At this year’s Intex Expo, held last week in Nashville, Lafarge announces that it is launching an improved version of its Rapid Deco L5 drywall. Samples of the new version were on display at the annual show.

“Millions of square feet of Rapid Deco L5 gypsum board have been installed successfully since the original product launch in 2004,” said Terry O’Brien, manager of product development and innovation for Lafarge Gypsum. “Now with a new, more consistent quality surface and enhanced cost effectiveness, the appeal of Rapid Deco will spread from typical Level 5 applications to a broader group of projects desiring an enhanced level of finish.”

In addition, the new Rapid Deco will be manufactured at the company’s state-of-the-art plants in Silver Grove, Ky., and Palatka, Fla., which utilize 100-percent synthetic gypsum, and at the Buchanan, N.Y. plant beginning next year. This allows the product to contribute to the attainment of LEED credits for both the Recycled Materials credit (MR 4.1 & 4.2) and the Regional Materials credit (MR 5.1 & 5.2).

“The Rapid Deco system, now sold in 6 other countries, has shown Lafarge’s ability to utilize our international technical expertise and develop innovative products which can bring value to our customers around the world,” said Stephen DeMay, vice president of sales.