Exterior wall assemblies play a critical role in protecting residential buildings and the people who occupy them. As part of a complete wall system, Glass Mat Gypsum Sheathing offers proven performance attributes that support fire resistance, sound control, and overall resilience in residential construction.
Gypsum is a safe, abundant, and naturally fire-resistant mineral that serves as the primary core constituent of all gypsum panel types. Thanks to these fundamental characteristics, gypsum panels have been used throughout residential construction, most commonly for interior walls and ceilings for more than a century.
Fire Performance in Exterior Wall Assemblies
In fire-rated assemblies, Glass Mat Gypsum Sheathing is installed in accordance with tested and listed designs contained in the Gypsum Association's Fire Resistance and Sound Control Design Manual (GA-600). These assemblies are designed to slow the spread of fire and provide critical protection for occupants, particularly in applications where fire-resistance requirements are established by building codes or adopted local standards.
Glass Mat Gypsum Sheathing complies with ASTM C1177 and is recognized by both the International Building Code and the International Residential Code as an exterior gypsum sheathing material. Its use in fire-resistive exterior wall systems is supported by tested assemblies and evaluation reports that define installation parameters and performance expectations.
Supporting Quieter, More Comfortable Living Spaces
In addition to fire performance, gypsum panels contribute to sound control when used as part of a complete wall assembly. Gypsum panels display consistent material performance and structural strength, allowing them to be used on both the inner and outer faces of exterior walls. When gypsum board is attached to the interior face of an outside wall, it increases the performance of the assembly, including its ability to limit the transmission of sound between spaces.
This sound-dampening capability supports quieter, more comfortable residential and multifamily environments, particularly in dwellings where exterior noise or adjacent living spaces are a concern.
Resilient Performance as Part of the Building Envelope
Used in combination with code-compliant detailing, tested assemblies, and proper installation practices, gypsum panels provide a reliable foundation for exterior residential walls. Gypsum is the right choice to support fire safety, sound control, and long-term durability in a complete building envelope.
Its enhanced gypsum core and glass fiber facers provide protection against moisture exposure while remaining vapor permeable and mold resistant.