Safeguard Interior Walls with High-Performance Gypsum Panels
OnBoard Newsletter | August 2024
You’re probably familiar with exterior fiberglass-faced gypsum sheathing panels but did you know there are also interior fiberglass-faced products to safeguard your buildings as you construct them and beyond?
The same resilient Gold Bond® PURPLE® eXP® advanced fiberglass technology that provides excellent protection against weather damage can keep inside walls and ceilings dimensionally stable under changes in temperature, humidity and even flooding. eXP® Interior Extreme® gypsum panels are acceptable as flood damage-resistant per FEMA’s level 4*. eXP interior gypsum products also resist warping, rippling, buckling and mold. eXP products resist the growth of mold per ASTM D3273 with a score of 10, the best possible score.
*Resistant to floodwater damage from wetting and drying but less durable when exposed to moving water…[FEMA’s “Flood Damage-Resistant Materials Requirement,” Table 1, pp. 4, August 2008.]
The Power of PURPLE
High-performance eXP products offer a 12-month warranty for exposure to the elements, giving you peace of mind that you’re “one and done". Because the interior of the building can still get wet during pre-rock applications, it is essential to use mold- and moisture-resistant gypsum panels with a fiberglass mat on the front, back and sides.
As you can imagine, it’s more cost effective to protect a project than risk the expense and hassle of replacing damaged products. No wonder you see PURPLE being installed where resiliency and sustainability matter – in the interiors and exteriors of hospitals, medical centers, schools, restaurants, multifamily housing and high-rise buildings.
eXP Products for Interior Applications
Gold Bond® eXP® Interior Extreme® Gypsum Panel – for use in all rooms where mold and moisture is a concern.
Gold Bond® eXP® Interior Extreme® AR Gypsum Panel – for walls subject to added abuse/abrasion.
Gold Bond® eXP® Interior Extreme® IR Gypsum Panel – for walls subject to impact from hard objects.
Gold Bond® eXP® Shaftliner – for use in cavity shaftwalls, area separation walls and stairwells.
Gold Bond® eXP® Tile Backer – backer board for wet areas; eliminates the need for water barrier.
Include the appropriate interior eXP fiberglass-faced products in your specification by using the key standards and attributes highlighted below:
Why Fiberglass-faced eXP Products for Interiors?
- Accelerates construction schedules
Start construction sooner when you specify and pre-rock with fiberglass-faced eXP Interior Extreme gypsum panels. eXP products provide confidence that your project is protected even when unexpected weather strikes. There’s no need to delay hanging this high-performance gypsum board in critical areas, such as plumbing chases, electrical conduit and HVAC duct enclosures before the structure is completely dried in. Read this NGC Blog post and learn how to Shorten Construction Schedules with eXP Products.
- Reduces costs over the long run
An enhanced mold- and mildew-resistant gypsum core boosts the building’s long-term resiliency. eXP products are premium but less costly than remediating mold-impacted drywall. Install fiberglass-faced panels with superior mold and moisture protection before buildings are weather tight.
- Has options for UL fire-rated designs
eXP® Interior Extreme Fire-Shield®, 1/2” eXP® Interior Extreme Fire-Shield CTM or 5/8” eXP® Interior Extreme Fire-Shield CTM fiberglass-faced gypsum panels have a variety of thicknesses and core types to meet UL fire-rating requirements. They all provide built-in mold and moisture resistance.
- Achieves UL GREENGUARD Gold Certification
Indoor air quality is crucial in all buildings, especially in environments such as schools and healthcare facilities. This certification for low chemical emissions ensures eXP products are safe and suitable for use in these critical settings, promoting health and safety for all occupants. Download UL GREENGUARD Certificates.
eXP Interior Extreme and Finishing Recommendations
Glass-mat products, such as eXP Interior Extreme gypsum panels, are finished in the same manner as paper-faced gypsum board products except that skim coating the entire surface is recommended for interior glass-mat installations that receive a final decoration. For details about levels of finish, check out the NGC blog post, Discover Five Levels of Gypsum Board Finish, brochure and video.
"The wide variety of glass-mat gypsum products have shortened building schedules in high-risk moisture areas during construction. It’s a proven technology that’s been protecting projects for decades."
Thad Goodman
Thad Goodman
Construction Design ManagerNational Gypsum Company"Look to eXP glass-mat gypsum products when specifying your project. If you can help speed up your schedule on a multi-million dollar project and cut months off that timetable, why wouldn’t you? Time is money, especially with today’s high interest rates!"
Alan Zeedyk
Alan Zeedyk
Construction Design ManagerNational Gypsum CompanyLearning Opportunities
- NGC Blog - In addition to NGC Blog posts about the benefits and features of glass-mat gypsum panels, you’ll find insightful content about other topics like acoustics, fire resistance and roofing systems. Access NGC Blog.
- NGC Webinar Series - Did you miss our recent webinar, Understanding the UL Fire Resistance Directory? No problem! You can now watch the recorded session and learn to efficiently find fire-rated designs using UL Product iQ, understand gypsum board properties and explore permitted UL fire-rated modifications. Watch Now.
- Continuing Education - Learn more about High Performance Gypsum: Protect Against Mold, Moisture and Exposure, Stronger and Safer Walls: Abuse and Impact Resistant Gypsum and Finishing Gypsum Board: Because Appearance Matters by taking these National Gypsum continuing education courses. Earn your CEUs for 2024 and expand your knowledge and skills with our wide array of LIVE, in-person and online hosted AIA HSW continuing education courses. Explore all CEU Courses.
Expert Connection
From expertise on building products in fire- and sound-rated assemblies to specifying the best products for your next project, I am available to assist every step of the way. We’re here to help you design and build better. Connect now!
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