ToughRock® Gypsum Board
ToughRock® gypsum board is an interior drywall material used for walls and ceilings in new construction or renovation work. It attaches directly to wood and metal framing or existing surfaces using screws, nails or adhesive.
Boards are available in 3/8", 1/4" and 1/2" thicknesses; 4’ wide and in lengths ranging from 8’-16’. A popular 54" wide (1370mm) board is also available which is an ideal wallboard for interior spaces with 9’ ceilings.
ToughRock® gypsum board has a noncombustible (as described and tested in accordance with ASTM E 136), dimensionally stable, gypsum core. Facings and edge tapes are 100% recycled paper. The side to be finished and the long edges of the drywall are ivory. The back face is grey. The long edges are tapered and the ends of the wallboard are square cut.
These products are GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified® and GREENGUARD Children & Schoolssm Certified for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Get Support for Gypsum Products
E-mail us or call the Technical Hotline 1-800-225-6119.
Para la información en español, envíenos un mensaje por correo electrónico o llámenos a la Linea de Asistencia Amiga 1-866-280-7379.
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Q:
Can I use gypsum board in ceilings at 24" o.c. support?
A:
According to the Gypsum Association publication GA-216, gypsum board could be applied
in a ceiling framed 24" o.c. provided the board length is at right angles to
the framing members. When a water-based texture is to be applied, the maximum spacing
for traditional 1/2" gypsum board is 16" o.c. The excessive amount of
water in the texture could cause the board to sag.
We always advise our customers to use either 5/8" board, ToughRock® CD®
ceiling board, or 1/2" ToughRock Light & Strong in such applications. Once
the board sags, it is much more expensive to replace than to use the right product
initially. Sag in the ceilings of new homes is a common complaint. Most often, research
reveals it is not the board but job site conditions that cause the board to sag.
Propane heaters combined with poor ventilation cause build-up of moisture in the
house. A non-insulated (poly sheet) vapor barrier in the plenum also could cause
the board to sag. The water in the texture evaporates through the board and into
the plenum. If the vapor barrier has not been installed prior to texture painting,
the water vapor condenses against this surface and drips back onto the board.
Q:
What should we do if the gypsum board gets wet?
A:
According to the Gypsum Association publication GA-231, gypsum board should not
be allowed to get wet; it should be covered if stored outside. However, there are
situations where the board could get wet in transportation/storage or installed
in-place. If the board gets wet in an installed in-place situation, first remove
the sources of moisture. Lay the board on a flat surface and allow it to dry out
thoroughly. Once the board is dry, examine it for paper-to-core bond failure, mold
and mildew growth, nail pops and sag (in the case of ceilings). Paper-to-core bond
failure and board sag are irreversible damages and the board should be replaced.
Mold can be cleaned using vinegar and water solution or alternates (use care when
using bleach or chlorine solutions). For nail pops, place a fastener an inch above
or below any popped-up nail.
Q:
Should gypsum board be installed vertically or horizontally?
A:
While gypsum boards are stronger in one direction, they may be installed either
vertically or horizontally on wood or steel studs. If the boards are to be used
in a fire rated assembly then use the board orientation that is stated in your specific
rated assembly.
Q:
How often is a control joint required?
A:
The requirement for ceilings and walls is the same. A control joint should be installed
every 30 feet when there is not perimeter relief. When there is perimeter relief,
control joints can be installed every 50 feet.
