How To Fix and Tile Moisture-Resistant Plasterboard

Thinking of installing moisture-resistant plasterboard (drywall) in your kitchen, bathroom, or other wet places? Moisture-resistant plasterboard is basically regular plasterboard’s tougher, water-resistant cousin. It’s the one you want at your back when you’re dealing with bathrooms, kitchens, or anywhere that moisture likes to party.

But here’s the thing – it’s only as good as how you install it, and tiling over it requires a bit more finesse than slapping tiles on any old wall. Read on for tips on how to fix and tile moisture-resistant plasterboard.

How To Fix Moisture-Resistant Plasterboard Onto A Surface

Many first-time self-builders worry they might fix moisture-resistant plasterboard the wrong way. However, when you understand the basics of fixing regular plasterboard, the moisture-resistant plasterboard will not present a challenge since the fixing process for the two is quite similar.

Here are the two main ways to do it:

1. Use Screws or Nails

Choose moisture-resistant drywall screws or nails. You need fasteners that will not rust due to the higher-than-normal moisture presence in the room.

• Drywall nails are ideal for wall installation, while drywall screws are excellent for ceiling installation and fixing plasterboard onto metal studs.
• Drywall screws are thinner than most other types of screws, with sharp tips that penetrate the plasterboard without causing tears.

The screws come in three main sizes:

1. 1¼-inch screws—Best for ½ & ¼-inch-thick drywall
2. 1⅝ -inch screws—Best for ½ & ⅝-inch-thick drywall
3. 2-inch screws—Best for ⅝-inch-thick drywall

Use a spirit level to align the moisture-resistant plasterboard to the wall and start fastening at the corners. Keep the screws/nails a minimum of 12 mm from the edge to avoid tearing the material.

Drive in the nails or screws with a drill, a screw gun or a screwdriver, inserting them deep enough to break the surface. Take care not to overtighten the fasteners, as they can bend or snap.

2. Use Skim Plaster To Dot & Dab

The dotting and dabbing technique is as effective on moisture-resistant plasterboard as on other types of plasterboard. Mix the skim plaster as instructed by the manufacturer. If you do it correctly, the adhesive will have a thick consistency.

Make sure the surface is clean and dry. Then, dab generous amounts of the adhesive across the surface.

Line up the board with the surface and use a spirit level to ascertain that it’s even. Press the board firmly onto the surface until it sticks.

You may need a second pair of hands to help you here, especially when fixing a large plasterboard.

How To Tile Moisture-Resistant Plasterboard

Tiles add a lovely finish to surfaces, and it’s no different when it comes to moisture-proof plasterboard. Whether you’ve installed it in your kitchen or bathroom, you can add tiles to glitz up the surface. But tiles will do more than beautify your moisture-prone rooms.

It also:

• Provides an extra layer of water resistance
• Prevents mould from accumulating
• Protects the plasterboard from dust
• Makes cleaning the walls easy

On average, moisture-resistant drywall boards can support up to 32 kg per square metre. Most manufacturers recommend using 12.55 mm tiles on the board.

However, do your due diligence on the specific board you intend to use and confirm its weight limit.

Remember that some tiles are heavier than others. Stone tiles, in particular, are heavy, so double-check their weight vis-à-vis the plasterboard weight if you decide to use them.

Consider the weight of the adhesive as well, which could be anywhere between 2 kg and 4 kg per square metre.

Here are some additional points to bear in mind when tiling on moisture-resistant drywall:

1. Add your tiling on bare plasterboard. Remove any paint from the board before fixing the tiles.
2. Make sure the drywall board is dry.
3. Spread primer on the plasterboard. Priming the board enhances the glue’s sticking power.
4. Use water-resistant adhesive specially made for tiles.
5. Work a small section at a time. Sectioning the wall guarantees that you can fix the tiling while the adhesive is still wet. Tile spacers can help you maintain a uniform distance between tiles. Just remember to pluck out the spacers before the adhesive hardens. Otherwise, they could stick to the surface if left on the board too long.
6. Use a clean sponge to remove excess adhesive.
7. After applying grout, use a wet sponge to wipe any excess grout.
8. Allow the tiling to dry, then remove any product residue—i.e., adhesive or grout.

Moisture-resistant plasterboard is easy to install. Fix it using drywall screws, nails, wall anchors and adhesive to hold it in place, and then add tiling to give the board an elegant, modern finish.

You can buy Moisture Resistant Plasterboard with fast delivery across England from Insulation Wholesale — your trusted local supplier of building materials in the UK.

FAQs

Which is superior in quality: moisture-resistant or standard plasterboard?

Both types of plasterboard are of comparable quality. They are equally sturdy and share all the qualities that gypsum is known for.

The only difference is that moisture-resistant plasterboard has silicone additives that repel water particles. These additives prevent vapour build-up that could damage the board.

Can I use drywall nails instead of drywall screws?

Nails are meant for use on wood, while screws can be used on both wood and metal. Drywall screws have a higher holding power than nails.

They have a better grip, which keeps the drywall fixed to the studs or frame. Nails have less grip strength, which causes the drywall to shift in place, leading to nail pops.

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