by jbs072810 i3 — July 30, 2010—USG Corporation announced July 28 it has created a new lightweight category of gypsum wallboard with the introduction of its Sheetrock Brand UltraLight Panels. The lightweight gypsum panels are up to 30 percent lighter than the competition, making installation easier and faster, says the company.
Technological advances allowed USG’s scientists to produce a panel that is up to 30 percent, or 15 to 24 pounds per panel, lighter than the competition depending on length, and feature a significantly higher strength-to-weight ratio with improved sag resistance, claims USG. The company says the panels perform to the same high standards its customers expect from the industry-leading Sheetrock brand.
Sheetrock UltraLight Panels are also ideal for use on ceilings with up to 24-inch, on-center framing and water-based texture, presenting potential cost-savings when used as a replacement for 5⁄8-inch type X board used on ceilings or 1⁄2-inch interior ceiling board, says USG. The lightweight panels meet International Building Code, International Residential Code and ASTM C1396 Specification for Gypsum Board, for both 1⁄2-inch gypsum wallboard and 1⁄2-inch gypsum ceiling board, says the company.
USG’s first wallboard product to undergo Underwriters Laboratories Inc.’s UL Environment Validation, the new panels also meet demands for sustainable building solutions, creating nearly zero waste during manufacturing. The lightweight panels are made with up to 95 percent recycled content, offer up to a 20 percent reduction in transportation energy, conserve raw materials by up to 15 percent, and qualify as a low volatile organic compound (VOC) emitting material, says USG.
The panels will be available in August at more than 300 retail and specialty dealer locations throughout the Northeast and Southeast regions.
