PROTECTION FROM THE ELEMENTS NOW COMES IN PURPLE
National Gypsum Introduces
Gold Bond^® BRAND e²XP™ Extended Exposure Sheathing

National Gypsum today introduced Gold Bond^® BRAND e²XP™ Sheathing at the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry (AWCI) Convention and INTEX EXPO 2008 in Las Vegas.

Named for its capability to endure extended exposure () to the elements and produced in the purple signature color of National Gypsum’s XP^® product line, e²XP Sheathing is a mold and moisture resistant exterior panel that is adaptable to a variety of designs and finishes.

National Gypsum has manufactured e²XP Sheathing to withstand up to 12 months of exposure to typical weather conditions. It is made with an enhanced moisture and mold resistant core and coated fiberglass facer and has received the highest possible score for mold resistance in independent laboratory tests.

“We developed e²XP Sheathing in direct response to the architects, specifiers, dealers and contractors who’ve asked for a competitive alternative to existing exterior panel solutions,” said Jay Watt, director, sales and marketing. “As the latest addition to National Gypsum’s XP^® family of products, e²XP Sheathing is backed by tried-and-true mold-fighting technology, as well as by the gypsum wallboard industry’s most trusted customer service provider.”

National Gypsum’s e²XP Sheathing is designed to attach to the outside of sidewall and soffit framing as a water resistant underlayment for various external materials and can be used in both wood and metal stud construction to provide fire resistance, weather protection and to add structural strength. In addition, it can be used as a substrate for a number of air and water resistant barriers such as building wraps, self-adhesive membranes and liquid-applied coatings; as a component in curtainwall or exterior insulated finishing systems (EIFS); and under exterior finishes including metal, vinyl, wood or fiber-cement siding, brick or stone veneer and conventional stucco.

“At National Gypsum, we’re passionate about developing new products and making improvements to existing ones to give the building industry a competitive choice,” said Watt.

Specially coated on the front, back and sides for easy handling, e²XP Sheathing is also lightweight and scores and snaps cleanly without sawing. It is available in 1/2” and 5/8” thicknesses that are 4 feet wide, in standard lengths of 8, 9 or 10 feet.

About National Gypsum
Based in Charlotte, N.C., National Gypsum Company is a fully integrated manufacturer and supplier of building and construction products worldwide. Our primary emphasis is on Gold Bond^® BRAND gypsum board, SoundBreak™ acoustically enhanced gypsum board, ProForm^® BRAND drywall finishing products and PermaBase^® BRAND cement board, in addition to an XP^® family of abuse, impact, mold and moisture-resistant products.

March 26, 2008

Jay Watt
Director, Sales and Marketing
704/365-7979
JMWatt@nationalgypsum.com