ToughRock 1/2-in x 4-ft x 8-ft Mold-Guard Mold Resistant Moisture Resistant Regular Drywall Panel

Charlotte Wood Middle School, Danville, California

It was 1991, and our company was framing the entire middle school. The Charlotte Wood Middle School was built out of Douglas Fir Lumber, Pressure Treated Plates, and different kinds of Plywood. I negotiated a contract with a lumber mill in Oregon to provide all the dimensional lumber for the project. I had lumber being delivered from their mill for months. GREAT PROJECT! Rick Aguilar - Cost Estimator

Overview

• What It Is

  • This is a paper-faced gypsum drywall panel, treated to resist mold and moisture versus standard drywall.

  • It meets ASTM C1396 Section 7 for moisture resistant gypsum board.

  • It achieved a “perfect score” (10 out of 10) in the ASTM D3273 test (“Standard Test Method for Resistance to Growth of Mold on the Surface of Interior Coatings in an Environmental Chamber”). That means in lab conditions, it resisted mold growth completely over the 4-week test.

  • It has a moisture-resistant core plus treated, moisture- & mold-resistant recycled paper facings on both faces and edges (front, back, long edges).

  • GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD Gold certified, and listed as low-VOC; it’s also listed in some high performance product databases (like CHPS) for low emissions.

  Key Features & Performance

  Waterproof / Water-Resistance Meets ANSI 118.10 (Sec 4.5) for waterproofness. This means the core is built to resist water penetration.

  Mold & Mildew Resistance Mold / mildew resistant core / materials, designed to perform well in wet / damp areas.

• Fire Rating Class A flame spread per ASTM E84; good fire performance.

• Environmental / Sustainability~97% recycled content. Greenguard certified.

• Tile Bond / Bond Strength Excellent adhesion to tile / stone / thinset; uniform composition helps with good bonding.

• Ease of Handling / Installation Lighter than many cement boards, easier to cut / snap / carry.

  Physical Data & Usage Specs

  • Coverage Area: A 3×5 sheet gives ~15 sq ft coverage.

  • Weight: Roughly in the 30-35 lb range depending on thickness and moisture. (0.42-in version weights ~35 lbs for a 3×5 size sheet)

  • Edges: Typically square edges. Joints & ends are treated per manufacturer’s instructions (fastening, taping, etc.).

  Best Uses:

  1. Bathrooms (Outside Wet Zones)

  • Walls & Ceilings in bathrooms where steam and humidity are high.

  • Great around sinks, toilets, and vanities where splashes occur.

  • ✅ Best choice if you want better mold protection than standard drywall, but don’t need a full waterproof tile backer.

  2. Kitchens

  • Walls & Backsplash Areas near sinks, stoves, and dishwashers where grease, steam, and splashes are common.

  • Works well under paint, tile, or other wall finishes.

  • ✅ Helps prevent hidden mold growth from cooking moisture and spills.

  3. Laundry Rooms & Utility Spaces

  • Excellent for walls around washers, dryers, and utility sinks, where leaks and humidity are frequent.

  • ✅ Reduces risk of warping or mildew behind machines.

  4. Basements

  • Walls or ceilings in finished basements where dampness or condensation is possible.

  • ✅ Adds an extra layer of protection against mold in below-grade spaces.

  5. Renovations & Replacements

  • Ideal when replacing damaged drywall after leaks or water issues.

  • Great choice for remodels where you want peace of mind about mold and moisture resistance.

  6. Health-Sensitive Areas

  • Children’s rooms, nurseries, or living spaces in homes with past mold problems.

  • ✅ Because it scored a perfect “10” on ASTM D3273 mold resistance and is GREENGUARD Gold certified, it supports better indoor air quality.

  Practical Project Ideas for Homeowners:

  • Interior Upgrades

    • Paint Refresh – A new color scheme instantly modernizes and brightens rooms.

    • Accent Wall – Use wallpaper, wood panels, or decorative trim for a focal point.

    • Cabinet Makeover – Paint, reface, or replace hardware for a budget-friendly kitchen or bath update.

    • Lighting Improvements – Swap outdated fixtures for LED or smart lighting to save energy and improve ambiance.

    🚿 Bathroom & Kitchen Projects

    • Tile Backsplash – Adds style and protects walls from splashes.

    • New Vanity or Sink – Improves function and aesthetics in bathrooms.

    • Shower Upgrade – Install a rainfall showerhead, glass doors, or new tile with waterproof backer board.

    • Open Shelving in Kitchen – Provides storage and display space while making kitchens feel larger.

    🌿 Outdoor Enhancements

    • Raised Garden Beds – Grow your own vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

    • Deck or Patio Makeover – Power wash, stain, or add pergolas and string lights.

    • Privacy Fence or Screens – Boosts both security and aesthetics.

    • Outdoor Kitchen / Grill Station – Perfect for entertaining.

    ⚡ Energy Efficiency & Sustainability

    • Smart Thermostat Installation – Lowers heating/cooling costs while adding convenience.

    • Insulate Attic or Crawlspace – Cuts energy bills significantly.

    • Install Ceiling Fans – Improves airflow, reduces reliance on HVAC.

    • Rainwater Collection System – Saves water for gardening.

    🔧 Maintenance & Safety Projects

    • Clean & Seal Gutters – Prevents water damage to siding and foundations.

    • Install Smoke/CO Detectors – Add or update for modern safety compliance.

    • Garage Organization – Add shelving, pegboards, or overhead racks.

    • Basement Waterproofing – Protects your investment against leaks and mold.

    💡 Value-Adding Renovations

    • Home Office Setup – Increasingly important for remote work.

    • Laundry Room Upgrade – Cabinets, countertops, and better lighting make chores easier.

    • Finished Basement – Adds living space and resale value.

    • Smart Home Systems – Security cameras, smart locks, and voice-controlled devices boost appeal.

• Why Choose Waterproof Gypsum Backer Board?

  • True Waterproof Composition

    • The board meets ANSI 118.10 (Section 4.5) for waterproofness. That means it isn’t just water-resistant on the surface — the waterproof performance is throughout the panel.

    • It does not have paper facers that can tear, delaminate, or get damaged in moist conditions.

  • Durability & Mold / Mildew Resistance

    • Because of its uniform, fiber-reinforced gypsum core and waterproof makeup, it resists swelling, warping, mold, mildew, and deterioration that are common issues with traditional wood-based or non-waterproof gypsum boards.

    • It’s designed to work in wet and dry areas of the home (walls, floors, countertops, etc.).

  • Weight & Easy Handling / Installation

    • It’s lighter than many traditional cement backer boards, making it easier to cut, carry, and fasten.

    • Cuts cleanly: score-and-snap or a saw; handles well when dealing with jobsite conditions.

  • Strong Tile Bond / Versatility for Flooring / Finish Options

    • The panel is engineered to provide a superior bond to tile or stone.

    • Works across different finish materials: tile, stone, vinyl, hardwood, laminate, carpeting, or painted wall surfaces. This makes it a flexible substrate.

  • Sustainability

    • The product is made with a high recycled content (often cited as 95-97% recycled material) in many versions.

    • Free of many resins, adhesives or solvents that can cause staining or off-gassing.

  • Warranty & Certifications

    • There is a 20-year limited warranty on many of the Fiberock AquaSmart / AquaTough backerboard products.

    • Meets relevant ASTM & ANSI standards (e.g. mechanical strength, water absorption), and has tests for fire resistance, mold, etc.

  When This Board Really Shines

  • Here are the advantages and scenarios where this board is especially useful:

    1. High-Humidity Indoor Spaces
       Bathrooms (outside direct water zones), kitchens, basements, laundry rooms. When moisture and humidity are common (steam, splashes, condensation), this board offers much better resistance to mold / mildew than standard drywall.

    2. Better Indoor Air Quality & Health
       Because of the mold-resistance, treated facings, and low VOC emissions, it helps reduce the risk of mold problems, which can degrade air quality and cause respiratory issues. Good for sensitive occupants.

    3. Ease of Installation
       It installs similarly to standard drywall: score and snap, screw in, taping, finishing. No special tools required. So for many projects you get upgraded mold protection without a big learning curve.

    4. Durability Compared to Standard Drywall
       Less prone to damage from intermittent moisture. If there’s occasional wetting (splash, steam, high humidity), this board will hold up better over time and resist staining, warping, or mold behind surfaces.

    5. Certifications / Standards Support
       The ASTM C1396 (moisture resistance), ASTM D3273 (mold), non-combustible core, GREENGUARD etc. make it a more robust, verifiable choice for building codes, specifications, or warranty / insurance concerns.

Ask Rick, example:“What’s the best Gypsum Board for this application? or “ When should I use fire-rated (Type X) drywall?”

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