The Ultimate Guide to Purple Drywall and Its Uses

Hey there! As a home improvement professional with over 15 years of experience, I‘ve seen purple drywall transform many moisture-prone spaces. While it does cost a bit more upfront, purple drywall can save thousands down the road by preventing harmful mold growth. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about purple drywall so you can decide if it‘s right for your next project.

What is Purple Drywall and Where Did It Come From?

Purple drywall, or violet board, first started appearing in the 1990s as a moisture and mold resistant alternative to traditional drywall. Early on, it got some push back from contractors who didn‘t want to adjust their methods for the denser boards. But over time, as mold problems worsened in many homes, purple drywall gained more acceptance.

It’s now frequently mandated by building codes for moisture-prone areas and embraced by contractors like myself who want to deliver the most mold-proof results.

So what makes it purple? The color comes from additives mixed into the gypsum core during manufacturing. These proprietary additives increase the density of the core, while the outer paper facings receive a moisture-resistant treatment. The result is a drywall that can withstand moisture and humidity better than anything else on the market.

I’ve personally used purple drywall for well over 500 bathroom remodels, basement refinishes, laundry room additions, and more. In my experience, it really lives up to its claims of mold resistance. Keep reading and I’ll share exactly how to work with purple drywall to get the best results.

Why Mold Prevention Matters

Before we dive into the specifics of installing and painting purple drywall, it’s helpful to understand why mold prevention is so critical in any home. Here are some enlightening stats:

• The EPA estimates indoor mold damage costs $15 billion annually in the US alone. Repairing mold issues like rotting walls or health problems quickly gets expensive.

• About 20% of people are sensitive to molds and mycotoxins which can cause respiratory issues like chronic coughs or wheezing.

• Mold spores and musty odors can remain long after cleanup, requiring full remediation of affected drywall and sometimes framing.

• Humid bathrooms and basements are common problem areas, but any indoor space with moisture can grow mold.

The takeaway is that mold is extremely costly, damaging, and unhealthy. While no material can prevent mold growth entirely, purple drywall provides the best resistance available. Using it in the right areas just makes sense.

Where Should You Use Purple Drywall?

Based on my experience, here are the top locations where purple drywall can make a major difference:

Bathrooms

Bathroom walls around showers, tubs, toilets and sinks see a ton of humidity daily. This makes them very prone to moisture damage and mold growth long term. By installing purple drywall in these especially damp zones, you can limit the risks substantially. I‘d also recommend pairing it with an EPA registered mold resistant paint.

Kitchens

You may not think of kitchens as damp, but from cooking humidity to appliance leaks, they can be unexpected moisture hot spots. Use purple drywall strategically behind sinks, dishwashers and ovens.

Laundry Rooms

Like bathrooms, laundry rooms experience elevated humidity levels from all the washing and drying. Make sure to install purple drywall behind machines, sinks and utility connections.

Basements

Whether it‘s a small damp spot or larger seepage problems, moisture is a constant threat in basement walls and ceilings. Purple drywall can create a more effective moisture barrier. Look for it in insulation improvement upgrades too.

Crawl Spaces

The damp, confined environment of crawl spaces is a mold magnet. Purple drywall on foundation walls and the subfloor above can limit musty smells and hazards. Be sure to address any standing water issues first.

Attics & Roof Leaks

While you hope roof leaks never happen, attics do encounter humidity. Purple drywall and mold resistant paint provides reassurance if leaks occur. Consider it for attic bathroom or laundry additions as well.

Exterior Wall Sheathing

Purple drywall makes a great sheathing layer underneath siding and stucco. The moisture resistance adds proven protection in case water penetrates exterior walls.

I always recommend purple drywall for new home construction in moisture-prone areas. It‘s much cheaper to install during initial builds rather than costly retrofitting later on.

Pro Tips for Installing and Finishing Purple Drywall

While very similar to regular drywall, here are my top tips for flawless purple drywall installation:

Cutting Purple Drywall

The higher density core requires extra sharp blades to cut cleanly. I suggest using carbide tipped scoring knives. Change blades frequently to maximize cuts without crumbling. Take care on corners and edges where chipping can occur.

Hanging Purple Drywall

Drive drywall screws slightly deeper than with regular board to prevent the dense surface from dimpling. I use a 1/16" setting depth adjustment. Follow the manufacturer spacing guidelines for fasteners – usually 8 inches on center.

Mudding & Taping

The dense core means you need to use setting-type joint compounds designed for high density boards. I recommend Sheetrock brand setting-type compounds or Rapid Set brand 90 minute quick dry powder. Immediately reinforce seams and corners with fiberglass mesh tape to prevent cracking while drying.

Finishing & Painting

Avoid low cost, lightweight joint compounds – spend a little more for heavy duty all-purpose mud. Apply a mold resistant primer before painting. My favorite is KILZ Restoration, which also blocks stains and seals odors. Topcoat with a zero-VOC mold resistant paint in a matte or eggshell finish.

I‘m happy to go into more detail on any installation or finishing steps – just ask! With the right products and techniques, you can achieve flawless purple drywall results.

My Review of Top Purple Drywall Brands

Based on my firsthand experience, these are my picks for the leading brands of purple drywall:

National Gypsum e²XP

The original brand that introduced purple drywall to the market. e²XP has excellent mold and sag resistance. It uses fiberglass mesh rather than paper facing for even greater moisture protection. The perfect choice for high-humidity bathrooms and basements.

USG Sheetrock Mold Tough

The Sheetrock brand improves on traditional paper-faced drywall with proprietary mold killing additives. While not as heavy duty as e²XP, it comes in convenient 4×12 sheets and has good overall moisture resistance. I use it often for small DIY projects.

CertainTeed M2Tech

M2Tech takes lightweight moisture resistance to the next level. It has 90% less sag potential than ordinary drywall per ASTM tests. The lighter 9.5lb boards are nice for ceilings or when weight is a concern. Great for kitchens, garages and bonus rooms.

American Gypsum M-Bloc

This heavy duty 1" board has the highest mold and moisture ratings in the American Gypsum line. Once you get used to handling the dense 48lb sheets, the performance is phenomenal – no moisture or mold issues. Use M-Bloc in laundry rooms, bathrooms and exterior applications.

Those are my top four purple drywall brands, but there are a number of other reputable options too. Always check for product testing data to confirm mold resistance capabilities before purchasing.

Cost of Purple Drywall vs. Regular Drywall

You’re probably wondering what the cost difference is between purple and traditional drywall. Here’s a look:

On average, purple drywall ranges from $15 to $25 per 4×8 sheet compared to regular drywall at $10 to $15 per sheet. So roughly 30-50% more.

That does add up, especially for large rooms. But consider it cheap insurance against having to tear out walls and replace framing down the road due to unchecked moisture damage.

Here’s my rule of thumb: Use purple drywall anywhere that will directly see splashes, humidity and condensation regularly. For drier areas of rooms, standard drywall will suffice and save you money. Strategic mixing works great.

Also note that DIY-friendly brands like Mold Tough are on the lower end of the price spectrum. Special heavy duty brands for severe conditions cost more.

In the end, carefully weigh the benefits versus the added cost for your specific project. In most cases, purple drywall proves to be a wise investment given its strengths. Let me know if you have any other questions!