EP10: How wall assembly components affect STC ratings

EP13: The complete guide to waterproof cement boards

Renovation contractors working with homeowners on kitchen or bathroom projects frequently hear concerns about the potential for water damage. Requests for waterproof shower enclosures have become common, even when the building code doesn't require waterproof shower enclosures. PermaBASE Building Products, LLC, an affiliate of National Gypsum Company, expanded its product line with PermaBASE WP® Waterproof Cement Boards to provide homeowners and contractors peace of mind and to simplify waterproof installations. In this episode, Chris Whitmire, director of product marketing for National Gypsum, talks to Eddie Neel, market manager for PermaBASE, and Tony Fuller, director of technical and product development for PermaBASE, about the benefits of using PermaBASE WP. Listeners will learn: * About the PermaBASE® Cement Board product family and how PermaBASE WP is different from other PermaBASE Cement Board products * Why waterproofing is a preference, not a code requirement * How PermaBASE WP helps installers save on installation time and materials * How PermaBASE WP is constructed and tested for waterproofness and mold resistance Want to know more? * Read the blog article, "Why use waterproof cement board [https://www.nationalgypsum.com/ngconnects/blog/time-saving-solutions/complete-guide-waterproof-cement-board]" * Watch the PermaBASE WP product video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEXU_sbrJyg&list=PLBWHmsWt5U3BWRx6TGwI3HRk-hRgE-ypR&index=20] * Download PermaBASE WP installation instructions [https://nationalgypsum.widen.net/s/5dfwdtvrzl/permabase-wp-installation-guide] * Download the PermaBASE WP UL GREENGUARD Gold certificate of compliance [https://nationalgypsum.widen.net/view/pdf/knsczuv86d/GREENGUARD-Gold_PermaBASE-WP-Waterproof-Cement-Board.pdf?t.download=true&u=vtetuw] * Download the PermaBASE WP brochure [https://nationalgypsum.widen.net/view/pdf/mldryig1xf/PermaBASE-WP-Brochure.pdf?t.download=true&u=vtetuw] * Explore PermaBASE cement board products [https://www.permabase.com/products] * Download the PermaBASE Construction Guide [https://nationalgypsum.widen.net/view/pdf/odvdoui1h3/PermaBASE-Construction-Guide---single.pdf?t.download=true&u=vtetuw] Connect with us! Do you have a question you'd like us to answer or a topic we should cover? We want to hear from you. Email your ideas to podcast@nationalgypsum.com [podcast@nationalgypsum.com]. Find all NGConnects Podcast episodes at nationalgypsum.com/podcasts [http://nationalgypsum.com/podcasts]. National Gypsum Company is the exclusive service provider of reliable, high-performance building products manufactured by its affiliate companies and marketed under the Gold Bond®, ProForm® and PermaBASE® brands. The National Gypsum name has been synonymous with high-quality, innovative products and exceptional customer service since 1925.The information provided in this podcast is for general information purposes only. For specific building or design questions, please consult with the 1-800-NATIONAL® Construction Services team or your regional National Gypsum construction design manager. Always use products according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

EP 12: Data center construction poses unique challenges

As the demand for AI, cloud services and streaming skyrockets, data center construction has become one of the fastest-growing sectors. However, these facilities present a high-stakes balancing act: They must be sustainable and quiet yet incredibly fire resistant and built at record speed. Listen or watch Tim Hessert, vice president of sales at National Gypsum Company, talk with host Chris Whitmire, director of product marketing, about the role of high-performance building products in securing the digital frontier. Listeners will learn: * The four pillars of data center design: Why architects and contractors must juggle sustainability, fire safety, acoustics and speed. * The weight of sustainability: How the Gold Bond® EVOLVE™ family of gypsum board products contribute to efforts to reduce embodied carbon and promote responsible material sourcing. * The fire/sound balancing act: How the use of specialized gypsum board products such as Gold Bond® XP® Ultra-Shield FS® and the SoundBreak® XP® family of products meets 2- and 3-hour fire ratings while reducing constant server noise. * Moisture resilience in high-cooling environments: Why fiberglass mat products such as Gold Bond® eXP® Interior Extreme® are essential for handling the high humidity created by massive HVAC systems. * Roof protection for critical infrastructure: The importance of DEXcell® roof coverboards in protecting expensive equipment from wind, hail and maintenance traffic. * Beating the clock with modern methods: How GridMarX® installation guide marks and the Max 12® and MaX 16® optimized fastener patterns, along with "topping out" construction, can significantly reduce installation time. Want to know more? * Explore the data centers applications page [https://www.nationalgypsum.com/applications/data-centers] * View the data centers infographic [https://nationalgypsum.widen.net/s/bwrhn9wz7v/ngc_data-centers_infographic_oct2025] * Read the data center construction blog article [https://www.nationalgypsum.com/ngconnects/blog/building-knowledge/product-solutions-for-data-center-wall-and-ceiling-construction] * Use the Fire & Sound Assembly Selector™ [https://www.nationalgypsum.com/design-resource-center/fire-sound-assemblies] * Read about the importance of roof cover boards in protecting data centers [https://www.nationalgypsum.com/ngconnects/blog/roofing-systems/protecting-data-centers-the-importance-of-roof-cover-boards] Watch the NGConnects Podcast on YouTube. Do you have a question you'd like us to answer or a topic we should cover? We want to hear from you. Email your ideas to podcast@nationalgypsum.com [podcast@nationalgypsum.com]. National Gypsum Company is the exclusive service provider of reliable, high-performance building products manufactured by its affiliate companies and marketed under the Gold Bond®, ProForm® and PermaBASE® brands. The National Gypsum name has been synonymous with high-quality, innovative products and exceptional customer service since 1925. The information provided in this podcast is for general information purposes only. For specific building or design questions, please consult with the 1-800-NATIONAL® Construction Services team or your regional National Gypsum construction design manager. Always use products according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

EP 11: How high-quality gypsum boards reduce risk in commercial projects

When constructing commercial buildings, stakeholders often focus on the steel frame, the glass facade or the foundation, but the walls inside are just as critical to a project's success. Making the right choice about gypsum board — also known as drywall — can be the difference between a successful project and one plagued by delays, budget overruns and long-term issues. Listen or watch Jessica Janosko, Southeast area sales manager, talk with host Chris Whitmire, director of product marketing, about when to invest in high-performance gypsum boards to cut risks in commercial projects. Listeners will learn: * The different priorities architects, contractors and building owners have regarding budget, timing and aesthetics * The definition of value engineering and the specific risks, such as diminished resilience and increased maintenance costs, of downgrading specified boards * The critical technical differences between abuse-resistant boards (surface-level protection) and impact-resistant boards (penetration protection) * How to protect shaft enclosures, built early in the construction schedule, from rain and mold damage by using glass mat gypsum panels over paper-faced options * Strategies for "topping out" construction to simplify mechanical, electrical and plumbing crew scheduling * How investing upfront in acoustically enhanced boards can prevent costly and disruptive renovations later Want to know more? * Read the article, "How high-performance gypsum boards cut risk in commercial projects [https://www.nationalgypsum.com/ngconnects/blog/resiliency/cut-commercial-risks-high-performance-gypsum-board?__hstc=169976191.dc2070af44081eca0f9cae67d48b9aa7.1762458424426.1770667307589.1771336183309.16&__hssc=169976191.2.1771336183309&__hsfp=d4ddc15c59471e18b009f92cec84278f&_gl=1*sqkux2*_gcl_au*MzU2MzQ2MzYzLjE3NzAwNDcyMTE.*_ga*MjA4Mzk1ODk0Ni4xNzYyMjY2MjEy*_ga_MDR2S5EV3W*czE3NzEzMzYxODIkbzcxJGcxJHQxNzcxMzM2MTkxJGo1MSRsMCRoMA..]" * Visit the Why Invest resources page [https://www.goldbondbuilding.com/why-gold-bond/why-invest] * Download the Why Invest infographic * Explore the difference between abuse-resistant and impact-resistant gypsum boards [https://www.goldbondbuilding.com/why-gold-bond/why-invest#abuse-vs-impact] * Understand how the Gold Bond® SoundBreak® XP® family of products can improve acoustics in schools, healthcare facilities and mixed-used developments [https://www.goldbondbuilding.com/why-gold-bond/why-invest#acoustics] Download today's show transcript or watch NGConnects on YouTube. Do you have a question you'd like us to answer or a topic we should cover? We want to hear from you. Email your ideas to podcast@nationalgypsum.com [podcast@nationalgypsum.com]. Find all NGConnects Podcasts episodes at nationalgypsum.com/podcasts [http://nationalgypsum.com/podcasts]. National Gypsum Company is the exclusive service provider of reliable, high-performance building products manufactured by its affiliate companies and marketed under the Gold Bond®, ProForm® and PermaBASE® brands. The National Gypsum name has been synonymous with high-quality, innovative products and exceptional customer service since 1925. The information provided in this podcast is for general information purposes only. For specific building or design questions, please consult with the 1-800-NATIONAL® Construction Services team or your regional National Gypsum construction design manager. Always use products according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

EP10: How wall assembly components affect STC ratings

A day doesn't pass without an architect reaching out to the 1-800-NATIONAL® Construction Services team or the National Gypsum regional Construction Design Managers for assistance with acoustic wall assemblies. That's why returning guests, Sam Halverson and Scott Hughes, joined host Chris Whitmire to discuss the six variables that affect STC ratings. Listeners will learn: * The science of sound waves * How wall assemblies are tested and Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings calculated * Common STC ratings and their equivalent sound blocking ability * The six variables — stiffness, mass, cavity absorption, cavity depth, decoupling and damping — that affect STC ratings * Considerations when using resilient channels and resilient sound isolation clips * How the Gold Bond® SoundBreak® family of sound products can be used to achieve target STC ratings Want to know more? * Read [https://www.nationalgypsum.com/ngconnects/blog/acoustics/understanding-acoustical-wall-designs-variables-affect-stc-ratings] the article, "6 variables that affect STC ratings" * Watch [https://www.nationalgypsum.com/ngconnects/blog/acoustics/understanding-acoustical-wall-designs-variables-affect-stc-ratings] the "Science of sound | choosing drywall products for better acoustics" video * Read [https://www.nationalgypsum.com/ngconnects/blog/acoustics/choosing-building-materials-for-better-acoustics] this article, "Choosing building materials for better acoustics" for help with acoustic product selection * Use [https://www.nationalgypsum.com/design-resource-center/fire-sound-assemblies] the Fire & Sound Assembly Selector * Download [https://www.nationalgypsum.com/design-resource-center/literature/the-soundbook] The SoundBook® * Listen or watch [https://www.nationalgypsum.com/ngconnects/podcasts/acoustics/episode-4-understand-acoustical-ratings-wall-ceiling-roof-assemblies-designs] the NGConnects podcast episode, "Understanding the ratings behind acoustical wall, ceiling and roof assemblies" * Explore products, download brochures and watch webinars [https://www.goldbondbuilding.com/why-gold-bond/innovation/reduce-noise-sound-acoustics] and more on our Sound Control resource page * Expand your acoustic design knowledge beyond wall assemblies by reading these blog articles * "Using roof coverboard to reduce outside sound transmission [https://www.nationalgypsum.com/ngconnects/blog/acoustics/reduce-sound-with-roof-cover-boards]" * "How to reduce sound transmission in floor-ceiling assemblies [https://www.nationalgypsum.com/ngconnects/blog/acoustics/sound-damping-between-floors]" Connect with us! Do you have a question you'd like us to answer or a topic we should cover? We want to hear from you. Email your ideas to podcast@nationalgypsum.com [podcast@nationalgypsum.com]. Find all NGConnects Podcast episodes at nationalgypsum.com/podcasts [http://nationalgypsum.com/podcasts]. National Gypsum Company is the exclusive service provider of reliable, high-performance building products manufactured by its affiliate companies and marketed under the Gold Bond®, ProForm® and PermaBASE® brands. The National Gypsum name has been synonymous with high-quality, innovative products and exceptional customer service since 1925. The information provided in this podcast is for general information purposes only. For specific building or design questions, please consult with the 1-800-NATIONAL® Construction Services team or your regional National Gypsum construction design manager. Always use products according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

EP9: Why use hard roof coverboards?

Buildings such as data centers, distribution facilities, big box retailers, schools and hospitals contain precious lives and expensive equipment. The roof system is essential to protecting these assets from everyday service traffic and wind pressures to extreme weather events such as hail, hurricanes and tornadoes. Hard roof coverboards offer numerous benefits that enhance the durability, safety and performance of the entire roof assembly. In this episode, Chris Whitmire, director of product marketing for National Gypsum, talks to Warren Barber, senior manager gypsum & specialty systems/DEXcell, about the science behind the benefits of using DEXcell Roof Boards, manufactured by Gold Bond Building Products, LLC and PermaBASE Building Products, LLC, which are affiliates of National Gypsum Company. Listeners will learn: * What are hard coverboards and their essential role in commercial roofing systems * How hard coverboards provide a smooth, flat surface for the membrane and protect insulation from foot and equipment traffic * How hard coverboards improve the roof's performance ratings against fire, wind,and hail * The role of hard coverboards in improving thermal performance Want to know more? * Read the article, "Strengthening commercial low-slope roofing systems with DEXcell Roof Boards" [https://www.nationalgypsum.com/ngconnects/blog/roofing-systems/dexcell-nationwide-access-quality-support] * Read the article, "Protecting data centers: the importance of roof cover boards" [https://www.nationalgypsum.com/ngconnects/blog/roofing-systems/protecting-data-centers-the-importance-of-roof-cover-boards] * Read the article, "How DEXcell Roof Boards deliver Class A fire ratings for sloped roofs" [https://www.nationalgypsum.com/ngconnects/blog/roofing-systems/class-a-fire-rated-roofs-dexcell] * Read the article, "How DEXcell Roof Boards improve roof assembly thermal performance" [https://www.nationalgypsum.com/ngconnects/blog/roofing-systems/enhance-roof-assembly-thermal-performance] * Download the DEXcell Roof Board Product Brochure [https://nationalgypsum.widen.net/view/pdf/fhxe6w5bs7/NGC_DEXcell_Sales_Brochure_Nov2025.pdf?t.download=true&u=vtetuw+pdf+] * Watch [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n194vnolVbc] the Discover the versatility of DEXcell Cement Road Board video case study * Watch [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_XPAxszI_Q] the Choosing products to design resilient buildings video * Explore [https://www.nationalgypsum.com/dexcell#products] DEXcell Roof Board products Connect with us! Do you have a question you'd like us to answer or a topic we should cover? We want to hear from you. Email your ideas to podcast@nationalgypsum.com [podcast@nationalgypsum.com]. Find all NGConnects Podcast episodes at nationalgypsum.com/podcasts [http://nationalgypsum.com/podcasts]. National Gypsum Company is the exclusive service provider of reliable, high-performance building products manufactured by its affiliate companies and marketed under the Gold Bond®, ProForm® and PermaBASE® brands. The National Gypsum name has been synonymous with high-quality, innovative products and exceptional customer service since 1925. The information provided in this podcast is for general information purposes only. For specific building or design questions, please consult with the 1-800-NATIONAL® Construction Services team or your regional National Gypsum construction design manager. Always use products according to the manufacturer's recommendations.