The time has come, you have decided it is time to get rid of that old powder blue bath tub – but before you get started ripping things out, there are a few things you should know!
Did you know that when renovating a tub or shower you should be using cement board instead of green or blue board drywall?
Before we explain why cement board is the correct answer, let’s talk about their differences.
Green Board Drywall:
Green board drywall, or moisture-resistant drywall, has a green covering that makes it more resistant to moisture than regular drywall. Green board is not waterproof, and should not be used if it will be in contact with water. It is often used as a tile backer in in areas that are exposed to limited moisture such as bathroom walls, basements, kitchens, and laundry/utility rooms.
Blue Board Drywall:
Blue board drywall, also known as plaster baseboard, is used for veneer plastering and the surface paper has special absorption qualities. It has a high water and mold resistance but it is not made for mud, tape, or paint. It works extremely well for bathrooms or places with a lot of moisture, however it should not be used in areas that come in direct contact with water.
Cement Board:
Cement board, also known as concrete board, Durock, Wonderboard, or Hardibacker, is used for wet applications in tubs walls, shower walls, and floors. It’s a cement based product with a mesh glass underlayment making it waterproof and very durable.
Why use cement board?
Green and blue board drywalls are meant for damp environments, not to be confused with wet environments. Using green or blue boards within your tub or shower can result in disaster if the grout or caulk fails, exposing the boards directly to water. This can lead to water damage, warping, deteriorating, potential loss of tiles, and mold! If these issues are not corrected quickly it can even escalate to structural damage.
Cement boards are the best choice for shower walls as they can be subjected to high amounts of water and moisture without deteriorating and growing molds. They are impact resistant and form a strong, solid, and stable base for your ceramic or porcelain tiles to install on.
Take out the guess work!
You may not be a drywall expert, but the team at Premier Drywall are! Take the guess work out of bathroom renovations and rest assured that we have the knowledge and expertise to achieve high end results that will stand the test of time! Contact us today to get started!