Each year, it’s exciting to see all of the new drywall products announced at various industry trade shows. In keeping with our tradition of reporting on all things drywall related, here are some of the new or enhanced products released specifically for the wall and ceiling industry. All of these innovations are aimed to help wall and ceiling contractors with productivity and ergonomics, among other benefits.

Check out these new and/or enhanced products:

Pre-made Drywall Corners

CleanCo Construction

Designed for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts, CleanCo offers a seamless, easy-to-install solution that enhances the durability and impact resistance of drywall corners.

With its prefabricated design and integrated reinforcement strips, the product eliminates the need for additional corner beads and fasteners. A perfect corner every time.

The learning curve is to teach the end user a new and easier way of finishing corners.

Its key feature includes integrated reinforcement strips that make a perfect durable corner.

What prompted its development? “It was as simple as seeing damaged corners at a friend’s house that prompted the development,” says Vice President of Sales Marc Reid. The product is distributed in North America.

The company is currently working on updating its website. Stay tuned to cleancoconstruction.com for more information.

Type-X Gypsum Panel for Area Separation

American Gypsum Co. LLC

The 1/2-inch M-Bloc Ekcel Type X gypsum panel is a fire-, mold- and moisture-resistant wallboard that is part of a patented area separation firewall system used in multi-family housing projects.

The product was introduced to meet the needs of the multi-family builder when there is a limited supply of 1-inch thick by 2-foot wide shaft liner panels for multi-family housing projects. The drywall panel is 1/2-inch thick and 4 feet in width, and replaces 1-inch thick shaft linerboard that is 2 feet in width.

Its key features include:

• 1/2-inch thick by 4 feet wide by 10 feet in length.
• Mold- and moisture-resistant.
• An essential part of a patented 2½-hour fire-rated ME area separation firewall system.

For more information, please visit americangypsum.com.

Fire, Acoustic and Smoke Solutions

CEMCO

The company’s suite of pre-formed fire, acoustic and smoke solutions have changed the way architects and designers can incorporate joint solutions into the building design, and how contractors install fire, acoustic and smoke joint systems. These products provide a fail-safe installation to minimize liability while providing long-term performance.

Traditional fire and acoustical products provide a short-term solution for long-term safety and aesthetic needs. They can be labor-intensive to install and hard to inspect because they can be difficult to verify if the joint system has been installed properly with the correct components or to correct width and depth.

“These problems associated with previous methods of fire-stopping and the incredible amount of labor needed for both installation and inspection has led us at CEMCO to leverage our experience and expertise in cold-formed steel framing to develop several solutions that will increase productivity as well as sustainability,” says Steve Farkas, director of business development at CEMCO.

CEMCO FAS products are tested for code compliance to UL 2079 for fire and smoke, ASTM E84 for flame and smoke spread, ASTM E90 for sound, and as needed to ASTM G21 for mold propagation. In addition, contractor field tests on productivity have proven that the company’s FAS products install three to four times faster than fire sealant and spray solutions. Contractors report a 30 to 40 percent savings on overall labor costs while limiting liability vs. traditional solutions.

The products install with integrated double-sided tape or staples/joint compound that allows the installer to attach them directly to the framing member before the drywall is installed, or to the face of the gypsum panel. Once installed, the FAS products provide a permanently flexible, code compliant solution for fire, acoustic and smoke applications at bottom, top and vertical applications in gypsum panel wall assemblies.

The products provide a sustainable life warranty. In addition, with no maintenance required, FAS products reduce long-term service requirements.

Further applications and installation guidelines can be found on the website so designers, installers and inspectors can select the best product for the application.

For more information, visit cemcosteel.com/product-category/firestop-products.

Waterproof Tile Backerboard

USG

The company has introduced Fiberock Brand AquaSmart Tile Backerboard to address growing demand for lighter, cleaner, and more cost-effective waterproof tile backer solutions. Traditional tile backers are trusted but often heavy, messy and labor-intensive to install. Foam systems, while lightweight, are expensive. The backerboard provides a high-performing waterproof solution that is easier to work with, and more cost-effective to pros seeking efficiency without sacrificing performance.

The backerboard and underlayment is a high-performance panel designed for durability and waterproof performance in wet or dry interior environments. Its proprietary technology—featuring a homogenous, integrated waterproof composition—and ease of installation, make it the most practical and economical solution for waterproof systems. It provides superior bond for tile or stone, and also delivers a smooth paintable surface for wall applications.

The product installs similarly to traditional backerboards, but is lighter weight and easier to cut and handle. Contractors familiar with cement or cement fiber boards will quickly adapt. It was officially launched this June.

Its key features include:

• Waterproof to its Core: Unique, proprietary waterproof formulation “top to bottom”—no surface coating to scratch/delaminate.
• Less Total Cost: Achieve waterproof performance without extra material costs. Treat only the seams and fasteners.
• Easy to Install: Lighter, cleaner—just score and snap without the extra weight, effort or mess.
• Versatile: Works under stone or tile for walls, floors, and counter tops. It can even be painted for seamless transitions on walls.

The product is engineered for long-term, low-maintenance performance. Backed by a 20-year (transferable) warranty.

Contractor feedback indicated the need for a lightweight, clean and waterproof alternative to cement fiber boards without the premium price tag. USG leveraged its material science expertise to reengineer gypsum fiber technology and deliver a panel that meets industry expectations in waterproof performance, efficiency and value.

At this time, the product is only available in the United States. For more information, visit usg.com/content/usgcom/en/products/floors-tile/tile-prep/cement-board-backer-board/fiberock-aquasmart-tile-backerboard.060083.html.

Portable Drywall Milling Machine

Ames Tools Corporation in partnership with Innovative Drywall Technologies

In an industry where time is money and skilled labor is increasingly hard to come by, the GROOVE-90 drywall milling machine was born out of necessity—and crafted with intention. This compact powerhouse was introduced to meet the needs of drywall professionals who needed commercial-grade capability without the constraints of large, stationary equipment.

Sometimes, a traditional milling machine is just too bulky for jobsite use. The GROOVE-90 offers something very unique: portability. Weighing in at just under 40 pounds, it’s light enough to ride shotgun in your work truck, yet durable enough to stand up to daily use on commercial sites.

Designed with one-person operation in mind, it’s ideal for both commercial and residential contractors who want to take their prefabrication workflow directly to the jobsite. While contractors are the primary users, architects and project managers have also taken notice. They appreciate how the machine reduces labor costs and accelerates timelines—without sacrificing the precision or quality expected in modern design.

“One of the biggest advantages is the short learning curve. Set-up and blade changes are straightforward, and in just 10 minutes, you can be milling complex profiles with crisp angles or graceful curves,” says Kelli Campbell, director of marketing at Innovative Drywall Technologies. “Whether you’re fabricating soffits, bulkheads, round or square columns—or even custom crown moldings—the GROOVE-90 delivers versatile results with impressive accuracy.

Innovative Drywall Technologies officially launched the GROOVE-90 partnership with AMES stores and online at ShopAmesTools.com at the beginning of April during the BUILD 25 trade show.

Its key features include:

• Lightweight, truly portable design (really)
• Ability to mill both straight and curved profiles
• Mills right on the drywall lift for onsite use
• Precision cuts ideal for complex architectural elements

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A HEPA-filtered vacuum system keeps dust and debris in check, and the blades are easy to swap out. Backed by a robust one-year warranty, the GROOVE-90 isn’t just a tool—it’s a solution to some of drywall’s most persistent challenges.

The growing demand for portable, flexible tools in a labor-strapped industry, the machine doesn’t just fill a gap—it opens up new possibilities.

The product is distributed by Innovative Drywall Technologies and through an exclusive partnership with Ames Tools. Anyone interested can order the GROOVE-90 Starter or Pro Kits directly online at shopamestools.com/groove-90; they can place an order at their local AMES retail store; or, they can request a demonstration through the training link here: shopamestools.com/contact-us. The product is available worldwide.

Conversion Kit for Dust-free Sander

Full Circle International Inc.

The Radius360 Conversion Kit was introduced to the market to be able to sand with little-to-no dust or clean up. This is a perfect tool for the remodeler, property maintenance, and contractor. One can now easily convert the Radius360 sander to a dust-free sander using the kit.

The product (C-KIT) can transform your Radius360 into a dust-free sander. Using the company’s Air Pad, U-Hub, pole and hose in the kit, all you would need is a Radius360 and a vacuum for up to 99 percent dust-free sanding. You can use either a mesh abrasive or standard Level360 sanding discs. The company recommends any wet/dry vacuum with more than 100 CMF.

“There is no real learning curve if you have used a Radius360—it feels just like it with no dust,” says Jeff Annis, national sales manager at Full Circle. “It is perfect for sanding Level 4-5 and patch work dust-free.”

For more information, visit fullcircleinternational.com.

Snappable Mold Resistant Soundboard

PABCO Gypsum

The manufacturer wanted to offer the market a 12-foot version of its QuietRock EZ-SNAP (ES) Standard and EZ-SNAP Mold Resistant (ESMR) products. The 5/8-inch Type X QuietRock EZ-SNAP is a factory-laminated, high acoustic performance panel with improved workability to reduce installation time. Its patented EZ-SNAP technology eliminates the extra layers of paper in the center, resulting in a panel that is easier to cut using standard drywall tools. This was made possible through 20 years of continual product development, rigorous testing, and advancements in the manufacturing process.

The product was officially launched this May.

Its key feature includes no extra layers of paper in the center, resulting in a panel that is easier to cut than the competition using standard drywall tools

“Our customers requested 12-foot length QuietRock ES panels for larger projects to increase productivity and reduce joints,” says QuietRock Product Manager Mike Amaral.

The product is distributed through drywall wholesalers across the United States and Canada.

For more information, visit pabcogypsum.com.

Eco-friendly Gypsum Board

National Gypsum Co.

The company introduced the EVOLVE family of products, engineered to conserve water, reduce energy use and lower carbon emissions. The product line is also significantly lighter than traditional 5/8-inch Fire-Shield Gypsum Board, making it an ideal choice for architects, contractors and distributors.

Manufactured by Gold Bond Building Products, the product family represents a significant advancement in gypsum board technology, offering heightened performance and lower environmental impact. The family includes three innovative products: EVOLVE 30, EVOLVE X and EVOLVE XP.

Gold Bond EVOLVE 30 Fire-Shield Gypsum Board

• Up to 30 percent lighter than 5/8-inch Fire-Shield Gypsum Board
• Use in single-layer construction with 30-minute fire-rated or non-rated assemblies
• Features a fire-resistant non-Type X core
• Encased in heavy, natural-finish, 100 percent recycled paper on the face and back sides

Gold Bond EVOLVE X Fire-Shield Gypsum Board

• Up to 20 percent lighter than 5/8-inch Fire-Shield Gypsum Board
• Suitable for walls and ceilings in single- or multi-layer drywall construction
• Type X core is fire resistant and an approved component in specific UL fire-rated designs
• Encased in heavy, natural-finish, 100 percent recycled paper on the face and back sides

Gold Bond EVOLVE XP Fire-Shield Gypsum Board

• Up to 20 percent lighter than 5/8-inch XP Fire-Shield Gypsum Board
• Mold and moisture resistant, can be used anywhere moisture is a concern
• Type X core is fire resistant and an approved component in specific UL fire-rated designs
• Encased in specially designed heavy PURPLE face paper and gray back paper, which is 100 percent recycled and resistant to mold, mildew and moisture
• Initially available in the Northeast Area

“The EVOLVE product line is truly the next evolution of gypsum board products,” says Chris Whitmire, director of product marketing at the company. “EVOLVE allows architects to specify a sustainable board product that is easier on the environment and gives contractors a versatile, lightweight board product which is easier to install. The reduction in board weight also provides transportation efficiency. We are excited to introduce EVOLVE to the construction community.”

For more information, visit nationalgypsum.com.

Metal Cornerbeads

ClarkDietrich

The company’s GhostBead metal corner beads—available in square and bullnose—are primed with a white coating that enables them to vanish behind the joint compound (just like a ghost). These traditional corner beads can be nailed, screwed or stapled in place and finished with joint compound.

GhostBead Square features flanges that are knurled and perforated for excellent joint compound adhesion. The exposed nose seamlessly blends with joint compound, resists impact and forms a screed for finishing.

GhostBead Bullnose create a smooth, rounded look to standard drywall corners, adding contemporary styling and a sense of openness to any room. GhostBead Bullnose to 90° transition caps are available to provide a smooth transition to baseboard or corner molding.

It keys features include:

• White surface treatment applied to outer face, allowing the bead to blend in with the joint compound
• Galvanized coating for corrosion protection and durability
• Superior compound adhesion
• Metal reinforcement for drywall corners

According to ClarkDietrich, customers were asking for a cornerbead that better blended behind the joint compound.

For more information, visit clarkdietrich.com.