Use waterproof sheetrock around tubs and showers.
The bathroom is a wet place, and you must take this into account when building walls around tubs and showers. You should cover them with greenrock, waterproof sheetrock meant especially for use in bathrooms, and take a few extra precautions when installing it. Don't attach the rock to tub or shower flanges to avoid damaging the edges if either fixture shifts with the extra weight of water or a standing person. Also, make sure your tape seams don't bubble and that the mud you use is free of debris.
Instructions
1. Screw the flanges of the tub or shower unit to the adjoining studs with drywall screws. Do not use nails as these can pop out and crack the edges of the drywall that is installed over the flanges.
2. Cover the edges of the flanges with drywall joint compound and lay on waterproof fiberglass mesh drywall tape. Spread a generous coat of joint compound over the tape.
3. Install the greenrock before the mud has a chance to dry. Cut it carefully to fit around the tub or shower unit and attach it to the studs around the flange, but not to the flange itself. This way, if excess weight causes the tub or shower unit to move, the greenrock seam will not be affected. Use drywall screws for the entire greenrock installation.
4. Mud the seams and screw holes of the greenrock as you would drywall. Check the mud frequently for debris, as this can cause the joint compound to chip away after it has dried, compromising the water-tight seal. Scrape off contaminated mud whenever you see it and reapply clean mud in its place.
5. Be sure to spread enough mud on the seams of the greenrock to firmly hold the tape in place. When you lay the tape on the joint, don't scrape away too much mud, or the tape won't be held securely and may bubble. This can compromise the watertight seal.
6. Add shims on the studs where necessary to keep the greenrock flat. Uneven greenrock can pull against the screws and become separated from the studs.
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