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Ceiling in bathroom - to moisture board or not to moisture board?

Ceiling in bathroom - to moisture board or not to moisture board?


  #1  
Old 02-23-12, 05:11 AM
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Ceiling in bathroom - to moisture board or not to moisture board?

I've experienced different opinions from contractors / inspectors and am confused - is there a rule for moisture boarding / not moisture boarding on the ceiling of a bathroom?
 
  #2  
Old 02-23-12, 05:21 AM
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Do you mean as in green board/drywall? Regular drywall paints better than green board and once regular drywall is primed and painted with latex enamel it has all the protection from moisture it needs.... unless the drywall is getting wet from the backside - then you have bigger problems
 
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Old 02-23-12, 07:01 AM
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I was working on a room addition. The drywall contractor installed greenboard on the walls and ceiling. The Inspector came by and said the greenboard on the ceiling had to be replaced with drywall as it was a "double vapor moisture barrier".
I've had other contractors tell me it's ok to greenboard the portion of the ceiling over the shower / tub or the entire ceiling.
Just wondering what the rule of thumb really is here................
 
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Old 02-23-12, 08:51 AM
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I don't know about the double vapor barrier but I seldom see greenboard used any more. It was used a lot behind tub surround tile back before they came out with cement board. About the only time I see it used in modern times is on porch ceilings.
 
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Old 02-23-12, 09:24 AM
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Well out here in So Cal, you best be using some sort of greenboard in wet areas being boarded up in bathrooms and kitchens or Mr. Inspector will cry "FOUL"!

But as far as ceilings go, I can't seem to get the "official skinny" - thumbs up or down. I'm like most old schoolers, sealer, primer & quality top coat makes moisture drywall a moot point.

I also never saw the advantages of greenboarding behind tile as nothing wicks water like sheetrock. This application was created for new construction - easier & faster / unskilled labor friendly - all not equating to better (in my book).

You should have seen this drywall contractor's face when the inspector told him to take this ceiling down. Everyone on the job site was "what the what"!

Doing a remodle where townhouse has a flat roof, leaning towards regular 1/2" drywall.................
 
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Old 02-23-12, 03:47 PM
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Unfortunately, right or wrong - the inspector is almost always right
 
  #7  
Old 03-01-12, 02:10 PM
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Why would one NOT want a vapor barrier in a bathroom ? From experience I can tell you that greenboard is harder than gray, therefore more durable. But I would have to agree with our moderator that if it's primed and painted properly, whats the diff. ? I also agree with the moderator... the inspectors run the show , once you've let them in the door. Certainly there still exists such a thing as "overkill". I once had a customer that insisted on two layers of cement board under marble for his bathroom. This bathroom could've held water if it was filled, if not for the door and window.
 
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Old 03-01-12, 03:06 PM
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The inspector said 'double vapor barrier' and that was why it was not allowed.
 
  #9  
Old 03-02-12, 07:22 PM
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go blue

Moisture and mold resistant blue papered drywall - prime and latex paint and you are good to go!
 
 

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