Is Green Board Required By Code?

Green board is a type of drywall used in moist environments like bathrooms and kitchens. This material has the ability to resist mold growth, which is why it’s often chosen for these areas. However, is green board required by code?

Generally, green board is required by the IRC in some states in rooms where moderate levels of moisture are present. These spaces include kitchens, areas of the bathroom, and laundry rooms, while excessively humid areas should be avoided. Green board is slowly being replaced by paperless drywall that can be used in wet or dry settings.

Keep reading to learn what green board is and if it’s required by code. Additionally, this article will cover what to do if your house doesn’t have green board and where it may be banned from being used.

It’s kind of like its own set of rules for your house.

When something is “required by code,” it usually means that the International Residential Code (IRC) indicates that it’s necessary in order to maintain the safety of your home or rental property.

In some cases, a state or city may have its own code that includes a similar mandate.

However, there are often arguments over what is truly required by code. The IRC guides the design and construction of new homes across America, but not all homeowners or builders follow it to the letter.

Typically, to pass inspection, your home must be up to code, so we don’t recommend ignoring their guidelines.

So, what exactly is this stuff?

Green board is a water-resistant gypsum board or drywall panel that was originally created in the 1960s. The feature that separates it from standard drywall is that it comes with a thicker coating of paper that’s protected by wax, making it a moisture repellent.

Water-resistant drywall is commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens, which are two of the moistest environments in a home. Otherwise, standard drywall will retain humidity and eventually start to rot- therefore, it’s often not an option for these areas.

However, it’s important to note that green board is not fire-resistant.

Green board is still produced and sold, although paperless drywall is gradually replacing it because it’s more moisture-resistant and may be utilized in either dry or wet conditions.

As far as code requirements for green board, they are a bit unclear.

Green board may be required by the International Residential Code in some states, although it varies based on the area you live and the climate you’re exposed to. If mandatory, this code specifies that green board be used in places with moderate levels of humidity, like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

That being said, it is strictly forbidden to use green board in areas that are exposed to excessively high levels of moisture- think pool houses and saunas. It also must not be used on any exterior portion of your home.

Check your local code requirements to determine if this rule applies to you. Some individuals may still choose to use it if they believe it provides an extra layer of protection.

If your home doesn’t have green board, but you found out it’s required, don’t panic.

In many cases, if you can prove that your house is already protected from high moisture levels, the building inspector may permit you to forgo its use. Otherwise, you may have to bite the bullet and have it installed.

Re-doing the drywall in a room is both time-consuming and expensive. You’re looking at paying $2 per square foot to have this procedure completed by a professional.

Overall, it’s better to be safe than sorry. The last thing you want to have happen when you put your home up for sale is learn that it’s not compliant with code from a buyer’s inspector.

As we mentioned earlier, green board should not be installed on exterior portions of your house, including patios and porches. It’s also a bad idea for basements and crawl spaces because it can trap standing water and lead to mold or rot.

Last but not least, green board should never be installed behind showers or tubs or near saunas or pools because it’s not 100% waterproof in areas with high humidity.

When the water hits it directly, no protective coating remains between the paper and the surface- leading to leaky walls and detrimental problems.

Related Questions

Is cement board or green board better for moisture control?

Cement board, like Durock, is far more waterproof than green board, so it’s better for basements and locations where exposure to moisture is likely. Green board isn’t quite as efficient at handling mold.If this is why you’re considering using one of them, be sure to ask your contractor for advice.

How thick is green board?

Greenboard drywall comes in two different thicknesses:

Green board is only required by code in certain circumstances.

If your house doesn’t have green board and it’s necessary, there are a few different options to consider. Cement board is often the best option for wet areas like pool houses. Green board may be better suited for dryer locations such as your kitchen or laundry room.

Additionally, if you want to paint over top of the green board once it’s installed, make sure that it has been primed first. This way, any color will cover well on top of the paper!