CONTINUING EDUCATION SERIES

National Gypsum Presents

ASTM Changes in How to
®
Specify Gypsum Products
Architects must now use a new all-encompassing ASTM standard to specify gypsum board; the
new standard has replaced nine individual standards for various types of gypsum board.

Incorporated into the new ASTM C 1396

standard for gypsum board are:
C 36 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard
C 37 Standard Specification for Gypsum Lath
C 79 Standard Specification for Gypsum Sheathing Board
C 442 Standard Specification for Gypsum Backing Board,
Gypsum Coreboard, and Gypsum Shaftliner Board
C 588 Standard Specification for Gypsum Base for
Veneer Plaster
C 630 Standard Specification for Water-Resistant Gypsum
Backing Board
C 931 Standard Specification for Exterior Gypsum
Soffit Board
C 960 Standard Specification for Predecorated
Gypsum Board
C 1395 Standard Specification for Gypsum Ceiling Board

Although these specifications have all now been

incorporated into the one umbrella specification,
it's important to note that no technical changes
have been made to any of the individual specifi-
cations. “We didn't change any of the individual
product properties,” says Keith Poerschke, chair-
man on the ASTM Committee C11 on Gypsum
and Related Building Materials and Systems.
“We've simply assembled them all into one
ASTM C 1396 is the new umbrella document.”

E
standard for most gypsum board ffective December 1, 2004, gypsum board
specifications. should now be specified using ASTM C Poerschke notes, however, that one of the rea-
1396, “Standard Specification for Gypsum sons for the umbrella designation is to simplify
Board,” which replaces nine individual standards matters if and when requirements for individual
that previously were used in commercial and resi- product specifications need to be changed to
dential construction. To facilitate the transition reflect evolving materials and manufacturing tech-
from the old standards to this one new all- nologies. Because the former specifications all
encompassing standard, in 1999, the gypsum had staggered document revision schedules, nec-
industry agreed to a five-year phase-in period. essary changes were sometimes applied to one
Architecture Magazine During that time, product labels and literature specification but not to another until a later time.
Continuing Education featured dual labels that included both the new
To take the quiz and earn 1 standard and the original specification number.
AIA/CES Learning Unit (LU) of
Learning Objectives
health, safety, and welfare go to That five-year transition period ended last This article covers the new ways architects will
www.architecturemag.com, click
December, and now specifiers should use the specify gypsum board and the key differences
on “Continuing Ed,” and proceed
new C 1396 designation in all instances that it between various types of gypsum board for commer-
to “ASTM Changes in How to
applies, as well as write in the specific name of cial and residential applications.
Specify Gypsum Products” or turn
to page 88. You must answer 70% the type of gypsum board they are specifying. Key points include:
of the questions correctly to Building codes also now reflect the new standard • The new ASTM standard and the standards that have
receive credit for this course. This and, at press time, most of the previous stan- been replaced
course requires online reading in dards have successfully been balloted for • Common characteristics of all gypsum board products
addition to the following article in withdrawal from ASTM, which will completely • Characteristics and applications of different types of
order to be able to take the quiz. remove those standards from use. gypsum board
See page 88 for details. • Additional changes to standards and documents related
to specifying gypsum board

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 85

 CONTINUING EDUCATION SERIES

ASTM Changes in How

to Specify Gypsum Products
FIGURE A.
Gypsum Ceiling insulating barrier. Increased fire resistance is
Board
available with products that have a Type X
Gypsum Shaftliner Board or Type C core (see “Enhanced Fire
Gypsum Wallboard Resistance,” far right). These products are
used in establishing fire resistance-rated
Mold-Resistant designs, tested in accordance with ASTM E
Type X Gypsum Board 119, “Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests
of Building Construction and Materials.”
These designs are specified when fire
resistance-rated walls and floors/ceilings
are required in building construction. In
addition, tests conducted in accordance
with ASTM E 84, “Standard Test Method
for Surface Burning Characteristics for
Building Materials,” shows that gypsum
board has a low flame spread index and
Exterior Gypsum
Soffit Board smoke density index.
Water-Resistant Sound Attenuation: Gypsum board wall
Gypsum Backer Board and ceiling systems effectively control
(greenboard)
Gypsum sound transmission in residences and com-
Sheathing Board
mercial structures.
Durability and Versatility: Gypsum board
is used to construct high-quality walls and
“Now if we make changes, it will only be to combustible core—gypsum—with a paper ceilings with excellent dimensional stability
the one document,” says Poerschke, surfacing on the face, back, and long and durability. It's adaptable to all forms of
“which will ensure consistency throughout edges. decoration, with surfaces that are easily
all the applicable gypsum products.” decorated and surfaced.
Gypsum is a mineral naturally found in sed- Availability and Economy: Gypsum board
In addition, the change simplifies product imentary rock formations in a crystalline is relatively available and easy to apply.
labeling from the manufacturer. In a sense, form called calcium sulfate dihydrate, and it Found naturally throughout the world, gyp-
it also simplifies the job of the specifier in is found in all parts of the world. The gyp- sum deposits are virtually unlimited in the
that there is only one number to remember sum rock is mined or quarried, then Northern Hemisphere. In the United States,
for most gypsum board products. However, crushed and ground into a fine powder. It's it's found in two principle belts, one start-
the specifier must still be familiar with the then heated, in a process called “calcina- ing in southwest Texas and running all the
different types of products and specify tion,” until three-quarters of the moisture way to the Niagara River in New York State,
exactly which product is called for in a content has evaporated. Water and other and the other starting in the Imperial Valley
given situation. “Someone can't simply additives are then added back into the cal- in California and fanning out into Utah, with
specify 'gypsum board complying with C cined gypsum and fed between continuous a thin extension into Montana. There are
1396,' “ says Poerschke, “because that layers of paper on a board machine. The also smaller belts, and several million tons
could be any number of products. The cor- calcined gypsum rehydrates and reverts to a year are mined in Canada's Nova Scotia
rect specification still has to indicate exactly its original rock state, with the paper bind- and in Mexico. More than 34 billion square
which kind of product, such as 'gypsum ing to the core. feet of gypsum board are manufactured in
wallboard complying with C 1396' or the United States yearly.
'exterior gypsum soffit board complying All types of gypsum board share the fol-
with C 1396.' “ lowing characteristics: Gypsum Board Products
Fire Resistance: Gypsum board is the most Included in the New Standard
Characteristics of All Gypsum Board commonly used interior finish where fire Despite their numerous shared character-
Although there are numerous kinds of gyp- resistance classifications are required. The istics, different types of gypsum board
sum board that can be specified, there are key is its non-combustible core, which con- have different properties that make them
certain characteristics that are true of all tains chemically combined water that is best suited for particular applications.
types of gypsum board. Gypsum board, slowly released as steam under high heat When specifying a gypsum board in
often called drywall, wallboard, or plaster- conditions—thus, retarding heat transfer. accordance with the ASTM C 1396 stan-
board, is the generic name for panel-type Even after all the water has been released, dard, it is essential to indicate the exact
products that consist of the non- gypsum board continues to act as a heat- name of the product along with any possi-

86 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

 CONTINUING EDUCATION SERIES

ble variables for that product, such as blue-tinted face paper that is treated to It is also suitable for use on interior walls.
thickness, enhanced fire resistance, edg- facilitate the adhesion of thin coats of hard,
ing, and so on. high-strength gypsum veneer plaster. It is What's Not Included
typically produced in sheets that are the ASTM C 1396 includes all paper-faced gyp-
Following is a summary of each of the same width as wallboard. May be manufac- sum board products. However, certain
products now included in the new stan- tured with a fire-resistant core (see sidebar). other gypsum panel products still maintain
dard, including key characteristics and Water-Resistant Gypsum Backer Board: their own specifications, including fiber
applications of each (see figure A for a Designed to be used as a base for the reinforced gypsum panels (C 1278), glass
visual).
application of ceramic, plastic, and other mat gypsum substrate for use as sheathing
Gypsum Wallboard: Designed for use on non-absorbent tile in dry areas or areas (C 1177), and glass mat water-resistant gyp-
walls, ceilings, or partitions and affords a with limited water exposure, such as walls sum backing panel (C 1178).
surface suitable to receive decoration. in bath, kitchen, and laundry areas. It is
Consisting of a non-combustible core, commonly referred to as “greenboard”
essentially gypsum, surfaced with face because of its green-tinted face paper and
paper bonded to the core, it is manufac- is suitable for decoration. Consists of a
tured in a variety of thicknesses, and may non-combustible water-resistant core,
be mold/mildew-resistant and/or moisture- essentially gypsum, surfaced on both the
resistant, may be vapor-retardant, and may back and face with water-repellant paper
be flexible for use in radius wall and ceiling bonded to the core.
construction. Also available with enhanced Exterior Gypsum Soffit Board: Designed
fire resistance (see sidebar at right). for use on the underside of exterior soffits,
Gypsum Lath: Designed for use as a base carport ceilings, eaves, and canopies that
for the application of gypsum plaster (not are indirectly exposed to the weather and
gypsum veneer plaster). It is typically manu- completely protected from contact with liq-
factured in sheets that are 16 inches wide uid water. It has a water-repellant face and
with absorbent facing paper to improve back paper, typically a light brown, and is
adhesion of gypsum plaster. It is available more sag-resistant than regular wallboard.
in two thicknesses and may be manufac- It may be manufactured with enhanced fire
tured with a vapor-retardant backing. resistance (see sidebar).
Gypsum Sheathing Board: Designed for Predecorated Gypsum Wallboard:
use as a sheathing on buildings as a back- Designed for use as the finished surface for
ing under exterior siding or cladding. It walls, ceilings, or partitions and does not Enhanced Fire Resistance
consists of a non-combustible water- require any additional treatment. Consists Because gypsum board is made of a
resistant core, essentially gypsum, surfaced of a non-combustible core, essentially gyp- non-combustible core material, all gyp-
on both the face and back with water- sum, surfaced with paper bonded to the sum board products have a natural fire
repellant paper bonded to the core. It may core with the face covered with a decora- resistance. Gypsum board with a Type X
be manufactured with a square or tongue- tive sheet, film, or coating. Class I core have enhanced fire-resistive prop-
and-groove edge. predecorated gypsum board has a decora- erties created with the addition of glass
Gypsum Backing Board, Coreboard, and tive sheet or film laminated to the face; fibers and vermiculite. (The name was
Shaftliner Board: Designed for use as a Class II predecorated gypsum board has a coined in the 1940s after its develop-
base in multilayer systems or as a gypsum decorative coating applied to the face. ment when the new product was shown
stud or core in semisolid or solid gypsum Available in a variety of thicknesses as both to demonstrate “eXtra” fire
board partitions, or in shaft wall assem- a regular- and fire-resistant core material resistance.)Type X gypsum board pro-
blies. Gypsum backing board is used as a (see sidebar). vides greater fire resistance than
base layer for other gypsum board materi- regular gypsum board of the same
als systems or as a base for dry claddings Gypsum Ceiling Board: Designed for use thickness because the fibers help main-
such as acoustic tile. Gypsum shaftliner is on interior ceilings with framing spaced not tain the integrity of the core as
manufactured with enhanced fire resist- more than 24 inches on center and that shrinkage occurs, providing greater
ance (see sidebar) with an edge affords a surface suitable to receive water- resistance to heat transfer during a fire.
configuration designed to facilitate instal- based texture and other decorations. It has Type C, also called Improved Type X,
lation into specialized stud systems. the same physical appearance as gypsum gypsum board meets all the require-
Gypsum Base for Veneer Plaster: wallboard and is manufactured as a 1/2- ments of Type X, with additional
Designed for use as a base for the applica- inch thick material with a sag-resistance properties to further enhance the fire-
tion of gypsum veneer plaster with a equal to 5/8-inch thick gypsum wallboard. resistive characteristics of the product.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 87

 The following quiz includes questions derived from online material
CONTINUING EDUCATION SERIES not included in this printed article. You are required to read the addi-
tional online material in order to take the quiz and complete this
continuing education unit. Please go to www.architecturemag.com,
click on “Continuing Ed,” and proceed to “ASTM Changes in How to
TEST QUESTIONS Specify Gypsum Products” for the additional information.
1. When did the new standard ASTM C 1396 go into effect?
a. It went into effect in 1999, with all subsequent specifications required to use the 6. What is gypsum?
new standard. a. A mineral found naturally in sedimentary rock formations in a crystalline form.
b. There was a five-year transition period from 1999 to 2004 in which either the new b. A mineral that is able to be heated so that moisture is removed and then
standard or the old standards were acceptable; as of December 1, 2004, the new rehydrated to create a rock state.
standard must be used on all specifications. c. A mineral that is abundant throughout North America.
c. A five-year transition period started in 2004; in 2009, all new specifications must d. All of the above.
use the new standard.
d. It has not yet gone into effect. 7. What is the difference between gypsum wallboard and gypsum sheathing board?
a. Gypsum wallboard is designed for use on interiors and gypsum sheathing board is
2. What is the purpose of ASTM C 1396? designed for use on exteriors.
a. To ensure consistency in all specifications. b. Gypsum sheathing board is designed for commercial use and gypsum wallboard is
b. To make technical changes to gypsum product specifications, effective with the designed for residential use.
introduction of ASTM C 1396. c. Gypsum wallboard is always surfaced with a water-repellent paper bonded to the
c. To eliminate the need for specifiers to understand the differences between the core and gypsum sheathing board is always a flexible face over a type X core.
various gypsum products. d. All of the above.
d. To stagger the document revision schedules.
8. Which of the following is true?
3. What of the following is characteristic of all types of gypsum board? a. Gypsum sheathing board and exterior gypsum soffit board can be used
a. They are all made of a Type X core of gypsum and glass fibers. interchangeably.
b. They all feature a non-combustible core of gypsum. b. Gypsum wallboard is more sag resistant than gypsum ceiling board.
c. Every gypsum board product is appropriate for use on the outside of commercial c. Gypsum wallboard can be specified with several variables, including thickness and
or residential applications. enhanced fire, moisture, and mold resistance.
d. All gypsum board is water-resistant. d. Water-resistant backing board is for exterior use only.

4. Which of the following standards is ASTM C 1396 not intended to replace? 9. Which of these does not now need to be included when specifying gypsum board?
a. Gypsum sheathing board standard a. The standard ASTM C 1396
b. Fire-resistant gypsum sheathing board standard b. The former standard for that particular gypsum board product (e.g., ASTM C 36,
c. Water-resistant gypsum backing board standard ASTM C 37, etc.)
d. Glass mat gypsum substrate for use as sheathing standard c. The exact name of the gypsum board product written out
d. Variables such as thickness, type X core, edging, etc.
5. Which of the following is true about ASTM C 840?
a. Revisions to ASTM C 840 require changes to ASTM C 1396. 10. What needs to be added when specifying enhanced fire-resistant gypsum board?
b. The standard explains procedures for installing and finishing many of the products a. Nothing. All gypsum board has enhanced fire-resistive properties.
included in ASTM C 1396. b. Either “Type X core” or “Type C core.”
c. ASTM C 840 is a new standard, created to go along with ASTM C 1396. c. “Gypsum board with enhanced fire-resistive properties.”
d. A recent change to ASTM C 840 mandated the thickness of gypsum board d. “ASTM C 1832, standard specification for gypsum board with enhanced fire-restric
products for certain applications. tive properties.”

test> 1. a b c d 6. a b c d
2. a b c d 7. a b c d
3. a b c d 8. a b c d
4. a b c d 9. a b c d
®
5. a b c d 10. a b c d
ASTM Changes in How to Specify Gypsum Products
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88 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION