Gypsum board systems can either be non-rated or rated for fire, sound or shear resistance. The joint tolerances in gypsum board systems rated for fire, sound or shear resistance need to be tighter than the joint tolerances in non-rated systems. In total, higher levels of expected performance require higher levels of precision in construction.
However, whether one is installing a fire-rated, sound-attenuating or unrated system, joints between boards or panels must comply with the basic parameters established in "GA-216, Application and Finishing of Gypsum Panel Products" or "ASTM C 840, Standard Specification for Application and Finishing of Gypsum Board." These documents define the fundamental criteria for application of interior gypsum board and gypsum panel products and in so doing establish the following basic rules for joints between panels: