Commercial Technical Information

Fossil Creek Drywall Inc. understands not everyone has knowledge of Drywall and Construction terminology and materials. Here is some basic information and tips concerning Commercial Drywall services and materials. We hope you find this information helpful!

Why is Drywall considered Fire Resistant?

Drywall or Gypsum exhibits fire resistance because it is endothermic (absorbs energy in the form of heat). In a natural state, gypsum contains the water of crystallisation bound in the form of hydrates. When exposed to heat or fire, this water is vaporized, retarding heat transfer. Therefore, a fire in one room, which is separated from an adjacent room by a fire-resistance rated drywall assembly, will not cause this adjacent room to get any warmer than the boiling point (100°C) until the water in the gypsum is gone. This makes drywall an invaluable material because it will help save residents and commercial tenants lives in a fire.

Where can I find more information about Fire Ratings and Fire Rated Assemblies?

UL.com Underwriters Laboratories

USG.com

Gypsum.org Gypsum Association

What types of Drywall are available in the US?

Regular White Board

Ranging from 1/4" to 3/4" thickness

Fire-resistant "Type X"

Drywall cut to different thickness and formed into multiple layers of wallboard provide increased fire resistance for home and office walls.

Greenboard

A type of drywall that contains an oil-based additive in the green colored paper covering that provides moisture resistance. It is commonly used in areas expected to experience elevated levels of humidity.

DensShield® Tile Backer

A mold-resistant tile backer board with glass-mat facings and a unique acrylic coating that blocks moisture from entering the wall or floor cavity made by Georgia-Pacific.

Mold-resistant

Paperless drywall from Georgia-Pacific.

Enviroboard

Drywall made from recycled agricultural materials

Foil-backed

Drywall to control moisture in a building or room.

Where can I find Steel Stud Technology Information?

The Steel Stud Manufacturers Association (SSMA) SSMA.com

Finishing Level Definitions

The following finishing level definitions are based on GA-214-96, "Recommended Levels of Gypsum Board Finish," and are intended to provide an industry standard for drywall finishing.

Level 0

Used in temporary construction or wherever the final decoration has not been determined. Unfinished. No taping, finishing or corner beads are required. Also could be used where non-predecorated panels will be used in demountable-type partitions which are to be painted as a final finish.

Level 1

Frequently used in plenum areas above ceilings, in attics, in areas where the assembly would generally be concealed or in building service corridors and other areas not normally open to public view. Some degree of sound and smoke control is provided; in some geographic areas, this level is referred to as "fire-taping," although this level of finish does not typically meet fire-resistant assembly requirements. Where a fire resistance rating is required for the gypsum board assembly, details of construction should be in accordance with reports of fire tests of assemblies that have met the requirements of the fire rating imposed. All joints and interior angles shall have tape embedded in joint compound. Accessories are optional at specifier discretion in corridors and other areas with pedestrian traffic. Tape and fastener heads need not be covered with joint compound. Surface shall be free of excess joint compound. Tool marks and ridges are acceptable.

Level 2

May be used with setting-type compound for areas where water-resistant gypsum backing board, specification ASTM C630, is used as a substrate for tile. It may also be specified for standard gypsum board surfaces in garages, warehouse storage or other similar areas where surface appearance is not of primary importance. All joints and interior angles shall have tape embedded in joint compound and shall be immediately wiped with a joint knife or trowel, leaving a thin coating of joint compound over all joints and interior angles. Fastener heads and accessories shall be covered with a coat of joint compound. Surface shall be free of excess joint compound. Tool marks and ridges are acceptable.

Level 3

Typically used in areas which are to receive heavy texture (spray or hand applied) finishes before final painting, or where commercial-grade (heavy duty) wallcoverings are to be applied as the final decoration. This level of finish should not be used where smooth painted surfaces or where lighter weight wallcoverings are specified. The prepared surface shall be coated with a drywall primer prior to the application of final finishes. All joints and interior angles shall have tape embedded in joint compound and shall be immediately wiped with a joint knife or trowel, leaving a thin coating of joint compound over all joints and interior angles. One additional coat of joint compound shall be applied over all joints and interior angles. Fastener heads and accessories shall be covered with two separate coats of joint compound. All joint compounds shall be smooth and free of tool marks and ridges. The prepared surface shall be covered with a drywall primer prior to the application of the final decoration.

Level 4

This level should be used where residential grade (light duty) wall coverings, flat paints or light textures are to be applied. The prepared surface shall be coated with a drywall primer prior to the application of final finishes. Release agents for wall coverings are specifically formulated to minimize damage if coverings are subsequently removed. The weight, texture and sheen level of the wallcovering material selected should be taken into consideration when specifying wall-coverings over this level of drywall treatment. Joints and fasteners must be sufficiently concealed if the wallcovering material is lightweight, contains limited pattern, has a glossy finish or has any combination of these features. In critical lighting areas, flat paints applied over light textures tend to reduce joint photographing. Gloss, semigloss and enamel paints are not recommended over this level of finish. All joints and interior angles shall have tape embedded in joint compound and shall be immediately wiped with a joint knife or trowel, leaving a thin coating of joint compound over all joints and interior angles. In addition, two separate coats of joint compound shall be applied over all flat joints and one separate coat of joint compound applied over interior angles. Fastener heads and accessories shall be covered with three separate coats of joint compound. All joint compounds shall be smooth and free of tool marks and ridges. The prepared surface shall be covered with a drywall primer prior to the application of the final decoration.

Level 5

The highest quality finish is the most effective method to provide a uniform surface and minimize the possibility of joint photographing and of fasteners showing through the final decoration. This level of finish is required where gloss, semigloss or enamel are specified. or when flat joints are specified over an untextured surface, or where critical lighting conditions occur. The prepared surface shall be coated with a drywall primer prior to the application of final decoration. All joints and interior angles shall have tape embedded in joint compound and immediately wiped with a joint knife or trowel, leaving a thin coating of joint compound over all joints and interior angles. Two separate coats of joint compound shall be applied over all flat joints and one separate coat of joint compound applied over interior angles. Fastener heads and accessories shall be covered with three separate coats of joint compound. A thin skim coat of joint compound shall be trowel applied to the entire surface. Excess compound is immediately sheared off, leaving a film or skim coating of compound completely covering the paper. As an alternative to a skim coat, a material manufactured especially for this purpose may be applied. The surface must be smooth and free of tool marks and ridges. The prepared surface shall be covered with a drywall primer prior to the application of the final decoration. The following matrix helps define the expected appearance of each level and basic requirements for achieving that level. Additional guidelines are offered for meeting the specified finish level using SHEETROCK Brand products and application techniques.

For more information about Drywall Products and Manufacturers please visit:

We are happy to answer any other questions by Contacting Us.


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Fossil Creek Drywall, Inc. (970)461-8307 Employment Opportunities Loveland Chamber of Commerce	Commercial Technical Information Fossil Creek Drywall Inc. understands not everyone has knowledge of Drywall and Construction terminology and materials. Here is some basic information and tips concerning Commercial Drywall services and materials. We hope you find this information helpful! Why is Drywall considered Fire Resistant? Drywall or Gypsum exhibits fire resistance because it is endothermic (absorbs energy in the form of heat). In a natural state, gypsum contains the water of crystallisation bound in the form of hydrates. When exposed to heat or fire, this water is vaporized, retarding heat transfer. Therefore, a fire in one room, which is separated from an adjacent room by a fire-resistance rated drywall assembly, will not cause this adjacent room to get any warmer than the boiling point (100°C) until the water in the gypsum is gone. This makes drywall an invaluable material because it will help save residents and commercial tenants lives in a fire. Where can I find more information about Fire Ratings and Fire Rated Assemblies? UL.com Underwriters Laboratories USG.com Gypsum.org Gypsum Association What types of Drywall are available in the US? Regular White Board Ranging from 1/4" to 3/4" thickness Fire-resistant "Type X" Drywall cut to different thickness and formed into multiple layers of wallboard provide increased fire resistance for home and office walls. Greenboard A type of drywall that contains an oil-based additive in the green colored paper covering that provides moisture resistance. It is commonly used in areas expected to experience elevated levels of humidity. DensShield® Tile Backer A mold-resistant tile backer board with glass-mat facings and a unique acrylic coating that blocks moisture from entering the wall or floor cavity made by Georgia-Pacific. Mold-resistant Paperless drywall from Georgia-Pacific. Enviroboard Drywall made from recycled agricultural materials Foil-backed Drywall to control moisture in a building or room. Where can I find Steel Stud Technology Information? The Steel Stud Manufacturers Association (SSMA) SSMA.com Finishing Level Definitions The following finishing level definitions are based on GA-214-96, "Recommended Levels of Gypsum Board Finish," and are intended to provide an industry standard for drywall finishing. Level 0 Used in temporary construction or wherever the final decoration has not been determined. Unfinished. No taping, finishing or corner beads are required. Also could be used where non-predecorated panels will be used in demountable-type partitions which are to be painted as a final finish. Level 1 Frequently used in plenum areas above ceilings, in attics, in areas where the assembly would generally be concealed or in building service corridors and other areas not normally open to public view. Some degree of sound and smoke control is provided; in some geographic areas, this level is referred to as "fire-taping," although this level of finish does not typically meet fire-resistant assembly requirements. Where a fire resistance rating is required for the gypsum board assembly, details of construction should be in accordance with reports of fire tests of assemblies that have met the requirements of the fire rating imposed. All joints and interior angles shall have tape embedded in joint compound. Accessories are optional at specifier discretion in corridors and other areas with pedestrian traffic. Tape and fastener heads need not be covered with joint compound. Surface shall be free of excess joint compound. Tool marks and ridges are acceptable. Level 2 May be used with setting-type compound for areas where water-resistant gypsum backing board, specification ASTM C630, is used as a substrate for tile. It may also be specified for standard gypsum board surfaces in garages, warehouse storage or other similar areas where surface appearance is not of primary importance. All joints and interior angles shall have tape embedded in joint compound and shall be immediately wiped with a joint knife or trowel, leaving a thin coating of joint compound over all joints and interior angles. Fastener heads and accessories shall be covered with a coat of joint compound. Surface shall be free of excess joint compound. Tool marks and ridges are acceptable. Level 3 Typically used in areas which are to receive heavy texture (spray or hand applied) finishes before final painting, or where commercial-grade (heavy duty) wallcoverings are to be applied as the final decoration. This level of finish should not be used where smooth painted surfaces or where lighter weight wallcoverings are specified. The prepared surface shall be coated with a drywall primer prior to the application of final finishes. All joints and interior angles shall have tape embedded in joint compound and shall be immediately wiped with a joint knife or trowel, leaving a thin coating of joint compound over all joints and interior angles. One additional coat of joint compound shall be applied over all joints and interior angles. Fastener heads and accessories shall be covered with two separate coats of joint compound. All joint compounds shall be smooth and free of tool marks and ridges. The prepared surface shall be covered with a drywall primer prior to the application of the final decoration. Level 4 This level should be used where residential grade (light duty) wall coverings, flat paints or light textures are to be applied. The prepared surface shall be coated with a drywall primer prior to the application of final finishes. Release agents for wall coverings are specifically formulated to minimize damage if coverings are subsequently removed. The weight, texture and sheen level of the wallcovering material selected should be taken into consideration when specifying wall-coverings over this level of drywall treatment. Joints and fasteners must be sufficiently concealed if the wallcovering material is lightweight, contains limited pattern, has a glossy finish or has any combination of these features. In critical lighting areas, flat paints applied over light textures tend to reduce joint photographing. Gloss, semigloss and enamel paints are not recommended over this level of finish. All joints and interior angles shall have tape embedded in joint compound and shall be immediately wiped with a joint knife or trowel, leaving a thin coating of joint compound over all joints and interior angles. In addition, two separate coats of joint compound shall be applied over all flat joints and one separate coat of joint compound applied over interior angles. Fastener heads and accessories shall be covered with three separate coats of joint compound. All joint compounds shall be smooth and free of tool marks and ridges. The prepared surface shall be covered with a drywall primer prior to the application of the final decoration. Level 5 The highest quality finish is the most effective method to provide a uniform surface and minimize the possibility of joint photographing and of fasteners showing through the final decoration. This level of finish is required where gloss, semigloss or enamel are specified. or when flat joints are specified over an untextured surface, or where critical lighting conditions occur. The prepared surface shall be coated with a drywall primer prior to the application of final decoration. All joints and interior angles shall have tape embedded in joint compound and immediately wiped with a joint knife or trowel, leaving a thin coating of joint compound over all joints and interior angles. Two separate coats of joint compound shall be applied over all flat joints and one separate coat of joint compound applied over interior angles. Fastener heads and accessories shall be covered with three separate coats of joint compound. A thin skim coat of joint compound shall be trowel applied to the entire surface. Excess compound is immediately sheared off, leaving a film or skim coating of compound completely covering the paper. As an alternative to a skim coat, a material manufactured especially for this purpose may be applied. The surface must be smooth and free of tool marks and ridges. The prepared surface shall be covered with a drywall primer prior to the application of the final decoration. The following matrix helps define the expected appearance of each level and basic requirements for achieving that level. Additional guidelines are offered for meeting the specified finish level using SHEETROCK Brand products and application techniques. For more information about Drywall Products and Manufacturers please visit: Georgia-Pacific Building Products GP.com Gypsum Association Online Library Gypsum.og/download.html Underwriters Laboratories UL.com Gypsum Products Gypsumproducts.com We are happy to answer any other questions by Contacting Us.

Fossil CreekDrywall, Inc.(970)461-8307