Water-resistant paper-faced gypsum board | The first choice for ceilings in bathrooms and damp rooms

2025-11-04

It's that time of year again for home renovations. The clear skies and pleasant weather put me in a good mood, but a new problem has arisen: what kind of board should I use for my bathroom ceiling? I've heard that water-resistant gypsum board (also called waterproof gypsum board) has excellent water resistance. But I haven't used it before and am unsure. Is water-resistant gypsum board ceiling really good? And if so, what are its advantages?

Let Brother Long tell you all about it.

1. Are water-resistant gypsum board ceilings good?

1. Traditional gypsum is not water-resistant; if it gets wet, it is more prone to dilution, deformation, and deterioration. Currently, the water-resistant gypsum-faced gypsum boards sold on the market are professionally manufactured and processed to meet the requirements for use in special environments. Their technical specifications are clearly defined in national standards, so you can use them with confidence.

Water-resistant gypsum board has been used in Europe, America, and Japan for over 100 years, and in China for 40 years. Consumers can use it with confidence in its quality. Several leading domestic manufacturers with strong R&D capabilities will further improve this product series, and I will continue to introduce it in later articles. Please stay tuned.

2. There are generally two types of water-resistant gypsum board ceilings used in engineering. One type is ordinary water-resistant moisture-resistant gypsum board ceiling (also green in color). This type of product only has a moisture-proof treatment on the surface of the gypsum board (the surface water absorption is no more than 160g/㎡). It is used in general humid environments (water rooms, basement rooms in homes, warehouses, etc.). Its good moisture resistance can ensure that the ceiling will not deform.

Another type is the water-resistant gypsum board we often talk about. This type of board has high water resistance, and its surface paper is waterproofed (surface water absorption not exceeding 160g/㎡); the core material of the gypsum board is also specially processed (core water absorption rate not exceeding 10%). It is recommended for use in bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-humidity environments, as it can ensure that the ceiling does not become damp or crack. You should know that four-star and above hotels all use water-resistant gypsum board.

GB/T9775 Paper-faced gypsum board

3. Water-resistant gypsum board ceilings have good water resistance, but it is not recommended to have direct, long-term contact with humid environments, and they should never be soaked in water for extended periods (I've encountered cases in my projects where bathroom leaks caused water to remain in the ceiling for a long time; after treatment, the water-resistant gypsum board was still usable-pretty impressive, right?). Both the outer and inner layers of the water-resistant gypsum board undergo special water-resistant treatment, allowing it to withstand areas with continuous humidity not exceeding 95%, making it suitable for use in almost any special environment such as bathrooms and basements.

4. Gypsum board ceilings have many advantages, are relatively inexpensive, and offer excellent decorative properties. In recent years, they have become the preferred material for many consumers and businesses. Currently, domestic manufacturers use industrial by-products as raw materials for gypsum board (don't be afraid to use them just because they are by-products!). Gypsum board is lightweight, soundproof, fireproof, environmentally friendly, and has a good decorative effect. Water-resistant treatment is simply an upgrade to the original product's functionality, further expanding its application areas.

II. Technical Requirements for Water-Resistant Gypsum Board

Water-resistant gypsum board has both its core and facing paper treated for water resistance. According to national standards, both the paper and core of water-resistant paper-faced gypsum board must meet certain water resistance requirements (surface water absorption not exceeding 160g/㎡, water absorption rate not exceeding 10%). Water-resistant paper-faced gypsum board is limited to use in places where the continuous humidity does not exceed 95%, such as bathrooms, basements, and shower rooms.

III. Features of Water-resistant Gypsum Board Ceilings

1. Gypsum board is mainly used in engineering or home decoration. Due to its good toughness (and the ability to make various irregular ceilings with special keel), safety, environmental protection, reliable quality, and relatively low price, it remains the preferred product for many designers.

2. Gypsum board itself has fire-retardant properties, and its molecular structure contains two water molecules. These water crystals effectively absorb heat, resulting in a significant fire-retardant effect that is unmatched by ordinary products.

3. Due to the use of foaming agents during the production process, gaps must be arranged in the gypsum, which also serves as a sound insulation and sound absorption effect;

4. Water-resistant gypsum board has a core gypsum board that has also been treated for water resistance. Moisture-resistant boards are mainly used in basements or indoor areas with high humidity and strict engineering requirements, while water-resistant gypsum board is widely used in bathrooms, basements, or rooms in bathhouses.

5. Gypsum board is made of natural gypsum and facing paper as the main raw materials, so it is lightweight and has good thermal insulation, fireproofing and sound insulation properties.