There is a lot of confusion in the field over area-separation firewalls and utility placement. I know that the GA has a position statement that clarifies criteria for the placement of utilities in the flanking walls on either side of a two-hour, steel H-stud, gypsum shaftliner panel area-separation wall.

For many years, the Gypsum Association has published several technical documents in Spanish, as well as English. Are there plans to introduce Spanish-language offerings to the GA’s YouTube channel?

In a recent build, we used several designs found in GA-600 (Fire Resistance and Sound Control Design Manual). We selected designs shown to have STC ratings of 50 to 54.

In its continual endeavors to keep its industry documents up to date, the association reviews the latest.

This summer, I am undertaking a total bathroom remodel. I’m planning to tile the walls around the vanity and toilet, as well as those surrounding the shower. Mold has been a persistent problem in this room.

What is the difference between fire resistance ratings and flame-spread ratings? Can they be used interchangeably?

I often see gypsum board installed using a combination of nails and screws, and I’ve always assumed this practice is acceptable. However, one of my superiors recently questioned the practice. Is combining nails and screws acceptable?

Recently, the Gypsum Association learned that two code jurisdictions no longer accept some assemblies listed in the code-recognized GA-600 Fire Resistance and Sound Control Design Manual.

In response to a request from Joanna and Chip Gaines’ Magnolia Network, brief footage (aka a “cutdown”) from the GA’s archival Lathing and Plastering film (circa 1950s) will be featured in the Friday, Feb. 17 episode of First Time Fixer.