Working properties
Frequently asked questions
Answers to commonly asked questions about GridMarX installation guide marks and the MaX 12 and MaX 16 optimized fastener patterns.
Are MaX 12 and MaX 16 new products?
No, MaX 12 and MaX 16 are NEW fastener patterns that can be used with any Gold Bond 5/8” Type X product in interior applications.
Do I need to buy a specific gypsum board to use MaX 12 and MaX 16?
No, GridMarX installation guide marks are printed on the surface of all 4-ft-wide gypsum board products manufactured by Gold Bond Building Products and provided by National Gypsum. MaX 12 and MaX 16 utilize these guide marks to assist with screw placement to achieve 1-hour UL fire-rated assemblies using less fasteners.
Are MaX 12 and MaX 16 applicable to non-rated walls?
Yes, MaX 12 and MaX 16 are accepted fastener patterns for non-rated walls.
Is MaX 16 applicable to 2-hour double-layer fire-rated partition?
2-hour V438 and U411 have always utilized a 16" o.c. screw pattern for both layers.
Can the MaX 16 pattern be used on partitions with steel studs spaced 24" o.c.?
No, steel studs must be spaced 16" o.c. or less to use MaX 16. The qualified fastener pattern for steel studs spaced 24" apart is MaX 12.
How is head-of-walls affected?
Walls/partitions are independently tested, this will not affect the head-of-wall condition.
Can I use MaX 12 or MaX 16 on exterior sheathing?
No, 8" o.c. maximum screw spacing is required for exterior sheathing.
Can I use resilient channels with the MaX 12 and MaX 16 fastener patterns?
You can use resilient channels utilizing the MaX 12 fastener pattern. Refer to the specified UL for more information on your wall.
Can the MaX 16 fastener pattern be used on the ceiling?
No, the ceiling requires a different screw pattern depending on the member spacing and materials. Refer to the specified UL for more information.
Do I need to use specific fasteners?
No, you can use the same fasteners as required per the specified UL assembly.
Is Max 12 and MaX 16 proprietary to Gold Bond and National Gypsum Company? Can I use these fastener patterns on products manufactured by a different company?
The MaX 12 and MaX 16 fastener patterns are proprietary and are only for use on products manufactured by Gold Bond Building Products and provided by National Gypsum. Refer to page 10 of the Working Properties Brochure for more information.
Is this accepted by building codes?
Yes, you can provide the GridMarX, MaX 12, MaX 16 Evaluation Report to confirm these optimized fastener patterns meet code compliance requirements.
Will utilizing the MaX16 fastener pattern increase my Sound Transmission Class (STC) value?
Yes, utilizing the MaX 16 fastener pattern reduces the number of fasteners being used which can also increase the STC rating by providing fewer transmission paths for noise.
MaX 16 and MaX 12 with GridMarX
Reduce material costs and increase productivity with the powerful combination of GridMarX® installation guide marks and the MaX 12® and MaX 16® fastener patterns. Simple. Efficient. Effective.
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