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Safeguard Interior Walls with High-Performance Gypsum Panels

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Sep 6, 2024 by Thad Goodman

OnBoard Newsletter | August 2024

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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.

Interior Installation Commerical
  • 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.

  • 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.


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"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

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Thad Goodman

Construction Design ManagerNational Gypsum Company

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