Technology Breakthroughs

Developed by United States

Gypsum Company 1902 - 2002

1902 - United States Gypsum Company Founded

The company was formed in Chicago when 18 independent gypsum mining, calcining, mixing and specialty products companies chose to consolidate operations to improve manufacturing efficiencies and enhance product development.

1903 - Pyrobar Gypsum Partition Tile Introduced

The first non-combustible gypsum tile was developed for use as a plaster base.

1909 - Sackett Plaster Board Co. Purchased

With the purchase of the Sackett Plaster Board Co., USG positioned itself as the leader in gypsum wall technologies. Augustine Sackett, founder of the Sackett Plaster Board Co., invented Sackett Board in 1894. The product, which consisted of alternating layers of gypsum and wool felt, was promoted as the "logical successor to wood and metal lath." It was the early forerunner of modern drywall.

1910 - Folded-Edge Plaster Board

USG developed a way to completely enclose the exposed edges of Sackett Board panels. This made the board more durable and easier to handle and plaster board soon displaced wood lath as the contractor's choice for plaster construction.

1915 - Adamant Board

The fire-resistant properties of USG's Adamant Board (a variation on Sackett Board) made it a popular choice for barracks construction during World War I.

1917 - Sheetrock Brand Gypsum Panels

The first gypsum panel comprised an all-gypsum core with paper facings on both sides.

1922 - Gyplap Sheathing

The first gypsum panel designed for use under exterior sidings.

1924 - USG Joint Cement

The first compound designed for finishing the joints between gypsum panels.

1925 - Cloth Mesh Tape

The first joint tape to seal gypsum board seams.

1928 - Rocklath Plaster Base

A larger (16-inches-by-48-inches) plaster base that was easier to handle and install than the smaller Sackett and Adamant boards.

1929 - Acoustone Ceiling Panels

The first mineral fiber ceiling tile.

1932 - Foil-backed Sheetrock Brand Gypsum Panels

The foil backing enabled drywall panels to serve as vapor retarders.

1937 - Perf-A-Tape Joint Reinforcements

The first perforated drywall tape helped speed installation.

1940 - Beveled-Edge Sheetrock Brand Panels

The first drywall panel with recessed edges allowed for smoother joint finishing.

1949 - Pyrofill Gypsum Concrete

A revolutionary poured gypsum concrete roof deck.

1953 - Sheetrock Ready-Mixed Joint Compound

An innovation that made drywall finishing faster and easier.

1956 - Sheetrock Brand Gypsum Panels, Firecode Core

USG developed the first true Type X wallboard.

1960 - Drywall System for Metal-Framed Construction

Until this time, drywall was only used on residential construction. USG developed a complete system that enabled drywall to be used on steel-framed commercial buildings.

1961 - Resilient Channel Attachment System

This improved the sound performance of gypsum board walls.

1961 - Auratone Ceiling Panels

USG developed a breakthrough technology to create economical ceiling panels with a consistent texture.

1963 - Water-Resistant Sheetrock Brand Gypsum Panels

This innovation made gypsum board practical for use in high-humidity areas.

1963 - Setting-Type Joint Compound

Another key joint compound innovation that enabled faster setting times and higher productivity.

1969 - USG Brand Cavity Shaft Wall System

The first gypsum-based system for enclosing elevator and stair shafts. This system was used on many of the world's tallest buildings, including the Sears Tower in Chicago and the Petronis Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

1973 - Light-Gauge Steel Framing

Another advancement that reduced costs and increased productivity.

1978 - Diamond Veneer Plaster

The first veneer plaster system enabled home and building owners to capture the monolithic look of plaster with reduced material and labor costs.

1982 - Sheetrock Brand Lightweight All Purpose Joint Compound (Plus 3)

A lighter weight joint compound that required one less coat over metal corners.

1983 - Durock Brand Cement Board

Designed for kitchens and baths, this tile backer panel has become the world's best-selling cement board panel.

1988 - Sheetrock Brand First Coat

A high-solids prime coat that eliminated drywall decorating problems such as joint banding and photographing.

1991 - Sheetrock Brand Gypsum Panels, Ultracode Core

A labor-saving innovation that reduced the number of drywall layers required for fire-rated construction.

1992 - Firecode Firestopping Compound

An economical firestopping material that enabled drywall contractors to quickly seal through-penetrations in gypsum board walls.

2000 - Gypsum Fiber Panels

These panels provided superior performance and handling characteristics for exterior sheathing, floor underlayment and wall substrate applications.

2002 - Tuff-Hide Primer-Surfacer

A high-build spray that enables contractors to achieve a (Level 5) gypsum board finish faster and more economically.

2002 - "E+" Sheetrock Brand Enhanced Liner Panels

A high-performance panel that integrates with existing USG cavity shaft wall and area separation wall systems.