New Math for Gypsum Specifications

By Heather McCune, Editorial Director
March 1, 2005
Professional Builder

Notice one less label on gypsum products lately? You will if you haven't already.

The task of specifying gypsum board products just became easier as a single ASTM International reference standard, ASTM C 1396, has replaced eight standards previously used to designate specific gypsum board products for residential and commercial construction. No technical changes have been made to the individual specifications incorporated into C 1396.

Building codes should soon reflect the standard change, and inspectors need to know not to look for C 36, C 37, C 79, C 442, C 630, C 931, C 960 or C 1395 any longer; the five-year dual labeling period expired in December 2004.