How do I repair drywall in my bathroom that has started to deteriorate from moisture?
I live in an old farmhouse and the bathroom has plastic tiles half way up the wall and then drywall covers the remaining wall. I have installed a spout that allows for a shower head so I need to be able to still attach that to the wall. And how do I protect the wall once it’s repaired?
Posted in How To
You need to use water board instead of drywall, it’s like dry wall but it will be green. Then I would apply paint and really caulk around where the tiles and the wall meet.
Drywall is bad news in a bathroom since it falls apart when wet. Use a cement backer board instead. It is waterproof and won’t deteriorate.
replacement is the only option ,do not cover it or you will make it much worse FOR a modern look and speed your best bet is a pre-finished tub surround, fiberglass if you can afford it
My suggestion is to replace it. Use a utility knife to cut it back to the tile, and pry it out with a hammer. Then buy moisture tolerant drywall and cover that with a barrier. You can install the shower head before the barrier and then put up the barrier. Use a screw gun and screws to put the dry wall into place.
First, you need to repair the drywall using “greenboard” drywall, which is the type that tolerates moisture better than the regular stuff. It looks green, so it often gets called “greenboard.”
Once the sheetrock is patched, prime it and paint it with paints that are meant to be used in damp areas. If you’re not sure which paint to get, go to a hardware store or Home Depot/Lowes and tell them your paint requirements. They’ll fix you up with a paint that’s suitable for a bathroom.
think yo have bigger problems that just drywall. you will need to tear it all our and replace it wit wall board designed for water applications (cement or blue board) then refinish. A good DIY had book will give you good directions
Check out this guide for tips http://www.allhomerepairsyourself.com/patching-a-large-hole-in-drywall.htm
first use “green board” drywall, it is moisture resistant.
second if it is to be used with tile in the shower use cement backer board and attach the tiles to it.
after you get the tiles set and the grout is dry make sure to seal it and don’t forget the silicone caulk.
Cover everything with MR sheetrock, except where you will retile. Spend the money, buy tilebacker board for there and spring for ceramic tile. This bathroom must be all crappy looking anyway. Plastic tile? That has to be 40 years old or more. Splurge on a new vanity, toilet and tub with a real valve body not a shower hose on a bracket. New casings, floor tile, medicine cabinet and lighting, too.