Gypsum industry news

US: USG has announced nationwide availability of what the company calls, 'The lightest Type X wallboard,' USG Sheetrock Brand UltraLight Panels Firecode X. Depending on geography, the panel is available in one of two Underwriters Laboratories Inc (UL) type designations (type ULIX and type ULX).

The panels are a lightweight type X gypsum panel designed for commercial and residential construction. Both UL type designations of USG Sheetrock Brand UltraLight Panels Firecode X are formulated to achieve the strength and performance characteristics as standard 15.9mm (5/8") USG Sheetrock Brand Firecode Gypsum Panels. "The lighter weight means transportation efficiencies, productivity gains, reduced fatigue during handling and possible safety benefits," said USG's press release.

"USG is the only manufacturer to offer a full portfolio of lightweight products," said Dan Schmidt, director of product management wallboard at USG. "The new UL type ULIX panel was developed using a proprietary formulation. The primary difference between the ULIX and ULX panels is that the ULIX board requires the use of insulation in the cavity on one-hour fire-rated steel-framed assemblies, which is an industry best practice designed to meet thermal and acoustical performance requirements."

UL Type ULIX panels are available in the West North Central, Mountain and Pacific regions.

UL Type ULX panels are available in New England, the Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic and East Central regions.