Sheetrock Vs. Gypsum Board for Basement Ceilings

When remodeling your basement there will be several supplies to choose from for covering both walls and ceilings. Sheetrock is a great choice for ceilings in most areas of your home, but not in the basement. Sheetrock should not be used on basement ceilings due to the amount of moisture and dampness that is in the air. The sheetrock will absorb the moisture and will mold. Gypsum board is a better option than sheetrock, or drywall.

Not all gypsum boards are resistant to moisture though. Regular gypsum board is partially smoke and fire resistant but not moisture resistant.

There are many types of gypsum board. Type X is not required by code, but the use of gypsum board on your basement ceiling is. Did you know that sheetrock actually is not supposed to be installed on basement ceilings at all? Type X gypsum board has a higher resistance for smoke and fire than regular gypsum board does, and it is also highly moisture resistant.

Type X gypsum is not required on basement ceilings, other types of gypsum board can be used according to regulation. Tough Rock gypsum board is the best type of gypsum board to be used on basement ceilings. It can resist moisture and mold better than other types of gypsum board,and is as fire and smoke resistant as type X.

Tough Rock can be installed directly over bare metal. Code requirements require maximum nail spacing to be 7" and maximum screw spacing to be 12". Use only gypsum board nails or screws. Gypsum board basement ceilings must be inspected before being finished.