building codes - Page 1 | Walls & Ceilings

GA Corner

Tile Backer Rules for Showers and Baths

GA-216-2024 explains approved gypsum panels, fastening, and tile substrate rules.

Brooke Fishel

May 28, 2026

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Learn which gypsum panels are code-approved behind tile in wet bath and shower areas.

An illustration of ClarkDietrich's Rigid Connect

ClarkDietrich Rigid Connectors Earn Certification

The manufacturer gains IAPMO certification for rigid connectors, expanding seismic and blast design data.

May 5, 2026

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ClarkDietrich obtains third-party certification for rigid connectors, expanding design data for blast and seismic applications.

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.

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

Code Isn’t Stone — It’s Process and Judgment

How approved drawings, not just code books, define compliance — and what contractors must document.

Mark Fowler

April 22, 2026

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A real-world dispute reveals a key truth: building code compliance isn’t absolute—approved plans, professional judgment and process ultimately define what meets code on a project.

West-Coast_Eldorado-Stone_European-Ledge-Cottonwood-and-LedgeCut-Birch-and-Sage

Regional Design Trends: Leveraging the ROI of Stone Across the U.S.

How geography and architectural tradition are influencing masonry design.

Sarah Lograsso

April 16, 2026

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Regional design trends are shaping homes nationwide, with manufactured stone veneer offering versatile, high-value solutions that reflect local landscapes, climates, and architectural traditions.

Outdated Engineering Standards Are Putting Lives at Risk Behind Retaining Walls

Aging retaining walls are under growing pressure from extreme weather, exposing hidden flaws and driving the need for proactive inspections, modern standards, and resilience-focused maintenance.

Kyle Tourjé

April 9, 2026

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As extreme rainfall increases hydrostatic pressure on older retaining walls built to outdated drainage and geotechnical standards, the author argues property owners and project teams should shift to proactive pre- and post-storm inspections and advanced diagnostics to catch hidden distress before it becomes a life-safety failure.

Spray Foam vs Traditional Insulation in the South

Comparing performance in heat, humidity, and severe weather conditions

John Wyatt

April 1, 2026

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Fiberglass and cellulose often fall short in Southern climates, while spray foam delivers better air sealing, moisture control, and energy efficiency.

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.

The Blueprint for Innovation Begins with a Universal Language for Building Materials

To unlock efficiency, sustainability and true collaboration in the building industry, we must create and adopt a shared, data-driven language for materials—just as BIM once did for design.

Dave Lemont

March 23, 2026

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To unlock efficiency, sustainability and true collaboration in the building industry, we must create and adopt a shared, data-driven language for materials—just as BIM once did for design.

EIFS in 2026: How Specialty Finishes Are Redefining Exterior Wall Systems

As building codes, owner expectations, and design demands evolve, EIFS with specialty finishes has become the standard exterior wall system in 2026—delivering performance, aesthetics, and total system integration without compromise.

Regi Mendoza

March 20, 2026

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As building codes, owner expectations, and design demands evolve, EIFS with specialty finishes has become the standard exterior wall system in 2026—delivering performance, aesthetics, and total system integration without compromise.