The American Society for Testing and Materials C 1396/C 1393M, Standard Specification for Gypsum Board, has been developed to replace several existing standards in an effort to simplify the reference time for architects and manufacturers when citing gypsum board in blueprints.
Used in the construction of most buildings in North America, more than 30 billion square feet of various types of gypsum board are produced each year. As opposed to product-specific standards, C 1396 covers:
•Gypsum wallboard.
•Predecorated gypsum board.
•Gypsum backing board and coreboard.
•Water-resistant gypsum backing board.
•Exterior gypsum soffit board.
•Gypsum sheathing board.
•Gypsum base for veneer plaster.
•Gypsum lath.
•Gypsum ceiling board.
Sometimes citing the wrong ASTM standard in building specifications for a gypsum product can create problems. C 1396 also aims to reduce error when adjustments are made.
Georgia-Pacific closing wallboard plant
The company announced the permanent closure of its Grand Rapids, Mich., wallboard plant in early November. Approximately 40 employees will be affected by the closure.
“The decision to close a plant is never easy to make,” said David Fleiner, vice president—gypsum. “However, sound business strategy dictates that we constantly review our operations to be sure they are cost-competitive and creating value for our shareholders. The Grand Rapids plant’s aging equipment and technology put it at a distinct disadvantage.”
USG donates drywall to project
USG Corp. and its Jacksonville, Fla., plant have donated 500,000 square feet of Sheetrock gypsum panels and related joint treatment products to the HabiJax building project, Fairway Oaks “100
Foundations of Success.” Jacksonville and Chicago USG employees will also be part of the volunteer crew that will build 100 homes during a 17-day period next month for local area families.
