ᐅ Drywall partition in the basement (new construction) – acceptable or risk of mold?

Hello,

In my new build, there is a large basement room without any partitions. I would like to divide it as follows:
Front area: heating system, electrical supply, washing machine, dryer, etc.
Rear area: storage space

I have a contractor for this who wants to install a drywall partition using plasterboard.

I have read various arguments for and against drywall partitions in basements, but couldn't reach a clear conclusion because those discussions were about older buildings or basements with saunas and similar features.

In my case, it is a "dry" basement (waterproof concrete shell), and no sauna, shower, or similar installations will be added. At most, laundry might be hung on a drying rack. There is practically no ventilation (2 light wells—with plans to have one per room later) and a basement door. Insulation in the wall would not be necessary.

Is this okay, or would mold still develop?

dpauso7766 schrieb:

Is that okay, or would mold still develop then?

Mold needs moisture and a cold surface where water can ideally condense.

I can’t think of any reason why you shouldn’t install a drywall partition in a regular basement. It’s even common practice in damp bathrooms.

nordanney schrieb:

Mold needs moisture and a cold wall where water can condense.

I can’t see any reason why you wouldn’t install a drywall partition in a regular basement. That’s even common in humid bathrooms.

That sounds good.. I thought it might be different because a bathroom is regularly ventilated and there is an air exchange..

You can run into mold problems if you cover a cold basement exterior wall, for example, with drywall. A vapor barrier must be installed here to prevent the warm, moist air from reaching the exterior wall behind the drywall.

If you build an interior wall or cover a basement interior wall with drywall, nothing like that will happen.

Why don’t you simply check the hygrometer?
Ideally, a hygro-logger.

I don’t see a risk of mold either.

I have the same question and am more concerned that the drywall panels might swell, causing unsightly cracks or bulges.

Does anyone have experience with this?