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Manufacturing Process
The
development of all gypsum boards begins with a mineral rock, which is gray
to white in color and is called gypsum. The basic mineral is
composed of calcium sulfate chemically combined with water of
crystallization. The combined water makes up approximately 20% of
weight of gypsum rock. This is the feature that gives gypsum its
fire resistant quality and makes it so adaptable for construction
purposes. After gypsum rock is
mined or quarried, it is crushed, dried, and ground to flour fineness,
then calcined to drive off the greater part of the chemically combined
water as steam. This calcined gypsum, commonly called plaster of
paris, is then mixed with water and other ingredients and sandwiched
between two sheets of specially manufactured paper to form various types
of gypsum board or specially formulated and bagged for shipment as gypsum
plaster or cement. Gypsum boards
are formed in a highly automated continuous process. After the
gypsum board has set, the boards are cut to length, dried, prefinished if
required, and packed for shipment. All processing is in strict
accordance with specifications and complies with more than 256 procedures
and work instructions to meet quality standards and customer's
satisfaction. Life
Safety Protection
Fire resistance is inherent in the gypsum construction selected. The
systems provide permanent fire resistance not subject to loss of water
pressure or other malfunctions and problems which may occur in sprinkler
systems. Fire
Resistance
Gypsum will not support combustion.
When attacked by fire, crystallized water in gypsum is released and turns
to steam to help retard the spread of flame and heat and protect adjacent
constructions.
Light
Weight
Gypsum board constructions weigh appreciably
less than masonry assemblies of the same thickness. They reduce
material - handling expense and may permit the use of lighter structural
members, floors, and footings.
Sound
Control
Gypsum board
construction offers excellent resistance to airborne and impact sound
transmission without excessive bulk or weight. Resilient attachment
of gypsum panels or bases further improves sound ratings, makes partitions
ideally suited for party walls. Versatility
Gypsum
board construction is suitable as divider, corridor and party walls; pipe
chase and shaft enclosures; radiant-heat ceilings; exterior walls and wall
furring; membrane fire resistant constructions. Adaptable for use in
every type of new construction - commercial, institutional, industrial and
residential - and in remodeling. It produces attractive joint - free
walls and ceilings; easily adapt to most contours, modules and
dimensions.
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