How to store a stack of drywall outdoors in a humid zone 4a (Nashville)?
Good evening.
I am in zone 4a (Nashville) which means LOTS of rain and humidity. I am trying to determine how to store drywall outdoors for a few months without damage.
I have been gifted an elevated office observatory out of a factory. The walls are all panels made of two sheets of drywall glued to 2″ Expanded Polystyrene Foam and appears to have a vinyl skin rather than paper skin typical of drywall I have used. There is also double pane window in each panel.
I have plastic I could cover it with. I can also build a small storage shed to accommodate the material since I will need the shed soon anyways.
Would either of these suffice? If not, what can I do short of getting into an air conditioned environment. We live in a camper right now, so it would be very tight. 🙂
Thank you for your advice.
-Mike
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Replies
Mike,
My instincts tell me that you really need a very dry environment -- an indoor storage area with air conditioning or a dehumidifier. But perhaps someone who lives in a hot, humid climate has a better idea.
I have seen lifts of gypsum board stored in south Florida for months in unconditioned space without mold growth. The space had plenty of air flow and the lifts were over a concrete floor, not earth.
Here is a reference document for storing stacked gypsum board: http://www.nationalgypsum.com/RESOURCES/pdf/wallstorage.pdf
Peter
Peter, this was the answer I was hoping for. I can do this. Thank you very much.
I've gotten stacks of drywall delivered where the paper stuck together and tore when you'd pull sheets off because it got wet somewhere in transit. I don't know if that was a downpour over an open bed truck or long exposure to humidity but it ruined a whole stack for us.