USG Introduces SHEETROCK Brand MOLD TOUGH Gypsum Panels

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February 07, 2007 07:13 PM Eastern Time

USG Introduces SHEETROCK Brand MOLD TOUGH Gypsum Panels

Gypsum Panels Actively Inhibit Mold and Provide Ease of Installation

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CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Whether it's a basement, bathroom or any

other commercial or residential environment with incidental or

intermittent moisture exposure, construction professionals and

homeowners alike have a new weapon in the fight against mold. USG

(NYSE:USG) today introduced SHEETROCK® brand MOLD TOUGH™ gypsum

panels, the newest product in a family of industry-leading wallboard

products marketed under the SHEETROCK brand name.

The SHEETROCK MOLD TOUGH gypsum panel is the first patented

wallboard that actively inhibits mold growth on the surface paper,

both back and front, and in the gypsum core. Utilizing a proprietary

technology, ingredients are added during the manufacturing process

to protect the wallboard from moisture and mold. The new product

joins a complete family of mold-resistant products that includes

DUROCK® brand cement board and FIBEROCK® brand AQUA-TOUGH™ interior

panels, tile backboard and underlayment.

As a result of the premium performance of SHEETROCK MOLD TOUGH

gypsum panels, the new product will replace SHEETROCK brand HUMITEK®

gypsum panels and SHEETROCK brand gypsum panels, water resistant

(green board) in USG's family of industry-leading products.

The HUMITEK and water-resistant product lines will be phased out as

the new SHEETROCK MOLD TOUGH product is introduced on a regional

basis.

" Moisture damage and mold growth are widespread problems that

continue to plague builders, contractors and homeowners, " said

Pappas, USG's product marketing manager, drywall systems. " We

believe that the new MOLD TOUGH panel, when combined with proper

building design, construction and maintenance practices, can

significantly reduce typical moisture and mold problems. For more

than a century, USG has continually been at the forefront of drywall

research and development, and SHEETROCK MOLD TOUGH panels are a

great example of that – superior mold-inhibiting qualities combined

with easy installation give construction professionals and

homeowners a product they can rely on in a wide variety of

applications. "

Research has shown that the majority of moisture problems still

originate with water leaks – wet equipment or components, poor

roofing or exterior flashing details, plumbing or HVAC system leaks,

or poor site drainage or flooding. The most effective and economical

strategy is to protect building materials and equipment from

exposure to moisture during storage, construction and after

completion of the building envelope.

SHEETROCK MOLD TOUGH gypsum panels score a 10 (on a scale of 0 to

10) for mold resistance under ASTM D3273 guidelines, but in addition

to their mold-inhibiting properties, the panels save contractors and

homeowners time and money. They score and snap quickly, finish

easily and require no special installation procedures.

The new panels are designed specifically for use in interior areas.

They will be available in 1/2-, 5/8-, 3/4- and 1-inch thicknesses in

a variety of lengths. In addition, 1/2-inch panels that are UL

classified for fire resistance (Type C) and 5/8-inch panels that are

classified for fire resistance (Type X) will also be offered.

SHEETROCK MOLD TOUGH panels will be available regionally beginning

in March at building material dealers, lumberyards and home

improvement retailers. The initial rollout will begin in the

Northeast, with other areas to follow into spring.

Building professionals and consumers interested in finding out more

information about moisture and mold issues can visit

getmoldfacts.com, USG's Web site developed specifically about

preventing mold. The site provides visitors with a comprehensive

library of information and resources, as well as information about

SHEETROCK MOLD TOUGH gypsum panels. This information is also

available by calling (800) USG-4YOU or writing to USG, 550 W.

St., Chicago, IL 60661.

USG Corporation is a Fortune 500 manufacturer and distributor of

high-performance building systems through its United States Gypsum

Company, USG Interiors, Inc. and L & W Supply Corporation

subsidiaries. Headquartered in Chicago, the company serves the

residential and non-residential construction markets, repair and

remodel construction markets, and industrial processes. USG's wall,

ceiling, flooring and roofing products provide leading-edge building

solutions for customers, while L & W Supply center locations

efficiently stock and deliver building materials nationwide. For

additional information, visit the USG Web site at www.usg.com.

Contacts

USG

Mandel, 312-606-4523

jmandel@...