NGConnects by National Gypsum Company

Renovation contractors working with homeowners on kitchen or bathroom projects frequently hear concerns about the potential for water damage. Requests for waterproof shower enclosures have become common, even when the building code doesn't require waterproof shower enclosures. PermaBASE Building Products, LLC, an affiliate of National Gypsum Company, expanded its product line with PermaBASE WP® Wa...

As the demand for AI, cloud services and streaming skyrockets, data center construction has become one of the fastest-growing sectors. However, these facilities present a high-stakes balancing act: They must be sustainable and quiet yet incredibly fire resistant and built at record speed. Listen or watch Tim Hessert, vice president of sales at National Gypsum Company, talk with host Chris Whitmire...

When constructing commercial buildings, stakeholders often focus on the steel frame, the glass facade or the foundation, but the walls inside are just as critical to a project's success. Making the right choice about gypsum board — also known as drywall — can be the difference between a successful project and one plagued by delays, budget overruns and long-term issues. Listen or watch Jessica Jano...

A day doesn't pass without an architect reaching out to the 1-800-NATIONAL® Construction Services team or the National Gypsum regional Construction Design Managers for assistance with acoustic wall assemblies. That's why returning guests, Sam Halverson and Scott Hughes, joined host Chris Whitmire to discuss the six variables that affect STC ratings.  Listeners will learn:  The science of sound wav...

Buildings such as data centers, distribution facilities, big box retailers, schools and hospitals contain precious lives and expensive equipment. The roof system is essential to protecting these assets from everyday service traffic and wind pressures to extreme weather events such as hail, hurricanes and tornadoes. Hard roof coverboards offer numerous benefits that enhance the durability, safety a...

Plus, meet the new EVOLVE family of sustainable gypsum boards and learn its role in lowering a project's embodied carbon Whether it's a project seeking LEED status, an architectural firm participating in the AIA 2030 Commitment or a construction company aiming to achieve carbon reduction goals, sustainability documentation such as Environmental Product Declarations and Health Product Declarations...

Understand these critical life safety systems to avoid costly installation errors The gypsum board shaftwall system was first implemented in 1973 to accommodate increasingly tall buildings and was first used in the World Trade Center. Shaftwall assemblies enclose all manner of shafts: elevators, stairs, trash chutes and ventilation ducts to name a few. They are designed to prevent fire from spread...

When specifying gypsum board for commercial projects, it is important to differentiate between abuse-resistant and impact-resistant types to ensure the contractor selects the correct board. Otherwise, the building owner may experience unexpected damage, resulting in callbacks and repairs. Listeners will learn:  The difference between standard, abuse-resistant and impact-resistant gypsum boards How...

Understanding the different levels of gypsum board finishes is crucial for achieving the desired look and durability in any construction project. While the five levels of finish build each upon the next to create smoother and more refined surfaces, this podcast explores what separates the two highest-quality finishes: Level 4 and Level 5. Listeners will learn: The requirements for Level 0–5 drywal...

Noise pollution can have harmful effects on human health, ranging from simple annoyance and distraction to increased blood pressure and stress.* Effectively reducing the distance sound can travel is critical to creating pleasant spaces where people live, work and play. The first step toward designing quality acoustical assemblies is understanding the differences between Sound Transmission Class (S...

Area separation walls in multifamily wood-frame construction are an essential part of designing safety into the structure. They give residents time to escape during a fire and are designed and constructed to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent units. Construction Services Manager Sam Halverson explains the technical details of area separation walls with National Gypsum Director of Product...

Specifying continuous insulation has become common as communities adopt more current versions of the International Energy Conservation Code. At the same time, current exterior design trends for commercial, multifamily and mixed-use retail/residential favor mixed-material facades which break up storefronts and lend a scaled down neighborhood feel. Combining veneers — thin brick, thin stone, stucco...

What is the difference between Type X and Type C gypsum board and when should you use each? Chris Whitmire, director of product marketing at National Gypsum Company, sits down with Mark Chapman, senior manager of the 1-800-NATIONAL ® Construction Services team, to discuss the nuances between these types of gypsum board and how to best use them in fire-rated assemblies.  Listeners will learn: How T...