Fire resistance - Articles | Walls & Ceilings

Technology News

USG, Subzero Engineering Form Data Center Alliance

Companies launch integrated solutions.

June 3, 2026

USG Mission Critical Solutions and Subzero Engineering have formed an alliance to provide integrated containment systems for data center construction projects.

Specialty Gypsum Panels Expand Building Uses

Specialty gypsum panels improve fire, moisture, sound and impact performance in buildings.

Steve Meima

May 27, 2026

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Explore how specialty gypsum panels improve durability, acoustics, fire safety and design.

A working installing the Ultra HT product from MFM Building Products

MFM Building Products Ultra HT Earns WUI Class A Fire Rating

Ultra HT gains WUI Class A fire approval now.

W&C Staff

May 21, 2026

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MFM adds WUI fire rating for Ultra HT roof.

Editor's Note

Wall and Ceiling Trade Shows Focus on Building Envelope

As the IECC and IBC tighten requirements, interior assemblies are under greater scrutiny—and so is the contractor installing them

John Wyatt

May 1, 2026

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Three major industry events this spring put a spotlight on airtightness, fire resistance and moisture control—scope that now lands squarely on the wall and ceiling contractor.

A product shot of Telling Industries' T-Block

Track Lifts Board, Cuts Moisture Risk Pro from Telling Ind.

Steel shelf track lifts board 2 inches, limiting wicking, boosting fire, sound and install speed gains.

Nikki Mezic

April 23, 2026

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Steel shelf track lifts board 2 inches, limiting wicking, boosting fire, sound and install speed gains.

Up Front: A Walls & Ceilings Editorial Column by Mark Fowler

Gypsum Sheathing Explained: Capabilities, Limits, and Common Misconceptions

Gypsum sheathing is a reliable, code-recognized exterior substrate when used as intended, but misunderstandings about exposure limits and construction sequencing continue to drive preventable jobsite problems.

Mark Fowler

March 25, 2026

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Gypsum sheathing is a reliable, code-recognized exterior substrate when used as intended, but misunderstandings about exposure limits and construction sequencing continue to drive preventable jobsite problems.

Modern Steel Framing

10 Advanced Uses for Cold-Formed Steel Framing

From curved window openings to prefabricated pods and wildfire-resilient housing, contractors are pushing CFS far beyond basic wall assemblies.

Mark Johnson is editor of BuildSteel.org, the voice of the steel framing industry and powered by the Steel Framing Industry Association

Mark L. Johnson

March 13, 2026

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How cold-formed steel (CFS) helps contractors deliver better performance, speed and resilience across today’s most demanding projects.

Dynamic real-world exposure testing (funded by DuPont)

Rethinking Magnesium Oxide (MgO): A Fresh Look at a Proven Building Material

Once known primarily for fire resistance and durability, modern magnesium oxide (MgO) sheathing is now emerging as a reliable, system-level solution that improves thermal performance, reduces thermal bridging and supports today’s high-performance wall designs.

Tim Wilson

March 9, 2026

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Magnesium oxide panels are drawing renewed interest as a durable, fire-resistant alternative to traditional board materials. Advances in manufacturing and performance are prompting contractors and designers to reconsider where MgO fits in modern wall assemblies.

GA Corner

Selecting GA-600 Assemblies: A Practical Guide to STC Targets and Sound Control Tradeoffs

A field-focused overview of how STC ratings are organized in GA-600 and how contractors can filter assemblies by fire rating, acoustic target and constructability to reduce risk and meet performance expectations.

Brooke Fishel

March 1, 2026

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A field-focused overview of how STC ratings are organized in GA-600 and how contractors can filter assemblies by fire rating, acoustic target and constructability to reduce risk and meet performance expectations.

Expanded Metal Ceilings: Strength That Beautifies

Expanded metal ceilings combine strength, visual flexibility, and sustainability, giving architects and designers a high-performance material that elevates both form and function across a wide range of applications.

Manuel E. Menchaca, MBA, is the senior marketing manager for Wallner Expac

Manuel Menchaca

February 20, 2026

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Expanded metal ceilings combine strength, visual flexibility, and sustainability, giving architects and designers a high-performance material that elevates both form and function across a wide range of applications.