Mold & Moisture

In moist areas and rooms with high humidity levels, mold can start to grow. Mold infestations can either be seen or smelled, with a musty odor that seems to take over a room. If left untreated, mold can continue to grow until it becomes difficult to contain, and it will only disappear when you completely eradicate the problem and remove the source of moisture.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), mold affects people differently. While some people might not have any symptoms of mold exposure, others will experience a stuffy nose, wheezing, red or itchy eyes, and even difficulty breathing from asthma. People with allergies and those with lung problems are most at-risk for having negative reactions to mold exposure.

Preventing mold growth is an important part of keeping your family safe in your home. The first step is understanding how it grows and why. Mold needs three key factors to thrive: oxygen, moisture, and a food source. When these elements come together at the right temperature, mold can spread quickly.

The problem is that drywall can be considered a food source for mold, especially if the drywall is located in a bathroom, kitchen, laundry area, or another humid part of the house. The paper covering on the drywall absorbs moisture – and once it gets wet, it stays wet.

This led companies like CertainTeed to develop mold and mildew resistant drywall, which blocks moisture and helps prevent mold from finding the food source it needs.  

What is Mold and Moisture Resistant Drywall

Mold and moisture-resistant drywall is meant to protect homeowners by preventing mold growth. CertainTeed’s M2Tech® Moisture and Mold resistant drywall is made with a treated face paper that is mold-resistant along with a moisture-resistant core. These two factors prevent mold from adhering to the paper, eating through it, and then growing on the gypsum core inside.

Our mold and moisture-resistant drywall achieves the best possible score of 10 for mold resistance, per ASTM D3273 standards. This means the product is made of superior mold-blocking materials to keep your home safe.

When building a bathroom or kitchen with mold and moisture resistant drywall, make sure you use specialized materials to seal out all sources of moisture. Use fiberglass mesh drywall tapes that are more effective than standard paper tapes. These tapes won’t erode as quickly and can further reduce mold growth.      

Mold and moisture resistant drywall may also be referred to as mold-free drywall or mold-proof drywall, but there is no way to ensure that your home is completely protected. However, our team is constantly looking to develop new products that can keep mold away to make your house safer and maintain high levels of indoor air quality.

Additionally, there are instances when even mold and moisture resistant drywall can be compromised. If your home is flooded, the power of the water could seep through the drywall and get it wet. If there is an unfixed leak that is left to flow over time, the water can start to break down almost any material. Keeping your home in good working order can further prevent mold growth while preserving the integrity of mold-resistant drywall.

If you live in a region with high humidity levels or need to build a bathroom or other moisture-prone space, look into mold and moisture resistant drywall to protect your family against the dangers of mold.