What is Greenboard?
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010 at
4:36 pm
spyker_4 asked:
We received a packet in our mail the other day telling us that the company which built our home, in 1996, had installed tile “applied directly to a water-resistant gypsum based wall board ‘greenboard’” in one of our bathrooms. The packet was from a law firm which had filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of the home owners with affected homes, and that we were expected to receive a settlement from the builders.
We received a packet in our mail the other day telling us that the company which built our home, in 1996, had installed tile “applied directly to a water-resistant gypsum based wall board ‘greenboard’” in one of our bathrooms. The packet was from a law firm which had filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of the home owners with affected homes, and that we were expected to receive a settlement from the builders.
So basically what’s greenboard?
What kinds of problems if any will we have because of it?
Should we have the issue fixed by a contractor, or is this a DIY?
Tagged with: Class Action Lawsuit • Gypsum • Tile
Filed under: DIY
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GreenBoard is drywall, usually 1/2″ thick, with a water repellant covering on one side. it is used in bathrooms, and around kitchen sinks.
By code, you use this green board in damp wet areas, like around a sink or bath/shower. It is dyed green so you know the water repellant has been added.
However, where bathroom tile is used in a shower stall, cement board is to be used. Cement baord is water proof, to a certain extent. In a bath and/or shower, the cement board is used to eliminate water ingress into the wall, therby preventing mold and mildew. The really good contractors also use a water proof membrane along with the cement board.
You can change the green baord to cement baord where necessary yourself, but you need to know what you’re doing. It uses a different joint compound, usually Durobond 45, instead of normal joint compound.
Maybe, if the job is a big one, you’re bettr off calling in a contractor!!
Greenboard is a moisture resistant drywall, that is used in bathrooms for walls and ceilings.
Back in 1996 it was common practice with many builders to tile directly over the MR(moisture resistant), where as they should have been using a cement based backer board.
If the original tile was done correctly you may never have a problem with it BUT if the same builder built the other homes in the lawsuit you may want to contact the other homeowners and see what type of problems they are having.
If then you think there may be a problem, you should contact a reputable contractor and have him take a look .
It is sheetrock that you use near sinks and anyplace that might get wet..
It’s gypsum board called greenboard because the paper covering it is green in color. It is designed to resist humidity and that is why it is used in the bathroom.
The preferred method now is cement board. What is the specific complaint about yours?
The normal problems that may occur:
1) mold/mildew can grow on the greenboard, this is usually due to damp/wet locations.
2) Law suits because the mold/mildew may kick off some allergies. breathing problems etc.
3) The dampness will eventually breakdown the drywall & it will crumble.
4) the dampness will cause the painted finish to start pealing.
5) the damp drywall will have a funky smell that you cannot get rid of.
6) the paper finish can peel off
7) If they used regulary drywall screws they will leave rust marks that will fade through the paint job.
As far as fixing your self – If you have talent go for it. If not get ready to be super frustrated.. If there is a law suit the builder should be responcible.
Hope that this helps…