Drywall in South Florida humidity: what to plan for

Why humidity matters

Gypsum board is paper-faced gypsum, and both the paper and the core take on moisture from the air. Joint compound cures by drying, which means the wetter the air, the longer each coat takes to dry and the longer it takes to sand and prime.

South Florida is humid most of the year, and a building that is not yet air-conditioned is often no different from outdoors. That changes how interior drywall should be scheduled.

Habits that protect the finish

Most humidity problems are avoidable with sequencing and storage.

• Store board flat, off the floor and under cover, never stacked against an open wall or left in the rain
• Hang and finish in an enclosed building, with the envelope closed and windows and doors in
• Run temporary or permanent air-conditioning before and during finishing so compound can dry between coats
• Let each coat dry fully before the next; recoating wet compound can cause cracking and bubbling
• Keep wet trades such as concrete, flooring prep and plaster out of rooms that are being finished

Where moisture-resistant board fits

Areas with direct water exposure or persistent humidity, such as bathrooms, locker rooms, kitchens and mechanical rooms, are usually specified with moisture-resistant or cement board behind the finish. The plans and the architect decide the board type, and we install what the specifications call for.

What to tell your drywall sub

Tell us early whether the space will be conditioned, when the envelope will be closed, and whether the schedule leaves drying time between coats. A realistic schedule is the best defense against humidity problems, and it is easier to adjust before the work starts.

Send plans and schedule through the contact page and we will flag anything that looks tight. Estimates are free.

Also see: Drywall & finishingAll articles

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