Drywall is something most homeowners don’t think about until there’s a problem. You see it every day on your walls and ceilings, yet few people know what drywall is made of or why it matters so much during a home inspection.
In Metro Atlanta and North Georgia, where humidity, heavy storms, and shifting soil are part of daily life, drywall can reveal early signs of leaks, structural movement, or hidden moisture issues. As a result, inspectors rely on drywall clues more than most homeowners realize.
For that reason, this guide explains exactly what drywall is made of, the different types you may find in your home, and how inspectors use tools like thermal imaging to detect hidden problems behind walls. By the end, you’ll know how drywall works, how it fails, and what issues to look out for in your home.
What is Drywall Made Of?
Drywall is made of a gypsum core pressed between two thick paper layers. Even though this sounds simple, drywall’s design plays a big role in fire resistance, indoor air quality, noise control, and long-term durability.
To help you understand each part, here’s the breakdown of the materials:
|
Drywall Component |
Purpose |
|
Gypsum Core |
Fire-resistant mineral that forms the interior of the panel |
|
Front Paper Facing |
Smooth surface used for finishing, painting, and texture |
|
Back Paper Facing |
Reinforces the gypsum and holds the board’s shape |
|
Optional Additives |
Extra strength, moisture resistance, mold control, or soundproofing, depending on the board type |
Why Gypsum Works So Well
Gypsum is a mineral made of calcium sulfate dihydrate. Because gypsum contains water molecules naturally, it slows down fire spread. When this happens, the water inside gypsum evaporates slowly, giving the drywall time to resist flames.
Gypsum is also:
- Lightweight
- Easy to cut
- Stable across temperature changes
- Resistant to shrinking and expanding
- Able to regulate humidity by absorbing moisture and releasing it later
In a region like Metro Atlanta, with long, humid summers and sudden temperature swings, drywall’s moisture-handling ability helps maintain comfortable indoor conditions. However, if drywall gets too wet or stays damp, it quickly becomes weak or mold-prone, which is why regular inspections matter.
Why Gypsum Matters in North Georgia Homes
1. Fire Resistance
Fire-rated drywall helps slow flames and protect living spaces.
This is crucial for:
- Garage walls
- Kitchen areas
- Furnace and HVAC closets
- Shared walls in multi-family buildings
2. Mold Prevention
Gypsum naturally resists mold when dry, but it must be protected from long-term moisture. In humid climates, like neighborhoods throughout Cherokee County, Cobb County, and Hall County, moisture control becomes essential.
3. Humidity Regulation
North Georgia’s humid summers make indoor humidity a real concern. Gypsum boards help absorb small amounts of moisture, preventing excessive condensation on walls.
4. Indoor Comfort
Gypsum’s density helps with:
- Temperature consistency
- Noise reduction
- Air quality
Even though drywall seems simple, its role in home safety and comfort is more important than most homeowners realize.
Types of Drywall Used in Homes Today
In homes throughout Metro Atlanta and North Georgia, inspectors encounter many drywall variations. Each type is designed for specific environments, moisture levels, and safety requirements.
Below is an expanded, readable guide so homeowners can recognize what’s in their homes.
1. Standard Drywall
Standard drywall is safe and effective in dry rooms. Problems appear only when moisture enters the material. For example, inspectors often see bubbling paint or wall patches that signal a past leak.
What it’s made of:
Gypsum core + standard white paper facing.
Where it’s used:
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Hallways
- Dining spaces
Why it matters:
Standard drywall is safe and effective in dry rooms. Problems appear only when moisture enters the material. Inspectors often see bubbling paint or wall patches that signal a past leak.
2. Moisture-Resistant Drywall (Green Board)
What it’s made of:
Gypsum + moisture-resistant paper and additives.
Where it’s used:
- Half-bathrooms
- Laundry rooms
- Basements
- Areas with occasional humidity
Why moisture causes problems:
Green board slows moisture absorption, but it isn’t waterproof. In homes across Atlanta’s suburbs, like Roswell, Woodstock, and Lawrenceville, high humidity from summer heat can still overwhelm the green board if airflow is poor.
Improper installation, unsealed seams, or lack of ventilation often lead to soft spots or musty odors behind finished walls.
3. Mold-Resistant Drywall (Purple Board)
What it’s made of:
Gypsum with mold-resistant additives + specially coated paper.
Where it’s used:
- Full bathrooms
- Spa-like showers
- Damp basements
- High-moisture laundry rooms
Why it matters in North Georgia:
Many homeowners choose purple board because North Georgia’s humidity, especially near lakes, wooded areas, and older neighborhoods, creates a higher risk of mold growth.
Inspectors look for:
- Dark staining
- Warping
- Soft areas
- Visible mold near baseboards
Even mold-resistant drywall cannot stop mold if water intrusion goes unchecked.
4. Fire-Resistant Drywall (Type X or Type C)
What it’s made of:
Gypsum mixed with glass fibers for extra strength.
Where it’s used:
- Garages
- HVAC closets
- Stairwells
- Walls near water heaters
- Multi-family living units
Why it matters:
Type X slows flame spread much longer than standard drywall. During home inspections, missing or damaged Type X drywall in garages is a common safety issue.
5. Waterproof Cement Board
(Not technically drywall, but important.)
Often found behind tile in:
- Showers
- Backsplashes
- Bathroom walls
This board is made from cement + reinforced fibers. It does not soften or mold when wet, which makes it ideal for wet applications.
6. Soundproof Drywall
What it’s made of:
A mix of gypsum, polymers, and dampening layers.
Where it’s used:
- Home theaters
- Bedrooms near busy roads
- Home offices
- Basements
Why inspectors note it:
Homeowners often forget where soundproof drywall was added. Normal repairs with standard drywall can reduce noise protection in these rooms.
How Drywall Is Made Step-by-Step
The drywall manufacturing process is simple but highly controlled:
- Gypsum is mined and crushed into powder.
- The powder is heated to remove excess moisture.
- Water and additives are mixed to create a thick slurry.
- The slurry is poured onto heavy paper.
- A second sheet of paper is laid on top.
- The board is pressed and shaped.
- It moves through a long dryer to remove moisture.
- It’s cut into the common sizes (4×8, 4×10, 4×12).
Even with these simple steps, small differences in additives dramatically change how drywall performs in humid or fire-prone areas.
Why Drywall Problems Matter During a Home Inspection
Drywall is more than a surface; it’s a diagnostic tool. During inspections around Metro Atlanta, drywall issues often reveal hidden structural or moisture problems.
1. Moisture Damage
Signs include:
- Soft or spongy areas
- Staining
- Paint bubbling
- Sagging sections
- Brown rings from past leaks
Common causes include:
- Roof leaks
- Plumbing leaks
- Overflowing tubs or showers
- HVAC condensation lines
- Poorly sealed windows
2. Cracks
North Georgia’s clay soil expands and contracts with weather changes, causing homes to settle.
Therefore, cracks can mean:
- Minor cosmetic movement
- Structural shifting
- Foundation settlement
Horizontal or stair-step cracks around doors or windows deserve attention.
3. Mold Growth
If drywall stays wet more than 24–48 hours, mold can form.
Look out for:
- Dark spots
- Musty odors
- Soft drywall
- Peeling paint near baseboards
4. Previous DIY Repairs
Uneven texture or mismatched paint can hide water damage or improper patching. Inspectors look beyond the surface to determine the real cause.
How Humidity in Metro Atlanta Affects Drywall
Humidity is one of the biggest reasons drywall fails in Georgia homes. Because the Atlanta and North Georgia area has long, humid summers and frequent rain, drywall is exposed to moisture more often than many homeowners realize. When humidity rises, moisture seeps into the paper layers and gypsum core, which weakens the material over time.
What High Humidity Does to Drywall
As humidity increases, drywall may start showing several warning signs. These problems form slowly, but once they start, they tend to spread. Eventually, homeowners may not notice damage until it becomes severe. For example, you might notice:
-
Warping around seams, especially in bathrooms and kitchens
-
Sagging ceilings, often caused by moisture trapped above the drywall
-
Mold and mildew growth is most common in bathrooms, basements, and laundry areas
-
Paper delamination, where the paper layer separates from the gypsum
-
Soft or weak spots behind cabinets, appliances, and furniture where airflow is limited
These problems form slowly, but once they start, they tend to spread. As a result, homeowners may not notice damage until it becomes severe.
Why Georgia Homes Are More Vulnerable
North Georgia’s climate makes drywall more prone to moisture issues than homes in drier states. During spring and summer, heavy rainfall, warm temperatures, and high humidity create the perfect environment for moisture buildup.
Additionally:
-
Many homes in the Metro Atlanta area have unfinished basements, which naturally pull in moisture.
-
Older homes often have poor ventilation, increasing humidity levels indoors.
-
Crawlspaces in Georgia absorb ground moisture, which can move upward into living areas.
Because these factors work together, drywall problems can appear even in newer homes if humidity is not managed properly.
Daily Habits That Increase Humidity Indoors
Humidity doesn’t always come from outdoor weather. For this reason, staying aware of daily habits is important.
Common sources include:
-
Hot showers
-
Cooking without using the range hood
-
Running the dishwasher
-
Drying clothes indoors
-
Poor HVAC circulation
When these small sources combine, indoor humidity can climb quickly, especially in closed-off rooms.
How to Reduce Humidity and Protect Your Drywall
Fortunately, preventing humidity damage is simple when you build good habits. Even small improvements can make a big difference. Over time, lowering indoor humidity helps drywall stay strong and reduces mold growth. To help protect your walls and ceilings, try these steps:
-
Use exhaust fans during and after showers
-
Run dehumidifiers in damp basements or crawlspaces
-
Improve HVAC airflow by keeping vents open and clean
-
Fix plumbing leaks as soon as you notice them
-
Increase ventilation in rooms that feel muggy or stale
-
Use moisture barriers in basements or storage rooms
Even small improvements can make a big difference. Over time, lowering indoor humidity helps drywall stay strong and reduces mold growth.
Seasonal Considerations for North Georgia Homes
Many North Georgia homes also experience indoor humidity spikes during the spring pollen season. Since homeowners often open windows for fresh air, humidity enters at the same time. Warm air mixes with cooler indoor surfaces, which leads to condensation and damp drywall.
Because of that, inspectors often find early moisture damage in window areas, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements after spring.
How Thermal Imaging Helps Inspectors Spot Hidden Drywall Problems
Thermal imaging is one of the most useful tools during a drywall inspection.
How it works
Thermal cameras detect temperature differences behind walls. Cooler areas can indicate:
- Moisture
- Leaks
- Air infiltration
- Missing insulation
- Damp drywall paper
Why it’s important
Many drywall problems cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Thermal imaging helps identify:
- Hidden roof leaks
- Slow plumbing drips
- Leaky windows
- Wet insulation
- Recent water damage that hasn’t dried
Real examples in North Georgia homes
Inspectors often find:
- Damp walls behind shower plumbing
- A/C condensation line leaks
- Window leaks during summer storms
- Moisture wicking up drywall from a wet crawlspace
Because humidity is already high in Georgia, hidden moisture quickly becomes a mold problem. This is why thermal imaging is standard during many inspections.
Related Questions
Is drywall toxic?
No. Standard drywall is made from gypsum and paper. Mold-resistant types include safe additives.
Can drywall be recycled?
Yes. Many manufacturers reuse gypsum in new products, especially for walls.
Is “sheetrock” the same as drywall?
Sheetrock is a brand name, but the material is drywall.
Can drywall get wet?
It can get slightly wet, but prolonged moisture causes damage and mold.
Should I replace or repair damaged drywall?
Replace if it’s soft, crumbling, sagging, or moldy. Minor cracks can be repaired.
What rooms need moisture-resistant drywall?
Bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and near plumbing fixtures and drains.
When to Call a Professional
Call a home inspector or specialist if you notice:
- Large cracks
- Repeated moisture stains
- Soft drywall near baseboards
- Peeling paint in humid rooms
- Musty smells
- Visible mold
- Uneven ceiling surfaces
Harmony Inspection Services can confirm the problem, identify the cause, and help you understand the safest next steps.
Conclusion
Drywall might look simple, but it plays a major role in your home’s safety, comfort, and long-term value. Knowing what drywall is made of and how it reacts to moisture, humidity, and structural settling helps you prevent costly repairs later.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or maintaining a home in Metro Atlanta or North Georgia, Harmony Inspection Services provides clear, detailed inspections that give you confidence in every corner of your home. Schedule a home inspection today to protect your investment with peace of mind.