Gulf Construction Online - Gypsemna puts drywall systems in spotlight

Events

Walker makes a presentation, and some of the delegates at the seminar (below).

Gypsemna puts drywall systems in spotlight

01 February 2014

THE best practices used in the successful implementation and testing of fire and acoustic drywall systems were highlighted at a seminar held last month (January 15) in Dubai, UAE.

Hosted by Gypsemna, a UAE-based manufacturer of gypsum plasterboard and drywall systems, the seminar was presented by Christopher Walker, an acoustic and fire consultant, Gypsemna general manager Ammar Al Ani, Gypsemna deputy general manager Abdulla Shaik Dawood, and Wong K L, the technical service manager of Rondo, Gypsemna’s strategic partner and a manufacturer and supplier of light-gauge roll-formed steel products and systems.

An expert on drywall systems and author of drywall manuals with 45 years of experience, Walker was also previously on committees for fire and acoustic testing at the BSI (British Standards Institution), ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and CEN (Comité Européen de Normalisation).

The seminar was aimed at increasing awareness of the key factors that affect the fire and acoustic performance of drywall systems as well as the important points to consider before and after application of such systems in order to meet fire and acoustic ratings – a topic that has gained increasing importance in the construction market.

The seminar also focused on Gypsemna’s special product – glass mat board – and the steel design for fire and acoustic systems. The event attracted a large number of major consultants who are involved with prime projects in the UAE.

Gypsemna manufactures gypsum plasterboard including regular board (RG), tuff board (TF), moisture-resistant board (MR), firewall board (FW) and moisture-resistant and firewall board (MRFW), in addition to glass mat board.

“Gypsemna is the region’s only manufacturer of glass mat board, which was specially developed for external applications such as sheathing board used as an underlayment for various external cladding material or EIFS (exterior insulation and finishing systems),” says Al Ani.

The product offers high weather resistance due to its moisture-resistant core and water-repellent glass mat liner on both faces and along the edges. It can also be used for internal applications in wet areas and tile-backing applications and is said to be an ideal replacement for cement and calcium silicate boards.

“In addition to water resistance, it is mould- and mildew-resistant. It achieved a maximum score of 10 when tested as per ASTM D-3273-94 and hence is suitable for hospital projects where bacterial growth is of great concern,” Al Ani says. “Additionally, it has superior fire resistance – about 50 per cent more than conventional firewall boards.”

Gypsemna has won several approvals for quality and fire safety, according to Al Ani.

“We have UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and Exova certification, a third-party certification for factory production control, quality management systems and ongoing surveillance, sampling and testing for fire-rated drywall systems.

“We have Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) approval, becoming the first company in Dubai to be certified for operational and safety for fire-rated drywall systems. We also have Qatar Civil Defence (QCD) approval, an operational and safety certificate for fire-rated drywall systems; and ISO 9001:2008, an international quality certification which covers design, manufacture and supply. The company also complies with relevant ASTM and EN standards,” he says.