How can I repair drywall which has bowed away from the framing?

Question

I was getting ready to tile my basement bathroom and noticed the wall wasn't as flat as I expected.  I cut in a hole to take a look and got a nasty surprise.  The drywall in my bathroom was glued to the studs rather than screwed.  As the house settled over the past 50 years, the paper backing on the drywall tore off at the glued spots leaving a 1-2.5" large gap where it has bowed outwards from compression.
I've been able to use drywall screws to get the upper parts of the drywall properly secured to the studs but as I work my way down the bow out is too significant and the screws just pull through.
I had been thinking of trimming the bottom edge of the drywall to allow for some downward give.  It wouldn't be visible due to baseboards but I'm not sure if that would create moisture issues in the long run.
Do I have any options other than tearing the drywall down and redoing it?

isherwood · Accepted Answer

Trimming the bottom will not create moisture issues--nearly every wall in existence has a gap at the bottom. If you're relying on drywall to handle moisture you should hang up your hammer.
Trim away, and if the drywall offends thee by refusing to lie flat, pluck it out.  Drywall is cheap and if it's behind tile anyway you can patch in as you see fit. Either cut on studs and patch it in, or cut between studs, float new backing, and screw it all together. Drywall behind tile doesn't necessarily need to be taped. If anything, use fiberglass mesh in your tile mortar.
Also, bathrooms are not boats. They needn't float. I've build and owned hundreds of bathrooms and I've never caulked baseboard. I'd rather have some airflow after a splash situation than a sealed floor that takes forever to dry. You will not keep it from leaking if you flood the room.

How can I repair drywall which has bowed away from the framing?

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