National Building Code of Canada Allows For Easier-to-Construct Two-Hour Firewall SystemPaperless gypsum firewall system in townhomes helps protect structures from moisture issues, mould and fire.

Atlanta, GA. August 23, 2006 -- Builders in Canada now have the option of using a cost-efficient, easy-to-install, mould-resistant replacement for block-wall partitions. Firewalls constructed with DensGlass Ultra™ Shaftliner for area separation walls provide an excellent alternative for construction of non-load bearing wall assemblies requiring fire-resistance ratings up to 2 hours in multi-family, multi-story townhomes. This system meets the requirement for a 2-hour firewall as per the National Building Code of Canada 2005 and carries a 6-month exposure warranty, giving builders peace of mind that neither rain nor freezing weather are an issue during construction. An added benefit is that the firewall system with DensGlass Ultra Shaftliner can be installed by the framing crew, which is a potential savings in labor costs.

This system meets the requirement for a 2-hour firewall as per the National Building Code of Canada 2005

"It would take a week to put up an old-fashioned blocks and mortar firewall," said Don Owens, a townhome developer in British Columbia with Image Construction Ltd. "Using the DensGlass Ultra Shaftliner firewall, we can get it done in one afternoon."

The DensGlass Ultra Shaftliner 2-hr firewall is constructed once the framing for one townhome is complete and prior to the construction of the adjacent unit. The assembly is constructed at the foundation and continues either to the underside of the protected roof sheathing or through the roof to form a parapet. The assembly is linked to the adjacent framing with aluminum breakaway clips that allow for collapse of the fire-exposed unit without collapse of the solid area separation wall.

Owens says he has no plans to ever use another block firewall. "To penetrate a block wall you have to blast through the concrete. With DensGlass Ultra Shaftliner, you can cut nice, round holes with regular drill bits. It's as easy as that."

The paperless 2-hr firewall with a non-combustible gypsum core is designed to handle the heat while a glass-mat surface helps protect against delamination and mould.

About Georgia-Pacific Canada: G-P Gypsum and its sister operation, Georgia-Pacific Canada, are wholly owned subsidiaries of Georgia-Pacific Corporation. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific is one of the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of building products, tissue, packaging, paper, pulp, and related chemicals. The company employs approximately 55,000 people at more than 300 locations in North America, South America and Europe. Georgia-Pacific's building products manufacturing business has long been among the nation's leading suppliers of building products to lumber and building materials dealers and large do-it-yourself warehouse retailers, with brands such as Plytanium®, Plybead®, DensArmor Plus™, DensGlass Gold® and ToughRock®. Familiar Georgia-Pacific consumer tissue brands include Quilted Northern®, Angel Soft®, Brawny®, Sparkle®, Soft 'n Gentle®, Mardi Gras®, So-Dri® and Vanity Fair®, as well as the Dixie® brand of disposable cups, plates and cutlery.
For more information, visit www.gp.com/build

Miloy Summerell
Georgia-Pacific Corp.
Building Products
(404) 652-3289
missumme@gapac.com