The issue with greenboard is two-fold..grout cracks over time, as does caulk and water will gradually get behind it. Using redguard over it will help with water from the shower side but I'd rip it out and redo it. As the others have said, if that cost breaks the bank, you're in much deeper trouble. Not sure where this job is but I thought pretty much everything in NY had to be permitted...which it seems like no permit here.
Can you use cement board for a shower backer?
I've seen it used. I personally only use cement board for tub & shower backer, but theoretically it probably wouldn't hurt anything. Want proof? I remodeled the master bath shower in my house about 2 years ago that was a whirlpool tub/tiled surround. When I pulled the tile down the backer was regular 5/8" sheetrock, painted. There was no rot or deterioration in any of the sheet rock despite almost 20 years of showers.
Is green board waterproof?
The argument is that it is water resistant, not waterproof and that a tile job done with it will have a lifespan of five years or less. It is also, apparently, a mold magnet. Of course there are exceptions, but these facts are often accompanied by horror stories and pictures of green board tiling projects gone wrong.".
Is shulter water tight?
I would highly suggest you spend the money on the shulter system. When installed correctly it is water tight and you can also market it as one of the newest water proofing materials you can use currently. We've used it in a rehab and the tiler said its the best thing to use currently. From what I remember it didn't matter what type of material you had it adhere to because when done properly its good to go; its just a matter of doing it properly.
Is green board better than cement board?
Yes cement board is better , much better . BUT green board is acceptable . Unless you paid for cement board the contractor did his job . If you want cement board , pay the contractor to remove and re do the work . Contracting is a for profit business you dont do upgrades for the customer unless you get paid for it .
What Is Green Board?
Green board—commonly referred to as a “water-resistant gypsum backing board”—is a type of drywall that has a greater resistance to moisture than traditional plasterboard drywall ( source ). It is commonly used in bathrooms and other areas that are susceptible to moisture.
Why is it important to install green boards?
Proper installation of your green boards is critical for them green boards to serve their purpose adequately. At the end of the installation process, you may notice that there are edges and openings left in your layer of green boards.
When is Green Board Required by Code?
Building codes will often dictate that water-resistant gypsum backing board (also known as green board) should be installed in bathrooms where moisture can find its way through tiles in tub and shower areas.
What is the STC rating for green board?
Sound attenuation is measured in sound transmission class, abbreviated STC. At an STC rating of 50, loud speech is not audible. Type X green board has been tested and shown that some products have a rating of up to 60 STC, making it a suitable material to help attenuate noise as required in some building codes.
What is the difference between green board and gypsum board?
The only significant difference that you will notice is a thick coating on the material protected by wax; this is the feature that makes this type of drywall resistant to moisture . Green board panels are also designed to be resistant to mold.
Why are green boards thicker?
In fact, the material will rapidly deteriorate if it is frequently exposed to water; this is the primary reason that their panels are made to be thicker.
Can you use green boards in a bathroom?
Green boards are often required by local building codes to be used as a backing for tiles and wall panels in areas that are exposed to moisture; this includes bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. However, they are not allowed for use in parts of the home that have excess humidity, like near indoor pools.
How high should cement board go in a shower?
The cement board should go at least to the shower head- usually around 6 ft high or so. My suspicion is that A)He’s using 1/4 inch cement board on the walls or B) that the drywall is 5/8″ thick. This is typical in multifamily construction. If it’s 1/4 inch cement board then that’s not good.
How high is cement board?
Cement board is 3’x5′. I’ve walked into people’s homes that had cracks in their tile 3′ high all the way around their shower. This is a result of the walls flexing and the installer not taping and mudding the seams.
Can you put tile over drywall in a shower?
The theory being that moisture should never penetrate the waterproofing on the surface. So if you insist on tile over drywall in a shower then that’s how you “waterproof drywall” for showers. Please keep in mind that liquid waterproofing products are not approved for this purpose.
Can sheetrock be put in a shower?
Drywall (sheetrock) falls apart when it gets wet. Putting a product like this in a shower is just a bad idea. I should mention that there are a couple of companies that will warranty their waterproofing over drywall. For example, Schluter approves their Kerdi Shower Systemover drywall in showers.
Can you replace drywall from the inside?
If it’s simply a closet or interior space then it could always be replaced from that side. Usually, this would include patching the drywall but otherwise isn’t too invasive.
Can you put waterproofing over a shower?
The green waterproofing is a good idea and should cover the entire shower unless he put a moisture barrier, like plastic sheeting, behind the cement board. Additionally, the curb should not have cement board nailed on it with waterproofing over it if he used a liner in the shower pan.
