Columns

Tile Backer Rules for Showers and Baths

bfishel@gypsum.org (Brooke Fishel) — Thu, 28 May 2026 09:44:34 -0400

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

Boost Profits with AI Scheduling

Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

AI scheduling tools help contractors quickly adapt to delays, reduce idle time and hidden costs, and keep crews productive, safe and compliant.

Wall and Ceiling Trade Shows Focus on Building Envelope

wyattj@bnpmedia.com (John Wyatt) — Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

Clearance Requirements for Gypsum Panels Near Floors and Grade

bfishel@gypsum.org (Brooke Fishel) — Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Gypsum panel clearance rules protect assemblies from moisture, damage and long-term performance risks.

AI Isn’t Taking Jobs, It’s Creating More Work!

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Still unsure about using AI? W&C Executive Director Jill Bloom explores how testing tools side-by-side can build confidence—and why the bigger challenge may be managing AI-savvy customers.

Sales Leader Amy Tuttle Retires from BNP Media's Walls & Ceilings

wyattj@bnpmedia.com (John Wyatt) — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:11:00 -0400

After nearly three decades with BNP Media, Amy Tuttle retires, leaving a legacy of industry relationships and guiding Walls & Ceilings through major market and technology shifts.

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

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:44:04 -0400

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.

Flooded Drywall: Inspection and Replacement Best Practices

bfishel@gypsum.org (Brooke Fishel) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Guidance on assessing water-damaged drywall, when to replace panels, and safe repair practices.

Own Your 2026: The Ultimate Trade Show Playbook

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Trade shows are one of the smartest ways to grow your business in 2026, and this Convention Companion issue is designed to help you attend with purpose, plan ahead, and make the right connections.

Gypsum Sheathing Explained: Capabilities, Limits, and Common Misconceptions

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

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

bfishel@gypsum.org (Brooke Fishel) — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Why Trade Shows and Conferences Matter More Than Ever for Leadership Growth

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:13:16 -0500

Books provide knowledge but intentional conversations at trade shows and conferences deliver the perspective and context leaders need to grow.

Software Agreement Clauses Wall and Ceiling Contractors Should Revisit

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

As construction operations become increasingly digital, wall and ceiling contractors must carefully review and negotiate software agreements to protect their data, control costs, and reduce legal and operational risk.

The Proper Way to Store Gypsum Panels on Job Sites

bfishel@gypsum.org (Brooke Fishel) — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 09:54:00 -0500

Gypsum panels should be delivered as close to installation as possible and stored indoors in a dry, enclosed, weather-tight area, off the ground on a level platform, with proper support and ventilation, to prevent moisture damage, material loss, and safety hazards.

Mastering Water-Resistive Barriers: Essential Guide for Framed Wall Construction and Building Code Compliance

albert@wwcca.org (Albert Carrillo) — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Water-resistive barriers’ role, building code requirements, ASTM standards and installation best practices for framed wall construction.

How Modern Building Science Is Creating “Frankenstein Walls” — And How to Stop Them

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 14:25:26 -0500

Modern exterior walls have become so complex that mix-and-match components often create untested, unreliable “Frankenstein assemblies,” highlighting the need for coordinated, proven, manufacturer-backed systems.

Write It Down: Why 2026 Starts with Your Pen

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 17:20:30 -0500

Why writing down your goals (and holding yourself accountable) is the simplest, most powerful leadership move you can make heading into 2026.

Beyond the Blueprint: Six AI Solutions Revolutionizing Walls and Ceilings

dataAI@duckercarlisle.com (Fabien Cros) — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:25:25 -0500

Tighter margins, rising material costs and an array of other factors are creating mounting pressure on the walls and ceilings industry to optimize operations to stay competitive.

Why Jobsite Mock-Ups Are Still Essential—Even When Drawings Specify a Level of Finish

bfishel@gypsum.org (Brooke Fishel) — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0500

Even with GA-214-2021 Levels of Finish clearly defined in the drawings, jobsite mock-ups are critical for aligning expectations by showing how finishes actually look under real lighting, decoration, and viewing conditions—and for protecting contractors once work is approved.

Finding Purpose in Uncertain Times

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In times of uncertainty, the construction industry, such as the people who power it, can transform fear into purpose, innovation, and strength.

Why Abolishing OSHA Misses the Point: The Real Problem Behind Overregulation in Workplace Safety

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Despite claims that OSHA is overreaching, the real issue lies in misinterpretation and over-implementation of its standards by employers, contractors, and the growing safety-consulting industry.

Understanding the Differences Between Type X and Type C Gypsum Boards

bfishel@gypsum.org (Brooke Fishel) — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:20:00 -0500

Type C gypsum board is a higher-performance, proprietary version of type X designed for superior fire resistance, so type X generally cannot be substituted when type C is specifically required.

From Detroit to Detained: How a Simple Mistake Spiraled

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

What happened to a friend of mine revealed just how fragile fairness can be — and why it matters more than ever in our industry.

Two Cities That Dared to Impress: Rome’s Ancient Majesty and Las Vegas’s Modern Spectacle

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The awe-inspiring grandeur of ancient Rome and the dazzling innovation of modern Las Vegas, celebrating both as monuments to human ambition and craftsmanship.

Adapting GA-600 Wall Systems for Larger Stud Sizes

bfishel@gypsum.org (Brooke Fishel) — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 11:35:00 -0400

The GA-600-2024 manual confirms that substituting larger studs—such as 2x6 in place of 2x4—does not affect a wall system’s fire rating, provided all other system details remain consistent, though designers should review potential acoustic impacts.

How Contractors Can Manage Punch Lists and Avoid Costly Litigation

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Decades of experience in construction litigation reveal that effective communication and managing punch lists fairly can protect contractors from disputes and financial losses.

How Data and Noncombustible Materials Can Drive a Safer, Sustainable Future

allen@steelframing.org (Don Allen P.E., S.E., LEED A.P.) — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 12:03:22 -0400

After losing his home in the Pacific Palisades fires, Steven Crosby is rebuilding with steel—and joining industry leaders to push for data-driven, fire-resilient construction.

Expect the Unexpected: Safety Beyond the Jobsite Checklist

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Even with detailed safety protocols, wall and ceiling contractors face surprises—from insects to wildlife—that demand preparation and clear emergency plans.

If We Are Healthier, Aren’t We Safer?

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Health is a critical safety issue, and leaders—especially in the trades—should address diet, avoid harmful ingredients like seed oils, and promote wellness to boost energy, clarity, and long-term performance.

One-Coat Stucco: Why?

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 10:26:25 -0400

One-coat stucco, once resisted by plasterers, has evolved into a practical, code-compliant, and energy-efficient alternative to traditional three-coat systems.