Proposed Change 1841

The gypsum industry has been dealing with issues related to the types of gypsum board that are specified in the NBC. The terminology used in the NBC is not consistent with modern gypsum products used in the industry. This inconsistency could cause confusion for Code users and result in a misuse of gypsum products in construction.

Currently, according to Sentence 3.1.5.13.(1), only gypsum board with a tightly adhering "paper" is permitted in noncombustible construction. However, this product is not desirable in high-moisture areas (e.g., bathrooms) where it may swell, develop mould and eventually deteriorate. This could lead to durability or occupant health issues due to potential rot and mould.

As such, there is a need to revise this Sentence to permit other types of gypsum board products so that the industry has the flexibility to select the appropriate product for the right application.

Replacing the term with "tightly adhered facer" in Sentence 3.1.5.13.(1) would provide greater flexibility to Code users by allowing the use of gypsum board products with different facer materials (e.g., glass mat, vinyl, foil-backed and fiberglass). This proposed change would not prevent the use of paper-faced gypsum board products.

Currently, several common gypsum board products are available and installed across Canada. While all the gypsum board products use cores that are very similar to traditional paper-faced gypsum board products, they also use various types of facers (e.g., glass mat or vinyl), which have individual ASTM standard specifications that reflect their characteristics.

It is important for Code language to be as consistent as possible with the products commonly used in the gypsum industry. The term "facer" is already used by the gypsum industry and would cover all facing materials that are currently found on the market and any facing materials used in the future. As such, this proposed change would update the terminology used in the NBC to reflect gypsum board products currently on the market and to harmonize the language used in the NBC with the terminology used by the gypsum industry. 

This proposed change would expand the range of gypsum board products permitted for buildings required to be of noncombustible construction. As such, there would be no incremental cost because Code users could still choose to use paper-faced gypsum board products.

This proposed change would provide more flexibility to the construction industry by allowing for the selection of appropriate products for specific applications.

This proposed change can be enforced by the existing infrastructure. Since this proposed change would harmonize the Code language with the terminology used in the gypsum industry, there will be less confusion or misinterpretation when regulators enforce the Code requirement. This proposed changed would facilitate enforcement of the Code.

Builders, consumers, manufacturers, regulators and designers.