Moisture is one of the biggest threats to walls and ceilings in high-humidity areas like bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, and garages. Excess humidity and water exposure can cause materials to deteriorate over time, leading to mold growth, warping, and structural damage. Choosing the right moisture-resistant wall material is essential for maintaining a long-lasting and healthy home.
When it comes to moisture-resistant walls and ceilings, two common options are moisture-resistant drywall and Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard. While both are designed to handle humid conditions better than standard drywall, they have distinct differences in performance, durability, and ease of maintenance. In this post, we’ll compare both materials to help you decide which is best for your space.
What Is Moisture-Resistant Drywall?
Moisture-resistant drywall is an upgraded version of standard drywall, designed to withstand damp conditions better. Unlike regular drywall, which has a paper facing that readily absorbs moisture, moisture-resistant drywall features a special coating or fiberglass facing that helps repel water. However, it’s not completely waterproof — prolonged exposure to moisture can still cause damage.
There are different types of moisture-resistant drywall, each suited for specific applications:
- Green board is a type of moisture-resistant drywall that has a water-resistant coating to help reduce moisture absorption. It’s commonly used in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements but still requires a waterproof barrier in high-splash areas.
- Purple board is similar to green board but offers additional mold and mildew resistance. This makes it a better choice for areas prone to high humidity and potential mold growth, such as basements and bathrooms.
- Cement board is another type of moisture-resistant drywall, often used as a backer for tile installations in showers and tub surrounds. It is highly resistant to water and won’t break down like traditional drywall, making it ideal for areas with direct water exposure.
While moisture-resistant drywall provides better protection than regular drywall, it still has limitations. It can withstand humidity but isn’t designed for direct and prolonged water exposure. Additionally, it requires proper sealing at seams and edges to maximize its moisture resistance. If not installed correctly — or if exposed to excessive dampness — moisture can still seep in, leading to deterioration over time.
Homeowners often use moisture-resistant drywall in several key areas of their homes:
- Bathrooms benefit from moisture-resistant drywall on walls and ceilings, especially in areas with high humidity but outside of direct splash zones.
- Laundry rooms are a good place for moisture-resistant drywall since washing machines and dryers generate a lot of moisture that could otherwise damage standard drywall.
- Basements often have higher humidity levels, making moisture-resistant drywall a better option for finishing walls in these spaces.
- Kitchens can also benefit from moisture-resistant drywall, particularly in areas behind sinks or appliances where occasional moisture exposure occurs.
What Is Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard?
Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard is a PVC-based panel system designed to handle moisture-heavy environments with ease. Unlike drywall — moisture-resistant or not — it’s completely waterproof, meaning it won’t swell, rot, or degrade when exposed to water.
One of its standout features is mold and mildew resistance. Because it’s made from non-porous PVC, there’s no organic material for mold to grow on, making it an ideal solution for spaces where humidity is a constant issue. It’s also incredibly easy to clean — a simple wipe with soap and water removes dirt, grime, or stains, which isn’t the case with painted drywall.
Here’s what sets Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard apart:
- Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard is 100% waterproof, which means it can handle direct water exposure without suffering damage.
- This material is highly durable and impact-resistant, so it won’t dent, break, or degrade over time like drywall can.
- Because Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard is mold and mildew-resistant, it doesn’t support the growth of harmful bacteria, making it a healthier choice for humid environments.
- Unlike drywall, this product requires little to no maintenance, as it never needs repainting or sealing to maintain its performance.
- Its bright, reflective surface enhances lighting in a space, which can help reduce the need for additional fixtures.
- Installation is fast and efficient because of its interlocking panels, making it a cleaner and quicker alternative to traditional drywall.
Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard is suitable for a wide range of residential spaces, including:
- Bathrooms are an ideal place for Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard since it can withstand full water exposure, making it perfect for wet areas.
- Garages and workshops benefit from Trusscore durability, as it stands up to dirt, moisture, and impact from daily use.
- Laundry rooms are another excellent application, as Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard handles humidity and moisture without warping or deteriorating.
- Basements are well-suited for Trusscore, as it provides a long-lasting, mold-resistant alternative to drywall in moisture-prone areas.
- Mudrooms see frequent exposure to wet shoes, coats, and gear, making Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard a smart choice for easy cleaning and water resistance.
Unlike drywall, Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard doesn’t require painting, sealing, or regular maintenance to maintain its moisture resistance. It’s designed to be a long-term, worry-free solution for homeowners looking to avoid the risks of moisture damage altogether.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Moisture-Resistant Drywall vs. Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard
When choosing the right moisture-resistant wall material, it’s important to consider how each option performs in real-world conditions. From moisture resistance and durability to installation and maintenance, moisture-resistant drywall and Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard offer distinct advantages and trade-offs. Below, we break down the key differences to help you decide which material best suits your home’s needs.
Material & Moisture Resistance
When it comes to handling moisture, Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard has a significant advantage over moisture-resistant drywall. While moisture-resistant drywall is designed to slow water absorption, it is not waterproof. If exposed to prolonged moisture, it can still swell, deteriorate, and foster mold growth if not properly sealed.
Mold and mildew resistance also differs between the two materials. Moisture-resistant drywall contains a treated surface that helps inhibit mold growth, but it is still susceptible if water gets behind it or seeps into unsealed seams. On the other hand, Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard is completely waterproof and made from PVC, which does not support mold or mildew growth at all.
Durability & Longevity
Both materials are designed to last, but their durability differs significantly. Moisture-resistant drywall is more resistant to water damage than standard drywall, but it is still prone to dents, scratches, and general wear and tear over time. It can also become compromised if it absorbs moisture or if the protective coating is damaged.
In contrast, Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard is highly impact-resistant, scratch-resistant, and designed to withstand heavy use without deteriorating. Since it does not absorb moisture, it will not warp, rot, or break down in humid environments, making it the more durable option in the long run.
Installation & Labor Costs
Installation requirements vary between the two materials. Moisture-resistant drywall is installed similarly to standard drywall, requiring cutting, taping, mudding, and painting. This process involves multiple steps, specialized tools, and often professional labor.
Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard, on the other hand, is designed for fast and simple installation. The interlocking panels snap together, eliminating the need for taping, mudding, and painting. This reduces labor time and eliminates additional material costs like joint compound and paint.
Maintenance & Cleaning
Maintaining and cleaning moisture-resistant drywall requires ongoing effort. Because it is a porous material, moisture-resistant drywall can stain, develop mold, or require repainting over time. Cleaning must be done carefully to avoid damaging the paint or surface.
Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard is low-maintenance and easy to clean with just soap and water. Since it is non-porous and resistant to stains, there is no need for repainting or special cleaners.
Aesthetics & Finishing Options
In terms of aesthetics, moisture-resistant drywall provides the same smooth, paintable surface as standard drywall, offering full design flexibility. Homeowners can apply any paint color, wallpaper, or trim to match their desired look.
Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels have a smooth, clean finish that is scratch, dent, and damage resistant, which means they should never require painting like traditional drywall. However, the panels can be painted. We recommend using 100% acrylic latex paint or acrylic latex paint with urethane additive. We also recommend using self-priming paints or primer and paint combination products where possible.
Cost Breakdown
The overall cost of moisture-resistant drywall and Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard depends on material costs, installation labor, and long-term maintenance.
Moisture-resistant drywall is cheaper upfront than Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard, but additional costs come into play. Homeowners need to factor in joint compound, tape, primer, paint, and labor costs for installation. Over time, maintenance expenses — such as repainting and potential repairs — add to the total investment.
Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard has a higher initial cost but eliminates additional expenses associated with drywall installation and maintenance. Since it requires no painting or sealing and is resistant to damage, it often proves more cost-effective in the long run.
Moisture-Resistant Drywall vs. Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard: Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between moisture-resistant drywall and Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard depends on your specific needs, budget, and long-term expectations. While both materials are designed to withstand humid environments better than standard drywall, they offer different advantages when it comes to durability, maintenance, and installation.
For homeowners deciding which material is best suited for their space, consider the following:
- Moisture-resistant drywall is a good option for budget-conscious homeowners who want a familiar material that can be easily painted or wallpapered. However, it requires sealing, painting, and ongoing maintenance to prevent moisture damage over time.
- Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard is ideal for homeowners who want a long-lasting, waterproof, and low-maintenance solution. It’s particularly well-suited for basements, bathrooms, and garages where moisture exposure is frequent.
- In terms of long-term value, Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard often provides better cost savings. While it has a higher initial price, it eliminates painting, frequent repairs, and mold-related issues, making it a more durable investment.
- For homeowners renovating an existing space, switching from drywall to Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard can reduce future maintenance costs and improve moisture resistance. If mold or water damage has been an issue in the past, upgrading to Trusscore can help prevent costly repairs down the road.
By weighing these factors, homeowners can determine which option best fits their home’s moisture-prone areas and long-term maintenance expectations.
Selecting the right moisture-resistant wall material is a critical decision that can impact your home’s durability, maintenance requirements, and overall costs. While moisture-resistant drywall provides a cost-effective solution with design flexibility, Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard offers superior water resistance, durability, and ease of maintenance, making it a long-term investment in home protection.
Before making a final decision, homeowners should consider their space, budget, and willingness to maintain the material over time. For areas exposed to consistent moisture, choosing a waterproof, mold-resistant material can prevent costly repairs and ensure long-term performance.
By investing in the right material now, homeowners can create a moisture-resistant, durable, and worry-free space that stands the test of time.
