Looking at my new grow space that I have framed out & wondering if there’s an alternative to drywall covered w something waterproof like panda film. That was my original plan.
Listened to a DGC podcast and their guest was a commercial grow builder and he mentioned something called zip panels that resisted mold and were insulated. Just curious if OG has any experience w zip panels or anything similar that would be a water resistant/mold resistant alternative to drywall? Y’all share similar concerns about drywall and mold or am I worrying about something that’s really a non factor in a small space?
This shit right here, washable and able to cut with scissors, I line my kitchen cabs with it.
You can get at any of the home improvement places, this came from Menards.
Get some thin ass plywood and laminate it on.
4x8 sheets it comes in
not sure if it was SIP structurally integrated panels or the vacuum insulated panels(very expensive). SIP is a plywood/OSB sandwich with styrofoam in the middle.
It’s just FRP panels like you see on kitchen walls with greenboard behind it. Greenboard is mold resistant gypsum. The bubble texture may not be great for reflecting light though.
They do make 1/16th inch bright white plastic wall panels in 4x8s for about $20 per
SIPS are super pricey but a great way to reach R50+
Zip walls are plastic sheets for dust control during renovations
I did my grow space in sheets of tin ,silicone the seams top and bottom . I technically could pressure wash the walls with little fear of getting the framing wet. No chance of rot or mold No need to paint every couple 3 years that drywall requires , if you do go drywall get the high moisture resistant sheets and paint with a kilz epoxy sealer it’s pricy 60 bucks a gal .when I did mine the difference between tin and drywall was minimal cost difference once you figured in mudding taping painting etc.
Should be good for a lifetime ,not sure where your at but also I find the tin holds heat better in the winter over drywall .
Hardboard…it’s like MDF in 4x8’ sheets that are 1/4" thick and really cheap. Mould shouldn’t be an issue with really any of these materials if you have proper air circulation, but a coat of zinzer or some other water/stain blocking primer or white paint couldn’t hurt
Thanks all! I’ll sift thru all this info later today, appreciate the help! I thought about going just panda film on the inside and the exterior wall as drywall but I’m thinking without insulation and/or solid interior walls, the fan noise will be louder than preferred. Definitely trying to muffle sound outside the room.
If that’s a concerned then that foam board stuff (foam w tinfoil like coating) might be a good solution. Hanging fans from bungee cords and insulated ducting really helps to cut noise as well.
Drywall, plywood, OSB, or any other typical construction materials, will not mold unless you have constant moisture on them.
If you have constant moisture on them, you are doing it wrong and mold on the walls wont matter because you will have mold in your buds.
Use any material you want, just be sure you have proper ventilation and you will be fine as far as mold.
If you are worried about the floor of the space getting wet when watering, thats a little different. In that case, you really should use a waterproof material or barrier if the floor is wood.
I have drywall in my flower room, painted with drywall sealer primer, its washable and has had no mould in the 5 years its been up. I use a rubber roofing material on the floor so I don’t have to worry about any leaks or run off.
Thanks all! Sounds a bit like I’m overthinking this. However, I like some of these materials being mentioned that are cheaper than drywall and dont need mudding, taping, etc. I think something like the hardboard makes the most sense w/regular insulation between the hardboard and the drywall of the exterior wall. And using panda film over the hardboard certainly wont hurt. It’s in the basement so I have concrete floors, but I’ll probably put down a plastic tray to catch any run off from the pots.
