Building materials that combine durability, code compliance, and performance are key to the integrity of residential buildings and for the safety of the people who occupy them. Glass Mat Gypsum Sheathing is a dependable, cost-effective material for residential builders that consistently adheres to a wide range of the most stringent codes and standards.
Its fully fire-resistant construction meets the highest industry benchmarks, while its acoustic performance ensures that walls and ceilings meet sound transmission requirements. Offering enhanced protection from outside elements like mold and moisture, Glass Mat Gypsum Sheathing ensures compliance while creating a safer, quieter, more comfortable space.
Fire Performance: Meeting the Highest Standards
Glass Mat Gypsum Sheathing is manufactured to the ASTM C1177/C1177M standard and is an attractive product for regions with heightened wildfire risk, notably where requirements of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) are followed. Glass Mat Gypsum Sheathing facilitates compliance with Chapter 5 performance requirements.
The IWUIC is often modified on the local and state level as well, and some jurisdictions now require a fully IWUIC-compliant structure to be built with a tested fire-rated exterior wall system. For jurisdictions that require fully fire-rated exterior walls, fire-resistive designs are available.
Many construction professionals have found a solution in gypsum: a safe, abundant, and naturally fire-resistant mineral. It is the primary core constituent of all gypsum panel products. This inherent fire resistance is why gypsum panels are the premier building material for wall, ceiling, and partition systems in residential, institutional, and commercial structures.
Meeting Sound Transmission Requirements
Glass Mat Gypsum Panels also contribute to sound control when used as part of a complete wall assembly, displaying consistent material performance and structural strength. This allows them to be used on both the inner and outer faces of exterior walls. Gypsum assemblies can be configured to deliver high Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings, especially when combined with insulation, resilient channels, or multiple layers.
Protecting You From the Elements
As part of code-compliant, tested assemblies and when properly installed, gypsum panels provide a dependable foundation for exterior residential walls as well.The panels are engineered to provide a stable base for a variety of different cladding systems, and according to ASTM C1177 “Standard Specification for Gypsum Substrate,” are manufactured to consistent, stringent quality requirements.
ASTM C1177 is referenced in both the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC), which means that builders can specify their materials with confidence knowing they all meet accepted standards for performance and reliability.
Glass Mat Gypsum Sheathing offers a balance of durability, fire and moisture resistance, and structural reliability that makes it well suited for residential exterior applications. Recognized by ASTM standards and model building codes, it supports safe, efficient, and code-compliant construction across diverse climates and project types.