Mold is a silent killer in Georgetown homes. The high humidity creates the perfect breeding ground for black mold on your walls, triggering asthma and allergies for your family.
To protect your health, you must use Moisture Resistant (MR) Gypsum Board in all wet areas and high-humidity zones. This specialized plasterboard, often green in color, contains silicone and antifungal agents that stop water absorption and kill mold spores before they can grow.
I have seen too many families in Guyana suffer from "Sick Building Syndrome." They paint over the black spots, but the mold keeps coming back. It smells bad and it ruins the air quality. The problem is not the paint; it is the board underneath. You cannot use standard materials in a swampy climate and expect a healthy result. Let me explain the engineering behind the "Green Board" and why it is essential for your bathroom and kitchen.
Why Does Standard Drywall Fail in Guyanese Bathrooms?
Standard white drywall acts like a sponge when exposed to steam or leaks. It swells, softens, and eventually turns into a mushy pulp that falls off the studs, destroying your expensive tiles.
Moisture Resistant Gypsum Board is engineered with a wax-impregnated core and hydrophobic paper. This technology repels water molecules, ensuring the wall stays hard and structural even in the steamiest bathroom environment.
As an engineer, I look at water absorption rates. Standard plasterboard has a paper face that loves water. When you take a hot shower, the steam turns into water droplets on the wall. A normal board will suck this water into the gypsum core. Over time, the core breaks down and the paper peels off. This is catastrophic if you have heavy ceramic tiles glued to it. The tiles will eventually fall.
Our Moisture Resistant (MR) board is different. During manufacturing, we add silicone oil to the gypsum mix. We also treat the green paper face with special chemicals. If you throw a cup of water on it, the water beads up and rolls off, just like on a waxed car. In Guyana, where the air humidity is always 80% or higher, I actually recommend using this board for all walls, not just the bathroom. It costs a little more, but it prevents that "musty" smell that old houses get. It is the cheapest insurance you can buy for your family's lung health.
| Feature | Standard "White" Board | TRUSUS "Green" MR Board |
|---|---|---|
| Core Additive | None | Silicone / Wax |
| Water Absorption | > 10% (High) | < 5% (Low) |
| Mold Resistance | Low | High (Treated Paper) |
| Best Use | Bedrooms / Living Rooms | Bathrooms / Kitchens / Laundry |
Can Mold Behind the Wall Affect Your Air Conditioning?
You might not see the mold, but it can grow inside the wall cavity where it is dark and damp. This hidden mold releases spores that get sucked into your AC unit and blown all over the house.
You must insulate your wall cavity with rockwool or glass wool to prevent condensation. These materials regulate the temperature difference between the outside heat and inside cool air, stopping the "sweating" effect that feeds mold growth inside your walls.
Condensation is a physics problem. When hot air from outside hits your cold AC wall, water forms. This is called the "Dew Point." If this happens inside your hollow wall, mold will grow on the back of the drywall. You will never see it, but you will breathe it. This is why insulation is not just for heat; it is for moisture control.
I strongly advise using rockwool batts in your exterior walls. Rockwool is naturally resistant to water and rot. It is inorganic, meaning mold cannot eat it. It also acts as a thermal break. It keeps the back of your plasterboard warm enough so that the dew point does not happen on the surface. For a hospital or a clinic project in Georgetown, this is mandatory. You cannot have a sterile environment if your walls are full of spores. By combining the Green Board with proper insulation, you create a sealed, dry system that keeps the air clean.
| Wall Component | Function | Health Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Green Gypsum Board | Repels surface water | Prevents bathroom mold |
| Rockwool Insulation | Stops condensation | Prevents hidden cavity mold |
| Vapor Barrier | Blocks humidity | Keeps structure dry |
| Metal Studs | Structural frame | Does not rot like wood |
Conclusion Your family's health depends on the air they breathe. Use Moisture Resistant gypsum board and rockwool to banish mold and build a safe, hygienic home.