by Shane Henson — July 6, 2011—USG Corporation, a major building products company, recently announced the availability of its lightweight SHEETROCK Brand UltraLight Panels FIRECODE 30. USG product designers note that the panels are a great solution for non-fire-rated areas in commercial or multi-family buildings.
The 5/8-inch non-Type X gypsum panels meet current building codes for non-fire-rated areas and are up to 30 percent lighter or up to 27 pounds lighter for a four-foot by twelve-foot panel than the standard Type X panel, making them easier to transport, lift, and install. The panels also meet International Building Code (IBC) standards for use in non-rated and 30-minute fire-rated partitions. In certain types of construction, including Type VB Group R, one-hour-rated partitions can be reduced to 30 minutes if fire suppression sprinklers are installed, according to IBC standards.
These panels also feature comparable strength and impact resistance and can be used in any commercial or residential project where Type X panels are not required, ultimately helping contractors increase productivity compared to using a 5/8-inch Type X panel. The panels meet ASTM C1396 Specification for Gypsum Board for 5/8-inch non-Type X gypsum wallboard and ASTM E84 Class A Surface Burning Characteristics as defined in IBC Section 803.1. The panels are UL Classified for use in a single layer with steel- and wood-framed 30-minute fire-rated partitions.
An environmentally friendly product, the panels are made with up to 95 percent recycled content, offer a reduction in transportation energy, and qualify as a low volatile organic compound emitting material. The panels are available in standard lengths, including 8-, 10- and 12-foot panels in 48-inch widths, and a 12-foot panel with a 54-inch width.
