More Design Flexibility in USG's Steel- or Wood-Stud Walls

USG Corporation, an industry-leading manufacturer of building products and innovative solutions, completed extensive fire performance evaluations with Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) to remove the insulation requirement in both nonload-bearing and load-bearing 1-hour-rated steel-stud walls constructed with Sheetrock Brand EcoSmart Panels Firecode X (UL Type ULIX) or Sheetrock Brand EcoSmart Panels Mold Tough Firecode X (UL Type ULIX). In 2- to 4-hour-rated steel-stud walls, and in wood-stud walls, the use of insulation remains optional as previously identified in the published assemblies.

Sheetrock Brand EcoSmart Panels Firecode X and Mold Tough Firecode X (UL Type ULIX) offer contractors a single ultralightweight 5/8 in. Type X solution for fire-rated wall, column, floor- and roof-ceiling assemblies and horizontal membranes. Until now, contractors have been required to stock multiple Type X panels, one for walls and one for ceilings. Use of these panels eliminate a SKU on the job site and the chance of misapplication, as they may be used where either Type X or enhanced proprietary Type X panels – for instance, USG’s Type C - are required.