Thanks
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- Builer didn't use green board in bathroom
Our builder (house built in 2000) did ot use green board for any of our bathrooms with showers. They maintain that in Michigan you don't need green board as long as there is proper ventalation. The builder did install exaust fans in both bathrooms with showers. Can anyone tell me what the real answer shoudl be? How can I look at the code books the builer is supposed to follow w/o paying the hefty price?
I wonder why on earth they wouldn't use dura-rock (or hardibacker) or at least greenboard; it is not that much more expensive than drywall. Sounds like they are looking at it outlasting the typical 1-yr warranty doesn't it.
I have found code books in our local library reference section. (Personally, I, as a homeowner, wouldn't buy one!) They aren't necessarily 'easy reading' though; maybe someone on this forum will print the chapter number(s) for you.
Once you find the appropriate code(s), maybe you can hold the builder accountable to fix the problem. I'd figure you'd at least want the waterproof stuff in the shower/bath area where water gets frequently splashed. (I guess maybe the builder thinks Michigan water isn't wet?)
Makes one wonder also, (if green-rock is in fact "code") why city inspection would have 'passed' the problem. There sure are plenty of houses that get built and occupied, whether or not they'd theoretically "pass."
Good luck; let us know how it works out!
Thanks! I'm taking any additional input I can. Though I think my time to take any action against my builder may have run out.
I'll check the library next time I'm there.
I just had a house drywalled, no green drywall anywhere in it. I didn't specify it, just assumed they would, WRONG!!!
I doubt if I change it, a good sealer/primer and quality paint will go a long time before any damage occurs.
You do not need a code book to find out the answer to a specific question. All you need to do is call the local building inspections department and ask your code related questions. They will be happy to answer them at no charge.
The reason the green board is almost never noticed is that the building inspector comes to check the framing and the insulation, and then the next inspection is generally for a final to obtain the Certificate of Occupancy. At his point in time the drywall has already been painted or covered with wallpaper, ceramic tile, etc. and he has no way to check it.
Green board should ALWAYS be used in wet areas such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, etc. whether ventilation is provided or not. It is a building code requirement it all locals, that I am familiar with, to provide an exhaust fan in the bathroom. This has nothing to do with using green board.
While green board is the standard for wet areas it may or may not be covered by your building code. If it is, I would file a complaint with your inspections department and also notify your builder that he was in violation of the code and demand he fix the problem and get it up to code. The warrantee should have no bearing on this item if the house was built contrary to the building code.
K2 is right about the Durarock and Hardibacker being far more water resistant than green board however these materials are meant as a backer for ceramic tile applications not slick finished painted or wallpapered areas. If you have ceramic tile shower stalls, the backer should be at the very least green board. (Even though green board is not adequate for these extremely wet areas it is often used and accepted in many areas.) Cement board like Hardibacker, Durarock, or Wonderboard are far superior in these locations.
