New Math for Gypsum Specifications

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.