Oct 12 2009
- DensArmor Plus(R) High Performance Interior Panel, DensShield(R) Tile Backer Show Zero Mold Growth
- Independent Test Three Times Longer, More Rigorous than Industry Standard
Georgia-Pacific Gypsum LLC has once again raised the standard of excellence in the building products industry, as two of its premier Dens(TM) interior gypsum panel products have passed the industry's most stringent mold resistance test.
DensArmor Plus® High-Performance Interior Panel and DensShield® Tile Backer each passed the 12-week test, conducted in accordance with the US Environmental Protection Agency's ASTM D 6329 protocol. The test -- three times longer and much more rigorous than ASTM D 3273, the current industry standard -- was conducted by an independent third party, RTI International, at its facilities in Research Triangle Park, N.C., between February and June 2009.
No other gypsum products manufacturer has announced test results showing zero mold growth for 12 full weeks for any product.
"These results confirm what we have long known -- that our Dens products lead the industry in mold and moisture resistance performance," said Kendall Clark, Research & Development Program Manager, Georgia-Pacific Gypsum. "Architects and builders can take comfort in the fact that the mold-resistant properties of Dens products save time and money during construction, and also ensure the sustainability of structures."
According to Susan Raterman, a prominent industrial hygiene consultant in the critical areas of indoor air quality, mold mitigation and asbestos management, the news that two Dens(TM) interior products have passed a rigorous 12-week test is quite noteworthy.
"Both the length of the test and the fact that it used two of the most problematic species of mold found in buildings are indicative of the rigor of this mold resistance performance standard," said Raterman, founder and president of The Raterman Group Ltd. "These results raise the bar for the entire industry, and further illustrate Georgia-Pacific Gypsum's leadership in product quality and innovation."
The 12-week test continues the long history of "firsts" achieved by Georgia-Pacific Gypsum, via its Dens family of products. It was the first company to offer fiberglass mat products, the first to achieve a top rating of 10 under ASTM D 3273 and the first to offer an extended Weather Exposure Limited Warranty.
The DensArmor Plus® panels were also the first to be GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified® and GREENGUARD Children & Schools(TM) Certified as low-emitting gypsum panels, and were among the first gypsum panels to be listed by The Collaborative for High Performing Schools® (CHPS(TM)) as low-emitting materials.
Since the introduction of its flagship DensGlass® sheathing more than 20 years ago, Georgia-Pacific Gypsum has steadily expanded its portfolio of fiberglass mat gypsum panels to include DensArmor Plus® High-Performance Interior Panels, DensArmor Plus® Abuse-Resistant Interior Panels, DensDeck® Roof Boards, DensGlass(TM) Shaftliner, DensShield® Tile Backer and the newly-released DensArmor Plus® Impact-Resistant Panels.
Source: http://www.rti.org/