NGConnects by National Gypsum Company

National Gypsum

We obsess over the details to help you build better. The NGConnects™ podcast features conversations surrounding solutions for today's construction and design challenges. During each episode National Gypsum team members and industry leaders discuss challenges in the construction and architectural industry and effective solutions. Featured guests include 1-800-NATIONAL® Construction Services team members, construction design managers, product managers and industry experts. Conversations with technical experts cover a wide range of construction and architecture topics, including UL fire-rated assemblies, gypsum board classifications, understanding the Gypsum Association's GA-214 "Levels of Finish for Gypsum Panel Products," acoustical assemblies and more. The podcast is designed to give professionals — from drywall contractors and finishers to architects and specifiers — working in the construction and architectural design industries a better understanding of gypsum board, joint finishing, cement and roof board products and how they are used to create safe, sustainable and better performing buildings where people live, work and play. National Gypsum Company is the exclusive service provider of reliable, high-performance building products manufactured by its affiliate companies and marketed under the Gold Bond®, ProForm® and PermaBASE® brands. The National Gypsum name has been synonymous with high-quality, innovative products and exceptional customer service since 1925. The information provided in this podcast is for general information purposes only. For specific building or design questions, please consult with the 1-800-NATIONAL Construction Services team or your regional National Gypsum construction design manager. Always use products according to the manufacturer's recommendations. https://www.nationalgypsum.com/ podcast@nationalgypsum.com

  1. May 7

    EP13: The complete guide to waterproof cement boards

    Renovation contractors working with homeowners on kitchen or bathroom projects frequently hear concerns about the potential for water damage. Requests for waterproof shower enclosures have become common, even when the building code doesn't require waterproof shower enclosures. PermaBASE Building Products, LLC, an affiliate of National Gypsum Company, expanded its product line with PermaBASE WP® Waterproof Cement Boards to provide homeowners and contractors peace of mind and to simplify waterproof installations. In this episode, Chris Whitmire, director of product marketing for National Gypsum, talks to Eddie Neel, market manager for PermaBASE, and Tony Fuller, director of technical and product development for PermaBASE, about the benefits of using PermaBASE WP.  Listeners will learn:  About the PermaBASE® Cement Board product family and how PermaBASE WP is different from other PermaBASE Cement Board products Why waterproofing is a preference, not a code requirement How PermaBASE WP helps installers save on installation time and materials How PermaBASE WP is constructed and tested for waterproofness and mold resistance Want to know more?  Read the blog article, "Why use waterproof cement board" Watch the PermaBASE WP product video Download PermaBASE WP installation instructions Download the PermaBASE WP UL GREENGUARD Gold certificate of compliance Download the PermaBASE WP brochure Explore PermaBASE cement board products Download the PermaBASE Construction Guide Connect with us! Do you have a question you'd like us to answer or a topic we should cover? We want to hear from you. Email your ideas to podcast@nationalgypsum.com. Find all NGConnects Podcast episodes at nationalgypsum.com/podcasts. National Gypsum Company is the exclusive service provider of reliable, high-performance building products manufactured by its affiliate companies and marketed under the Gold Bond®, ProForm® and PermaBASE® brands. The National Gypsum name has been synonymous with high-quality, innovative products and exceptional customer service since 1925.The information provided in this podcast is for general information purposes only. For specific building or design questions, please consult with the 1-800-NATIONAL® Construction Services team or your regional National Gypsum construction design manager. Always use products according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

  2. Apr 7

    EP 12: Data center construction poses unique challenges

    As the demand for AI, cloud services and streaming skyrockets, data center construction has become one of the fastest-growing sectors. However, these facilities present a high-stakes balancing act: They must be sustainable and quiet yet incredibly fire resistant and built at record speed. Listen or watch Tim Hessert, vice president of sales at National Gypsum Company, talk with host Chris Whitmire, director of product marketing, about the role of high-performance building products in securing the digital frontier. Listeners will learn: The four pillars of data center design: Why architects and contractors must juggle sustainability, fire safety, acoustics and speed. The weight of sustainability: How the Gold Bond® EVOLVE™ family of gypsum board products contribute to efforts to reduce embodied carbon and promote responsible material sourcing. The fire/sound balancing act: How the use of specialized gypsum board products such as Gold Bond® XP® Ultra-Shield FS® and the SoundBreak® XP® family of products meets 2- and 3-hour fire ratings while reducing constant server noise. Moisture resilience in high-cooling environments: Why fiberglass mat products such as Gold Bond® eXP® Interior Extreme® are essential for handling the high humidity created by massive HVAC systems. Roof protection for critical infrastructure: The importance of DEXcell® roof coverboards in protecting expensive equipment from wind, hail and maintenance traffic. Beating the clock with modern methods: How GridMarX® installation guide marks and the Max 12® and MaX 16® optimized fastener patterns, along with "topping out" construction, can significantly reduce installation time. Want to know more? Explore the data centers applications page View the data centers infographic Read the data center construction blog article Use the Fire & Sound Assembly Selector™ Read about the importance of roof cover boards in protecting data centers Watch the NGConnects Podcast on YouTube. Do you have a question you'd like us to answer or a topic we should cover?  We want to hear from you. Email your ideas to podcast@nationalgypsum.com. National Gypsum Company is the exclusive service provider of reliable, high-performance building products manufactured by its affiliate companies and marketed under the Gold Bond®, ProForm® and PermaBASE® brands. The National Gypsum name has been synonymous with high-quality, innovative products and exceptional customer service since 1925. The information provided in this podcast is for general information purposes only. For specific building or design questions, please consult with the 1-800-NATIONAL® Construction Services team or your regional National Gypsum construction design manager. Always use products according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

  3. Feb 23

    EP 11: How high-quality gypsum boards reduce risk in commercial projects

    When constructing commercial buildings, stakeholders often focus on the steel frame, the glass facade or the foundation, but the walls inside are just as critical to a project's success. Making the right choice about gypsum board — also known as drywall — can be the difference between a successful project and one plagued by delays, budget overruns and long-term issues. Listen or watch Jessica Janosko, Southeast area sales manager, talk with host Chris Whitmire, director of product marketing, about when to invest in high-performance gypsum boards to cut risks in commercial projects. Listeners will learn: The different priorities architects, contractors and building owners have regarding budget, timing and aesthetics The definition of value engineering and the specific risks, such as diminished resilience and increased maintenance costs, of downgrading specified boards The critical technical differences between abuse-resistant boards (surface-level protection) and impact-resistant boards (penetration protection) How to protect shaft enclosures, built early in the construction schedule, from rain and mold damage by using glass mat gypsum panels over paper-faced options Strategies for "topping out" construction to simplify mechanical, electrical and plumbing crew scheduling How investing upfront in acoustically enhanced boards can prevent costly and disruptive renovations later Want to know more?  Read the article, "How high-performance gypsum boards cut risk in commercial projects" Visit the Why Invest resources page  Download the Why Invest infographic Explore the difference between abuse-resistant and impact-resistant gypsum boards Understand how the Gold Bond® SoundBreak® XP® family of products can improve acoustics in schools, healthcare facilities and mixed-used developments Download today's show transcript or watch NGConnects on YouTube. Do you have a question you'd like us to answer or a topic we should cover? We want to hear from you. Email your ideas to podcast@nationalgypsum.com. Find all NGConnects Podcasts episodes at nationalgypsum.com/podcasts. National Gypsum Company is the exclusive service provider of reliable, high-performance building products manufactured by its affiliate companies and marketed under the Gold Bond®, ProForm® and PermaBASE® brands. The National Gypsum name has been synonymous with high-quality, innovative products and exceptional customer service since 1925. The information provided in this podcast is for general information purposes only. For specific building or design questions, please consult with the 1-800-NATIONAL® Construction Services team or your regional National Gypsum construction design manager. Always use products according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

  4. Jan 5

    EP10: How wall assembly components affect STC ratings

    A day doesn't pass without an architect reaching out to the 1-800-NATIONAL® Construction Services team or the National Gypsum regional Construction Design Managers for assistance with acoustic wall assemblies. That's why returning guests, Sam Halverson and Scott Hughes, joined host Chris Whitmire to discuss the six variables that affect STC ratings.  Listeners will learn:  The science of sound waves How wall assemblies are tested and Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings calculated Common STC ratings and their equivalent sound blocking ability The six variables — stiffness, mass, cavity absorption, cavity depth, decoupling and damping — that affect STC ratings  Considerations when using resilient channels and resilient sound isolation clips How the Gold Bond® SoundBreak® family of sound products can be used to achieve target STC ratings Want to know more?  Read the article, "6 variables that affect STC ratings" Watch the "Science of sound | choosing drywall products for better acoustics" video Read this article, "Choosing building materials for better acoustics" for help with acoustic product selection  Use the Fire & Sound Assembly Selector Download The SoundBook® Listen or watch the NGConnects podcast episode, "Understanding the ratings behind acoustical wall, ceiling and roof assemblies"  Explore products, download brochures and watch webinars and more on our Sound Control resource page Expand your acoustic design knowledge beyond wall assemblies by reading these blog articles "Using roof coverboard to reduce outside sound transmission" "How to reduce sound transmission in floor-ceiling assemblies" Connect with us! Do you have a question you'd like us to answer or a topic we should cover? We want to hear from you. Email your ideas to podcast@nationalgypsum.com. Find all NGConnects Podcast episodes at nationalgypsum.com/podcasts. National Gypsum Company is the exclusive service provider of reliable, high-performance building products manufactured by its affiliate companies and marketed under the Gold Bond®, ProForm® and PermaBASE® brands. The National Gypsum name has been synonymous with high-quality, innovative products and exceptional customer service since 1925. The information provided in this podcast is for general information purposes only. For specific building or design questions, please consult with the 1-800-NATIONAL® Construction Services team or your regional National Gypsum construction design manager. Always use products according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

  5. 11/13/2025

    EP9: Why use hard roof coverboards?

    Buildings such as data centers, distribution facilities, big box retailers, schools and hospitals contain precious lives and expensive equipment. The roof system is essential to protecting these assets from everyday service traffic and wind pressures to extreme weather events such as hail, hurricanes and tornadoes. Hard roof coverboards offer numerous benefits that enhance the durability, safety and performance of the entire roof assembly. In this episode, Chris Whitmire, director of product marketing for National Gypsum, talks to Warren Barber, senior manager gypsum & specialty systems/DEXcell, about the science behind the benefits of using DEXcell Roof Boards, manufactured by Gold Bond Building Products, LLC and PermaBASE Building Products, LLC, which are affiliates of National Gypsum Company. Listeners will learn: What are hard coverboards and their essential role in commercial roofing systems How hard coverboards provide a smooth, flat surface for the membrane and protect insulation from foot and equipment traffic How hard coverboards improve the roof's performance ratings against fire, wind,and hail The role of hard coverboards in improving thermal performance Want to know more? Read the article, "Strengthening commercial low-slope roofing systems with DEXcell Roof Boards" Read the article, "Protecting data centers: the importance of roof cover boards" Read the article, "How DEXcell Roof Boards deliver Class A fire ratings for sloped roofs" Read the article, "How DEXcell Roof Boards improve roof assembly thermal performance" Download the DEXcell Roof Board Product Brochure Watch the Discover the versatility of DEXcell Cement Road Board video case study Watch the Choosing products to design resilient buildings video Explore DEXcell Roof Board products Connect with us! Do you have a question you'd like us to answer or a topic we should cover? We want to hear from you. Email your ideas to podcast@nationalgypsum.com. Find all NGConnects Podcast episodes at nationalgypsum.com/podcasts. National Gypsum Company is the exclusive service provider of reliable, high-performance building products manufactured by its affiliate companies and marketed under the Gold Bond®, ProForm® and PermaBASE® brands. The National Gypsum name has been synonymous with high-quality, innovative products and exceptional customer service since 1925. The information provided in this podcast is for general information purposes only. For specific building or design questions, please consult with the 1-800-NATIONAL® Construction Services team or your regional National Gypsum construction design manager. Always use products according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

    EP9: Why use hard roof coverboards?

  6. 10/02/2025

    EP8: Role of EPDs and HPDs in sustainable construction

    Plus, meet the new EVOLVE family of sustainable gypsum boards and learn its role in lowering a project's embodied carbon Whether it's a project seeking LEED status, an architectural firm participating in the AIA 2030 Commitment or a construction company aiming to achieve carbon reduction goals, sustainability documentation such as Environmental Product Declarations and Health Product Declarations are essential to today's construction world. Join Chris Whitmire, national product director, Amy Hockett, National Marketing Manager - Architectural Services & Sustainability, and Scott Hughes, construction design manager, for aconversation about these material transparency documents. The trio also delves into the EVOLVE™ family of products, the latest sustainable solution from Gold Bond Building Products, LLC, an affiliate of National Gypsum Company. Listeners will learn: The role EPDs and HPDs play in sustainable construction What's included in a life cycle assessment How to use an EPD What's in an HPD How to use an HPD Which sustainability programs require EPDs and HPDs Where to find sustainability documents on nationalgypsum.com How EVOLVE products are manufactured to have lower embodied carbon compared to traditional gypsum boards Want to know more? Read the Understanding EPDs and HPDs in Modern Construction blog article Explore the Simplifying Environmental Documentation Terms blog article Visit our library of sustainability documents and sort by type, manufacturer or product family to quickly find those you need Discover the EVOLVE family of products Download today's show transcript or watch NGConnects on YouTube. Do you have a question you'd like us to answer or a topic we should cover? We want to hear from you. Email your ideas to podcast@nationalgypsum.com. Find all NGConnects podcasts at nationalgypsum.com/podcasts. National Gypsum Company is the exclusive service provider for products manufactured by Gold Bond Building Products, LLC, PermaBASE Building Products, LLC and ProForm Finishing Products, LLC. The National Gypsum name has been synonymous with high-quality, innovative products and exceptional customer service since 1925. The information provided in this podcast is for general information purposes only. For specific building or design questions, please consult with the 1-800-NATIONAL ® Construction Services team or your regional National Gypsum construction design manager. Always use products according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

  7. 07/23/2025

    EP7: Commercial shaftwall enclosure design and construction essentials

    Understand these critical life safety systems to avoid costly installation errors The gypsum board shaftwall system was first implemented in 1973 to accommodate increasingly tall buildings and was first used in the World Trade Center. Shaftwall assemblies enclose all manner of shafts: elevators, stairs, trash chutes and ventilation ducts to name a few. They are designed to prevent fire from spreading between floors via these shafts and to protect stairways as an escape route for building occupants during fires. Gypsum board is lighter than traditional shaft enclosure materials, such as masonry, and provides efficient and economical installation. In this episode, Sam Halverson, construction services manager with the 1-800-NATIONAL Construction Services team, talks with host Chris Whitmire about why it's important to correctly design and install shaftwall enclosures. Listeners will learn: The purpose and history of shaft enclosures The difference between 1-hour and 2-hour UL fire-rated shaftwall systems A breakdown of materials used to construct a shaftwall and how it is constructed Gold Bond Building Products gypsum boards and shaftliner panels recommended for use in shaft enclosures How a shaftwall is designed to be fire-rated from both sides Tips for including elevator guide rail support posts in a shaftwall When the building code requires shaft enclosures to have impact resistance How shaftwall assemblies can be used as ceiling assemblies Best practices for ensuring fire-resistance continuity in shaftwall corners   Want to know more? Visit the shaftwall systems resource page Watch the shaftwall installation video, available in English and Spanish Explore shaftliner products manufactured by Gold Bond Building Products, an affiliate manufacturer of National Gypsum Company Download a compilation of shaftwall assemblies and details from The PURPLE Book ® Download The Wood Book™ for shaftwall assembly details in wood-framed buildings Read the blog article, "Understanding shaftwall design in commercial construction" Read the blog article, "Designing shaft enclosures for wood-frame buildings"   Connect with us! Do you have a question you'd like us to answer or a topic we should cover? We want to hear from you. Email your ideas to podcast@nationalgypsum.com. Be the first to hear the NGConnects Podcast, subscribe here for early access. Find all NGConnects Podcasts at nationalgypsum.com/podcasts. National Gypsum Company is the exclusive service provider of reliable, high-performance building products manufactured by its affiliate companies and marketed under the Gold Bond®, ProForm® and PermaBASE® brands. The National Gypsum name has been synonymous with high-quality, innovative products and exceptional customer service since 1925.   The information provided in this podcast is for general information purposes only. For specific building or design questions, please consult with the 1-800-NATIONAL® Construction Services team or your regional National Gypsum construction design manager. Always use products according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

  8. 06/10/2025

    EP6: Understanding abuse- vs. impact-resistant gypsum board

    When specifying gypsum board for commercial projects, it is important to differentiate between abuse-resistant and impact-resistant types to ensure the contractor selects the correct board. Otherwise, the building owner may experience unexpected damage, resulting in callbacks and repairs. Listeners will learn:  The difference between standard, abuse-resistant and impact-resistant gypsum boards How Gold Bond® XP® Hi-Abuse® Gypsum Board, Gold Bond® XP® Hi-Impact®, Gold Bond® eXP® Interior Extreme® AR Gypsum Panels and Gold Bond® eXP® Interior Extreme® IR Gypsum Panels are constructed How the four tests that make up ASTM C1629 Standard Classification for Abuse-Resistant Nondecorated Interior Gypsum Panel Products and Fiber-Reinforced Cement Panels are conducted and how Gold Bond products perform in each test Situations where glass mat abuse- and impact-resistant products are recommended over paper-faced products When to recommend abuse-resistant vs. impact-resistant gypsum board based on the size, use and expected occupancy of a space The importance of listing abuse- and impact-resistant products separately in the specification to avoid confusion over which product is needed Want to know more?  Read the "Abuse- vs. impact-resistant gypsum board" blog article Earn a one-hour learning credit by taking the updated "Abuse and Impact Resistant Gypsum: Stronger and Safer Walls"  continuing education course Read the "Shorten construction schedules with eXP products"  blog article to learn about the benefits of pre-rock construction Explore Gold Bond abuse- and impact-resistant products Download the XP® Family of Interior Products  brochure Download the eXP Family of Glass Mat Products  brochure   Download today's show transcript or watch NGConnects on YouTube. Do you have a question you'd like us to answer or a topic we should cover? We want to hear from you. Email your ideas to podcast@nationalgypsum.com. Be the first to hear the NGConnects podcast. Subscribe here for early access. Find all NGConnects podcasts at nationalgypsum.com/podcasts. National Gypsum Company is the exclusive service provider of reliable, high-performance building products manufactured by its affiliate companies and marketed under the Gold Bond®, ProForm® and PermaBASE® brands. The National Gypsum name has been synonymous with high-quality, innovative products and exceptional customer service since 1925. The information provided in this podcast is for general information purposes only. For specific building or design questions, please consult with the 1-800-NATIONAL® Construction Services team or your regional National Gypsum construction design manager. Always use products according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

We obsess over the details to help you build better. The NGConnects™ podcast features conversations surrounding solutions for today's construction and design challenges. During each episode National Gypsum team members and industry leaders discuss challenges in the construction and architectural industry and effective solutions. Featured guests include 1-800-NATIONAL® Construction Services team members, construction design managers, product managers and industry experts. Conversations with technical experts cover a wide range of construction and architecture topics, including UL fire-rated assemblies, gypsum board classifications, understanding the Gypsum Association's GA-214 "Levels of Finish for Gypsum Panel Products," acoustical assemblies and more. The podcast is designed to give professionals — from drywall contractors and finishers to architects and specifiers — working in the construction and architectural design industries a better understanding of gypsum board, joint finishing, cement and roof board products and how they are used to create safe, sustainable and better performing buildings where people live, work and play. National Gypsum Company is the exclusive service provider of reliable, high-performance building products manufactured by its affiliate companies and marketed under the Gold Bond®, ProForm® and PermaBASE® brands. The National Gypsum name has been synonymous with high-quality, innovative products and exceptional customer service since 1925. The information provided in this podcast is for general information purposes only. For specific building or design questions, please consult with the 1-800-NATIONAL Construction Services team or your regional National Gypsum construction design manager. Always use products according to the manufacturer's recommendations. https://www.nationalgypsum.com/ podcast@nationalgypsum.com

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