National Gypsum Walls & Finishes
National Gypsum Company
Cement Board
National Gypsum PermaBase® BRAND cement board provides an exceptionally hard, durable surface that is able to withstand prolonged exposure to moisture.
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Product Summary
Construction and Materials
This product from National Gypsum Company falls within the Walls & Finishes category, specifically as a type of backerboard. These products are designed for use as underlayment and substrate in various construction applications, particularly in areas prone to moisture.
The construction of these backerboards typically involves a core material designed for stability and moisture resistance, faced with materials that provide a suitable surface for finishes. While specific details on construction for every product within the "Walls & Finishes (Tile Backerboard, Cement Board, Backerboard Underlayment, Insulated Cement Board)" category are not universally uniform across all offerings, common characteristics can be inferred from the product types listed.
Materials Used:
- Cement Board: This type of backerboard is primarily composed of cementitious materials, including Portland cement, aggregate (like sand or perlite), and often reinforcing fibers (such as fiberglass). This composition makes it highly resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew, which is crucial for applications behind tile in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
- Gypsum Core (for some backerboards): Certain backerboards, especially those designed for drywall applications or as a substrate for other finishes, may utilize a gypsum core. These are often treated or coated to enhance moisture resistance, differentiating them from standard drywall.
- Facing Materials: The core material is typically faced with a reinforcing mesh, often fiberglass, embedded in a cementitious coating. This facing provides strength, dimensional stability, and a surface that accepts thin-set mortar or other adhesives effectively.
- Insulation (for Insulated Cement Board): For insulated cement board products, an additional layer of insulation is incorporated into the construction. This insulation is typically a rigid foam core, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS), sandwiched between cementitious facings. This provides both a substrate for finishes and thermal insulation.
The primary function of these backerboards is to provide a stable, durable, and moisture-resistant substrate for finishing materials like tile, stone, or other wall coverings. Their construction is engineered to prevent the transfer of moisture to underlying building structures, thereby mitigating the risk of mold growth and structural damage.
Features and Benefits
National Gypsum Company offers a comprehensive range of specialized backerboard solutions designed to provide a robust and reliable foundation for tile installations and other demanding wall and floor applications. These products are engineered to deliver exceptional performance in moisture-prone areas, ensuring the longevity and integrity of your finished surfaces.
Durock® Cement Board
Durock Cement Board is a premier choice for builders and contractors seeking superior performance and durability. Composed of Portland cement, aggregate, and water-repellent additives, it offers excellent resistance to moisture and mold, making it ideal for wet areas such as bathrooms, showers, and kitchens. Its high density and inorganic composition provide a stable and strong substrate that won't rot, swell, or degrade over time, even in high-humidity environments.
- Feature: Moisture and mold resistant composition.
Benefit: Prevents the growth of mold and mildew, promoting healthier indoor environments and protecting the structural integrity of the wall or floor. - Feature: High density and inorganic materials.
Benefit: Creates a stable and durable substrate that won't warp, swell, or degrade, ensuring a long-lasting tile installation. - Feature: Excellent adhesion for thin-set mortars.
Benefit: Provides a secure bonding surface for tile and stone, minimizing the risk of cracking or delamination. - Feature: Easy to cut and install.
Benefit: Simplifies the construction process, saving time and labor costs on the job site.
PermaBase® Cement Board
PermaBase Cement Board is another high-performance option from National Gypsum, offering exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to moisture. It is a versatile product suitable for a wide range of applications, including interior and exterior walls, floors, and countertops. PermaBase is known for its consistent quality and ease of use, making it a trusted choice for professional installations.
- Feature: Enhanced density for superior strength.
Benefit: Provides a robust and stable base for heavy tiles and demanding applications, ensuring a durable finish. - Feature: Resists moisture, mold, and mildew.
Benefit: Protects against water damage and the proliferation of harmful microorganisms, crucial for wet areas and long-term performance. - Feature: Smooth, uniform surface.
Benefit: Offers an excellent base for thin-set mortars and other adhesives, leading to superior tile adhesion and a professional-looking installation. - Feature: Available in various thicknesses.
Benefit: Allows for flexibility in project design and application requirements.
Durock® Brand X (Insulated Cement Board)
Durock Brand X Insulated Cement Board combines the benefits of cement board with integrated rigid foam insulation. This innovative product offers a continuous insulation solution that enhances energy efficiency while providing a stable, moisture-resistant substrate for tile. It is particularly beneficial for applications where thermal performance is a key consideration, such as exterior cladding, EIFS systems, and interior walls in energy-conscious construction.
- Feature: Integrated rigid foam insulation.
Benefit: Improves thermal performance, reducing heat transfer and contributing to energy savings. - Feature: Cement board substrate.
Benefit: Offers a strong, durable, and moisture-resistant surface for tile and other finishes. - Feature: Simplifies installation.
Benefit: Combines two building components into one, streamlining the construction process and reducing labor. - Feature: Suitable for interior and exterior use.
Benefit: Provides versatility for a range of construction projects.
Core Advantages:
- Moisture and Mold Resistance: National Gypsum's backerboard products are specifically designed to withstand high moisture environments, preventing costly damage and promoting healthier living spaces.
- Durability and Strength: The dense, inorganic composition ensures a stable and robust substrate that can support heavy tiles and endure the stresses of daily use, leading to long-lasting installations.
- Ease of Installation: These products are engineered for straightforward cutting and installation, contributing to efficient project timelines and reduced labor costs for contractors.
- Superior Adhesion: The consistent, uniform surfaces provide an excellent bonding area for thin-set mortars and adhesives, minimizing the risk of tile failure.
- Versatility: With a range of products suitable for various applications, including walls, floors, countertops, and both interior and exterior use, National Gypsum offers solutions for diverse project needs.
Options-Styles
National Gypsum Company offers a range of backerboard products designed for various wall and finish applications. These products are engineered to provide a stable and durable substrate for tile, cement board, and other finishing materials, particularly in areas exposed to moisture.
Style and Options
National Gypsum's backerboard offerings are primarily focused on functionality and performance, rather than decorative style. The "style" of these products refers to their material composition, intended use, and structural properties.
- Tile Backerboard: These products are specifically designed as a base for ceramic, porcelain, and stone tile installations. They offer excellent adhesion for thin-set mortar and resist moisture damage, preventing issues like mold and rot commonly associated with traditional drywall in wet areas.
- Cement Board: Cement board is a robust and water-resistant backerboard made from cement, aggregate, and reinforcing mesh. It provides a solid, stable surface that is ideal for areas requiring high durability and moisture resistance, such as shower enclosures, bathtub surrounds, and kitchen backsplashes.
- Backerboard Underlayment: This category encompasses backerboards that serve as a foundational layer beneath various flooring and wall finishes. They provide a smooth, consistent surface and help to distribute weight evenly, enhancing the longevity and performance of the final installation.
- Insulated Cement Board: For applications requiring thermal insulation in addition to moisture resistance and durability, National Gypsum offers insulated cement board. This product combines the benefits of cement board with an integrated insulation core, contributing to energy efficiency and comfort.
The specific options within each category would typically vary in terms of:
- Thickness: Available in various thicknesses to accommodate different project requirements and tile depths.
- Panel Size: Standard panel sizes for ease of handling and installation.
- Edge Type: Options may include square or tapered edges depending on the product and its intended application.
- Reinforcement: Some products may feature integrated fiberglass mesh for enhanced strength and crack resistance.
These backerboard products are integral components for creating lasting and high-performance wall and finish systems, especially in demanding environments where moisture and durability are key considerations.
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National Gypsum Company
Joint Treatment & Finishing
National Gypsum manufactures a full line of ProForm joint compounds, textures, setting compounds, and tapes.
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Product Summary
Construction and Materials
National Gypsum Company offers a range of finishing and setting compounds designed for professional drywall applications. These products are formulated to provide durable, smooth surfaces ready for painting or texturing.
Construction and Materials
The primary construction of these compounds involves gypsum, a naturally occurring sulfate mineral. This gypsum is processed and combined with other additives to create the various formulations available.
- Gypsum Base: The core component of all compounds.
- Additives: Specific formulations include various chemicals to control properties such as:
- Setting time
- Workability
- Bonding strength
- Shrinkage
- Water retention
Product Categories and Applications
National Gypsum's compounds are categorized to suit different stages of drywall finishing and specific performance requirements:
- Ready Mix Compounds: These are pre-mixed, all-purpose compounds designed for ease of use. They are suitable for taping, filling, patching, and skim coating. Their formulation typically allows for good adhesion and easy sanding.
- Setting Compounds: These are powder-based compounds that are mixed with water on-site. Setting compounds offer a harder finish and faster set times compared to ready-mix, making them ideal for heavy fills, embedding joint tape, and filling larger cracks or holes. They are known for their minimal shrinkage and excellent strength.
- Fire Smoke Stop Compound: Specifically engineered for fire-rated assemblies. These compounds are designed to maintain the integrity of fire-rated walls and ceilings, contributing to smoke and fire containment. Their formulation is critical for achieving required fire resistance ratings.
- Textures: Compounds designed to create decorative surface finishes. These can be applied to drywall or plaster surfaces to add visual appeal and hide imperfections. The materials are formulated to allow for various application techniques, such as spray, roll, or trowel application, to achieve different texture patterns.
Features and Benefits
National Gypsum Company offers a comprehensive line of finishing products designed to create smooth, durable, and aesthetically pleasing surfaces for interior walls and ceilings. Their product range includes ready-mix compounds, setting compounds, and specialized fire and smoke-stop compounds, catering to a variety of construction and renovation needs.
Core Advantages:
- Versatility: National Gypsum compounds are formulated to handle a wide spectrum of finishing tasks, from basic taping and mudding to intricate texturing and specialized fire-rated applications.
- Ease of Use: Many of their ready-mix products are designed for immediate application, reducing labor time and simplifying the finishing process for professionals and DIYers alike.
- Performance: Engineered for superior adhesion, sandability, and durability, these compounds ensure a high-quality finish that stands the test of time.
- Safety and Compliance: The inclusion of fire and smoke-stop compounds highlights their commitment to building safety and compliance with stringent building codes.
Features and Benefits:
Ready Mix Compounds:
- Feature: Pre-mixed, water-based joint compound.
- Benefit: Convenient and ready to use straight from the container, saving valuable preparation time on the job site.
- Benefit: Provides a smooth, consistent finish for taping, filling, and final coats.
- Benefit: Excellent workability and good adhesion to drywall and other substrates.
- Feature: Available in various formulations (e.g., all-purpose, lightweight, topping, taping).
- Benefit: Allows users to select the optimal product for specific applications, from initial joint reinforcement to final skim coats and repairs.
Setting Compounds:
- Feature: Powdered compounds that are mixed with water on-site.
- Benefit: Offers extended working times and exceptional strength, ideal for heavy-duty applications like taping, filling large gaps, and finishing over multiple drywall panels.
- Benefit: Shrinkage is minimized, leading to a more durable and crack-resistant finish.
- Benefit: Achieve superior adhesion and hardness, creating a robust base for paint and other finishes.
- Feature: Available in different set times (e.g., fast-setting, standard).
- Benefit: Enables project managers to control workflow and schedule, allowing for faster turnaround on jobs where speed is critical.
Fire Smoke Stop Compound:
- Feature: Specialized compounds formulated to provide fire-resistance and smoke-stopping capabilities.
- Benefit: Contributes to passive fire protection by sealing joints, penetrations, and other openings in walls and ceilings, helping to prevent the spread of flames and smoke.
- Benefit: Aids in meeting building code requirements for fire safety in various construction environments.
- Benefit: Provides a durable seal that maintains its integrity under fire conditions.
Textures:
- Feature: Compounds designed specifically for creating decorative wall and ceiling textures.
- Benefit: Offers a wide range of creative possibilities for interior design, allowing users to achieve various aesthetic effects, from knockdown and orange peel to custom finishes.
- Benefit: Easy to apply with common texturing tools, providing professional-looking results for both residential and commercial projects.
Options-Styles
National Gypsum Company offers a range of finishing compounds designed to meet various drywall application needs. These products are engineered for performance and ease of use by contractors and DIYers alike.
-
Style:
National Gypsum's finishing compounds are generally categorized by their intended use and chemical composition, influencing their drying time, sandability, and suitability for specific finishing stages.
-
Options:
The product line includes several types of compounds, each with distinct characteristics:
- Ready-Mix Compounds: These are pre-mixed, ready-to-use products that save time and effort. They are typically formulated for general-purpose drywall finishing, including taping, filling, and finishing joints. Their convenience makes them a popular choice for a wide range of projects.
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Setting Compounds: Setting compounds, also known as hot-mud or chemical-set compounds, are mixed with water and set chemically rather than drying by evaporation. This provides several advantages:
- Faster setting times, allowing for quicker application and reduced project timelines.
- Higher bond strength and reduced shrinkage, leading to more durable joints.
- Ideal for heavier fills, repairs, and situations where rapid hardening is desired.
- Available in various set times (e.g., 20, 45, 90 minutes) to accommodate different project speeds and preferences.
- Fire Smoke Stop Compound: This specialized compound is designed for specific fire and smoke stopping applications. It meets stringent building codes and is engineered to create a fire-resistant barrier, crucial for safety in various construction environments. Its formulation provides exceptional resistance to flame spread and smoke penetration.
- Textures: National Gypsum also provides compounds formulated to create decorative textures on walls and ceilings. These products allow for a variety of finishes, from subtle knockdown effects to more pronounced popcorn or stucco-like appearances, offering aesthetic versatility for interior design.
- Features & Benefits
- Homepage
- Products
- Ideas, Tips & Tools
- Specifications
- About Us
- Video
-
Green - Environmental
- Product Availability and Pricing Click here for details
-
Similar Products
- See all our Walls products.