USG Corporation creates industry’s first 5/8″ lightweight type X gypsum panel

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by Shane Henson — August 12, 2011—Facilities managers overseeing renovation projects or involved in construction projects now have access to a 5/8″ lightweight type X panel, offered through USG, that is easy and fast to install.

USG Corporation, a major building products company, is expanding its portfolio of innovative lightweight wallboard products with the introduction of SHEETROCK Brand UltraLight Panels FIRECODE X. This 5/8-inch panel is the industry’s first lightweight type X gypsum panel and is designed for commercial and residential construction. According to USG designers, it weighs up to 15 percent less than competitive type X board.

For contractors and installers, the product’s features translate to less fatigue, easier installation and greater productivity, USG designers say. For dealers, lighter weight increases operational efficiencies and allows shipment of more panels per truck resulting in fewer trips and lower fuel costs. USG’s newest lightweight gypsum panel also meets ASTM C1396 requirements for gypsum board, type X. Additionally, this is the first lightweight panel listed for use in more than 130 UL fire-rated assemblies. The product is designed for use in areas where a fire-rated assembly or type X gypsum board is required.

USG claims to lead the industry in lightweight gypsum panel technology and to be the only manufacturer to offer a portfolio of lightweight products. The company says it recently launched the industry’s first lightweight gypsum board—1/2-inch SHEETROCK Brand UltraLight Panels—as well as SHEETROCK Brand UltraLight Panels FIRECODE 30, a 5/8-inch board for nonrated and 30-minute fire-rated partitions. Both panels are up to 30 percent lighter than competitive panels.

All SHEETROCK Brand UltraLight panels are produced with proprietary technologies developed at the USG Corporate Innovation Center in Libertyville, Illinois. These formulations make the products not only lighter than competitive boards but enable them to perform better, USG’s leadership says. Each panel reportedly scores and snaps easily and has a higher strength-to-weight ratio and better sag resistance than the competition, while delivering comparable sound performance and impact resistance.