New York-based Turner Construction recently conducted a study with Georgia-Pacific Gypsum LLC to gauge the scheduling–and therefore financial–benefits of using Dens™ Brand paperless, moisture-resistant gypsum products.
Paperless gypsum panels are designed as a replacement for paper-faced panels in commercial and residential buildings. Dens Brand panels from Georgia-Pacific Gypsum have fiberglass mats front and back that provide superior moisture and mold resistance compared to traditional paper-faced panels.
In the study, Turner used advanced Building Information Modeling (BIM) software to model an assisted living facility in the Northeast to identify and show how significant efficiencies in the sequence and construction process can benefit architects, general contractors and building owners. Model construction of the $90 million commercial project showed that installing moisture- and mold-resistant DensArmor Plus® interior drywall from Georgia-Pacific Gypsum accelerated the construction process by up to 10 weeks. The potential savings in both time and money were a result of being able to install the gypsum panels earlier in the construction cycle before a structure is fully enclosed, allowing crews to work simultaneously and compressing schedules.
“Because of their overall durability and resistance to moisture, using Dens products in specific applications before the building has been dried in has proven to help accelerate the completion time of the project and without the fear of moisture damage that is seen with regular drywall,” said Edward V. McNeill, senior vice president, operations, Turner Construction.
“The results show benefits for all parties involved in the construction process,” said Leo Bissonnette, general manager for Georgia-Pacific Gypsum. “By building from the inside out with these moisture-resistant gypsum products, general contractors potentially can complete projects ahead of schedule, and building owners have an opportunity to generate faster cash flow by moving paying occupants in more quickly.”
“BIM helps everyone involved visualize the value of paperless gypsum products, from the architect to the owner,” continues Bissonnette. “Our products can make a difference in the development, construction and the life of a building. That not every project will realize such significant results and costs savings will vary by project.”
Ultimately, the facility will be constructed with two Dens Brand products, including the flagship DensGlass Gold® exterior sheathing, which now features a 12-month weather exposure limited warranty, and DensArmor Plus interior drywall, which has a six-month weather exposure limited warranty.
DensArmor Plus interior drywall is also the only drywall product in the industry to be GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified® and GREENGUARD Children & Schoolssm Certified. These prestigious certifications, from the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute, recognize indoor products that have low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). DensArmor Plus is also listed as a GREENGUARD microbial-resistant product.
DENSGLASS GOLD and DENSARMOR PLUS are trademarks of Georgia-Pacific Gypsum LLC.
