Ultra-light Gypsum Panels

USG Corp.

Sheetrock Brand UltraLight Tough Panels are now available across select U.S. markets. A proprietary formulation that delivers reinforced edges to reduce damage during transit, mushroomed edges from delivery, corner damage during handling and blowouts during installation. Improved score-and-snap for square cuts on the job, no rasping required. The line is up to 12 percent lighter than standard lightweight 1/2-inch panels: minimizing wear and tear on equipment, fatigue and strain on crews—especially on ceilings and tall walls. The panels hold up through every stage: loading, stocking, hanging and finishing, ultimately cutting down on waste, callbacks and rework. Lighter boards mean more panels per truckload and fewer deliveries, reducing emissions and energy use without sacrificing strength. For more information, visit usg.com/en-US/p/product/sheetrock-brand-ultralight-tough-panels-141156.

Photo: Airtight Tapes

Air Sealing Tape

Airtight Tapes

The company’s air-sealing solutions bridges the gap between drywall and HVAC systems, ensuring one’s home stays energy-efficient and comfortable. Its unique combination of durable foil duct tape and paper drywall tape offers builders an easy-to-install, long-lasting alternative to traditional caulk and foam sealants. Highly rated by more than 300 U.S. homebuilders, the tape outshines conventional methods, providing unparalleled effectiveness in reducing air leakage and enhancing building performance. For more information, visit airtighttapes.com.

Photo: Muddskip

Joint Compound Additive

Muddskip

This product introduces a one-of-a-kind innovation that transforms any joint compound into a high-performance finishing product, reducing wall-finishing time by 50 percent or more with no sanding required. Its groundbreaking rehydration technology is unlike anything the industry has seen, redefining efficiency, durability and jobsite health. It reduces drying and wait times by 50 to 75 percent, depending on conditions and whether automated or hand tools are used. Its rehydration technology equals no sanding and creates smooth, workable finishes without dust, rework or downtime. The joint compound significantly reduces harmful dust and lowers VOC exposure. Its enhanced mold and mildew resistance extends the life and performance of joint compounds. It features higher tensile strength, increased flexibility, less cracking, and no drag, peeling or delamination. The product features impact resistance when used with the company's finisher and conditioner, which delivers the strongest seams in the industry. With a patented bonding strength, the product can be applied over a wide range of substrates—including concrete, wood, plaster, painted surfaces, and more. For more information, visit muddskip.com.

Photo: CertainTeed Gypsum

Type X Lightweight Drywall

CertainTeed Gypsum

The company has expanded its interior solutions portfolio with the FireLITE Type X Lightweight Drywall Panel. Featuring a non-combustible Type X gypsum core with recycled face and liner papers, the panel delivers up to 4 hours of fire resistance while reducing weight by more than 10 percent compared to standard 5/8-inch Type X drywall. Ideal for commercial projects—including offices, healthcare, and educational facilities—its lighter weight improves jobsite handling and reduces installer fatigue. The panels are GreenGuard Gold certified and compatible with the company’s No-Coat PRO system. Learn more at certainteed.com.

Photo: Horizontal Base Studs LLC

Drywall Stud System Prevents Water Damage

Horizontal Base Studs LLC

StepStuds is a completely new category of metal studs in the construction technology industry designed to lift drywall up off the floor, helping prevent moisture damage during water intrusion and flooding events. Traditional drywall installations often allow panels to sit close to floor-level moisture, leading to wicking, mold, mildew growth, and costly remediation. The product solves this problem with an innovative stud design that creates a raised drywall installation, improved airflow, and built-in drainage, reducing damage and helping eliminate the need for full drywall replacement. It features a horizontal base stud installed at floor level that lifts drywall away from moisture sources, keeping it dry and protected. The system includes a pre-punched drain hole design on both top and bottom short edges, allowing water to exit more efficiently, and a pre-punched air vent system that promotes ventilation behind the wall to help prevent mold and mildew. For product details, availability, and specifications, visit stepstuds.com.

Photo: CEMCO

Fire-rated Wall Mount

CEMCO

The company’s Super Seal-X is a fire rated wall mount deflection bead that provides 1- and 2-hour fire-ratings for both dynamic and static per UL-2079 5th edition (for both standard walls and shaft walls). Its features include:

• Provides BOTH 1- and 2-hour fire ratings in ONE profile
• Provides an L-rating less than 1 CFM/linear feet for ambient and 400 degrees Fahrenheit
• Is installed fully cured, is not affected by water
• Ideal for vertical tie-ins to dissimilar material or substrates
• Will stay flexible for the life of the assembly

For more information, visit hunterpanels.com.

Photo: PABCO Gypsum

Impact Resistant Panel

PABCO Gypsum

The company’s Impact Resistant panel protects against abrasion, indentation, impact, fire, mold and moisture. The panel is ideal for high-traffic areas, such as schools and hospitals where interior walls require higher durability. It also incorporates MOLD CURB Plus technology for mold and moisture resistance. The panel is manufactured with a proprietary high-density, Type X core incorporating embedded fiberglass mesh to further enhance impact resistance. The core is encased in 100-percent recycled heavy mold and moisture-resistant facing and backing paper. It installs just like regular drywall in both new and retrofit construction. For more information, visit pabcogypsum.com.

Photo: G-P Gypsum

Mold-Guard Gypsum Board

G-P Gypsum

ToughRock Mold-Guard Gypsum Board as a mold-resistant interior panel for moisture-prone environments. The paper-faced gypsum boards are available in common residential and light commercial dimensions, including 1/2-inch thickness and 4-foot by 8-foot lengths, allowing contractors to integrate the product into conventional wood or steel stud wall systems without changes to typical hanging and finishing practices. For drywall crews, the product is positioned as a direct substitute for standard gypsum board where increased mold resistance is desired within conditioned interior spaces. While these boards are not intended to replace cement board or other tile backer systems in direct water exposure, they can help improve durability of interior wall assemblies in high-humidity but non-wet applications. Common installation considerations include maintaining proper jobsite moisture control, ventilation and building envelope performance, since mold resistance in gypsum board does not eliminate the need to manage bulk water or persistent condensation within wall cavities. For more information, visit buildgp.com/product/toughrock-mold-guard-gypsum-board.