A complete listing of the ASTM International (ASTM) standards governing gypsum panel products is available in GA-223 Gypsum Panel Products Types, Uses, Sizes, and Standards.
Construction Standards
For the purposes of uniformity, building codes often reference consensus standards. In both the United States and Canada, standards-setting bodies, created by independent organizations such as ASTM and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) ensure that building materials and construction methods meet a baseline of quality that, when combined with codified construction practices, result in safe buildings that perform as intended.
The Association and its member companies actively participate in standards-setting organizations in both the United States and Canada. The Association also produces GA-600 Fire Resistance and Sound Control Design Manual. GA-600 is referenced by the ICC, the National Fire Codes as well as many state and local jurisdictions in the United States and Canada. The Fire Resistance and Sound Control Design Manual provides construction summaries and fire resistance ratings for more than 600 systems that may be used for fire-rated walls and partitions, floor/ceiling and roof/ceiling assemblies, and many others. Updated every three years, and now in its 22nd edition, the Fire Resistance and Sound Control Design Manual contains useful data for builders, architects, code officials, building inspectors, and fire service and insurance personnel.
Manufacturing Standards
Gypsum board is manufactured to consensus standard ASTM C1396, Standard Specification for Gypsum Board. This standard is referenced in building codes such as the International Building Code, International Residential Code, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) NFPA 5000: Building Construction and Safety Code.
ASTM is a globally recognized leader in the development and delivery of international voluntary consensus standards. Today, some 12,000 ASTM standards are used around the world to improve product quality, enhance safety, facilitate market access and trade, and build consumer confidence. The Gypsum Association participates by lending engineering and expertise to 11 of ASTM’s committees, including Committee C11 on Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems.
Another standard, ASTM C1264, Standard Specification for Sampling, Inspection, Rejection, Certification, Packaging, Marking, Shipping, Handling, and Storage of Gypsum Panel Products provides strict guidelines that ensure only the highest quality gypsum panel products are sold to the public and that these products remain safe and secure not only throughout the manufacturing process but also after reaching your home or office. This standard requires that each gypsum panel or package of panels be clearly marked with information regarding product thickness and the name of the producer, as well as other information. In 2011, this standard was strengthened to require each individual gypsum panel manufactured to the standards of the ASTM C1396 have the following information clearly printed on the back surface:
- The name of the manufacturing company or a unique code identifying it,
- A code identifying the date and time of manufacture,
- The country of manufacture as designated by a special three letter code (USA for the United States and CAN for Canada.)
This updated standard applies to all gypsum panel products sold in the United States and Canada. It helps consumers, construction companies, and building inspectors identify the origin of a particular piece of gypsum board and provides assurances that gypsum is being used in construction is manufactured in accordance with all appropriate standards.