U.S. GYPSUM INTRODUCES FIRST POURED SELF-LEVELING UNDERLAYMENT FOR USE IN BUILDINGS WITH LIGHT-GAUGE STEEL FRAME CONSTRUCTION
Product Is Lighter and Applied at Lower Thicknesses Than Poured-in-Place Concrete
The Industrial Products Division of United States Gypsum Company has introduced a new addition to its family of poured, self-leveling cement underlayments called LEVELROCK® Brand CSD™ (Corrugated Steel Deck) Floor Underlayment. Designed for use in buildings with light-gauge steel frame construction, the product is the first poured underlayment that can be applied over metal framing systems or corrugated steel decks.
The product utilizes a proprietary gypsum-based concrete formulation that offers high compressive strengths ranging from 3,500 to 4,000 psi. It may be applied at much lower thickness than poured-in-place concrete representing a system that is up to 55% lighter than 3-inch concrete per square foot.
The typical LEVELROCK CSD underlayment weighs only 12.8 psf and has an average pour thickness of just 1-9/16 inch. When applied 1 inch above the top of a standard 9/16-inch steel deck flute or 1-9/16 inches from the bottom of the flute, the total structural dead load weight is significantly lower than when conventional 3-inch poured concrete is used.
The strength of the lighter-weight LEVELROCK CSD system allows more floors to be added without requiring additional steel or reinforced concrete structural support. Moreover, eliminating the need for higher-priced steel framing materials not only reduces material costs, but the additional floor space increases rentable/sellable square footage on the same building footprint.
The product also dries faster than poured concrete, which has a typical curing time of 28 days. Under normal conditions, the underlayment will set within two to three hours, which allows light trade traffic to resume the following day. This time savings (conventional poured concrete requires seven to 10 days) can reduce labor costs and facilitate scheduling advantages.
Because LEVELROCK CSD underlayment is a self-leveling product, it installs quickly and easily. A licensed structural engineer should evaluate building loads and the framing system to determine whether a corrugated steel deck flooring system is appropriate. If so, the product is then applied by a USG-authorized LEVELROCK applicator.
In addition, the LEVELROCK CSD system is non-combustible and UL rated by Underwriters Laboratories. A sound mat may easily be added so that the system meets International Building Code (IBC) criteria for sound control - Codes 50 STC and 50 IIC.
The Industrial Products Division of United States Gypsum Company is a leading producer and marketer of a wide range of industrial products used in manufacturing, tooling, plastics, coatings, construction, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food processing, statuary, ceramics, road repair and other applications.
For additional information, contact the Industrial Products Division of United States Gypsum Company at P.O. Box 806278, Chicago, IL 60680-4124, call (800) 487-4431 or visit the LEVELROCK® Web site at www.levelrock.com.
United States Gypsum Company is a subsidiary of USG Corporation, a Fortune 500 company with business units that are market leaders in their key product groups: gypsum wallboard, joint compound and related gypsum products; cement board; gypsum fiber panels; ceiling panels and grid; and building products distribution. For additional information, visit the USG Web site at www.usg.com.