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Hi-Abuse XP and Hi-Impact XP
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Click here for Hi-Abuse XP and Hi-Impact XP information

Callers to our 1-800-NATIONAL® Technical Assistance Hotline frequently ask the following questions about Hi-Abuse® BRAND XP® and Hi-Impact® BRAND XP® Wallboard products:

> What is the difference between standard Type X, abuse resistant and impact resistant wallboard?
> What does XP mean?

> What is Hi-Abuse XP Wallboard?
> When would I use Hi-Abuse XP?
> Can Hi-Abuse XP be used in fire rated assemblies?
> How do I cut and install Hi-Abuse XP?
> Can Hi-Abuse XP be used a a tile backer?
> How often do I need control joints?
> Can I use Hi-Abuse XP on a ceiling?
> Can I plaster over Hi-Abuse XP?

> What is Hi-Impact XP Wallboard?
> When would I use Hi-Impact XP?
> Can Hi-Impact XP be used in fire rated assemblies?
> How do I cut Hi-Impact XP?
> Can Hi-Impact XP be used as a tile backer?
> How often do I need control joints?
> Can I use Hi-Impact XP on a ceiling?
> Can I plaster over Hi-Impact XP?
> In addition to abuse and impact resistance, what else does Hi-Impact XP offer?


What is the difference between standard Type X, abuse resistant and impact resistant wallboard?
Standard Type X wallboard primarily functions as a fire resistant panel. Abuse resistant wallboard also functions as a fire-resistant panel while providing increased durability over standard Type X wallboard. Examples of increased durability are surface abrasion and indentation resistance. In addition to fire-resistance impact resistant wallboard provides a higher level of durability over abuse wallboard including impact/penetration resistance. An example of that would be kicking a hole into a wall.

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What does XP mean?
XP = Xtra Protection from mold and mildew when compared to standard wallboard panels. Hi-Abuse® BRAND XP® and Hi-Impact® BRAND XP® are members of the XP® BRAND family of wallboard. When tested by an independent lab per ASTM D3273 ("Standard Test Method for Resistance to Growth of Mold on the Surface of Interior Coatings in an Environmental Chamber"), Hi-Abuse XP and Hi-Impact XP wallboard achieved a score of 10, the best possible score for this test.

*The use of Hi-Abuse XP and Hi-Impact XP Wallboard in actual installations may not produce the same results as were achieved in controlled, laboratory conditions. No material can be considered "mold proof", nor is it certain that any material will resist mold or mildew indefinitely. When used in conjunction with good design, handling and construction practices, Hi-Abuse XP and Hi-Impact XP wallboard can provide increased mold resistance versus standard wallboard products. As with any building material, avoiding water exposure during handling, storage and installation, and after installation is complete, is the best way to avoid the formation of mold or mildew.


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What is Hi-Abuse XP Wallboard?
Hi-Abuse XP Wallboard panels consist of a tapered edge, fire resistant, mold resistant, Type X, high density gypsum core encased in heavy, smooth, abrasion resistant, mold and mildew resistant, 100% recycled purple paper on the face side and 100% recycled heavy mold and mildew resistant gray liner paper on the back side.

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When would I use Hi-Abuse XP?
Projects that require greater surface abrasion and indentation resistance over standard Type X wallboard are ideal for Hi-Abuse XP. These projects can include: elementary schools, hospitals, public housing, churches, day-care centers, and office corridors.

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Can Hi-Abuse XP used in fire rated assemblies?
Hi-Abuse XP can be used in any assembly where 5/8" Fire-Shield Type X is approved. Click here to view Hi-Abuse XP Fire-Rated Selector Guide.

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How do I cut and install Hi-Abuse XP?
Hi-Abuse XP is installed, finished and decorated similar to standard wallboard, making it a low cost alternative to other abuse resistant systems.

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Can Hi-Abuse XP be used as a tile backer?
Yes, in dry areas. Hi-Abuse XP can be tiled in the same manner as standard Type X wallboard. See Tile Council of America system # W243-05 for approval.

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How often do I need control joints?
Like standard wallboard, controls joints are required every 30 feet of wall or ceiling and every 50 feet for ceilings with perimeter relief. Hi-Abuse XP transitions into standard wallboard seamlessly and without control or isolation joints.

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Can I use Hi-Abuse XP on ceilings?
Yes, Hi-Abuse XP can be applied to a ceiling in the same manner as standard 5/8” wallboard. If framing is spaced 16” o.c, install panels parallel. If framing is spaced 24” o.c., install perpendicular.

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Can I plaster over Hi-Abuse XP?
Yes, provided a gypsum plaster bonding agent is apply to panel first, a 1 or 2 coat gypsum veneer system may be applied.

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What is Hi-Impact XP Wallboard?
Hi-Impact XP Wallboard panels consist of a tapered edge, fire resistant, mold and moisture resistant, Type X, high density, gypsum core. A fiberglass mesh is embedded into the core near the back of the panel and encased in heavy, smooth, abrasion resistant, mold/mildew/moisture resistant, 100% recycled purple paper on the face side and 100% recycled heavy mold/mildew/moisture resistant liner paper on the back side.
Click here to watch our Interactive Hi-Impact XP Tutorial
(When the pop-up window opens, it will prompt you to click start after a few seconds to begin the tutorial.)

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When would I use Hi-Impact XP?
Projects that require greater durability and impact/penetration than Hi-Abuse panels can offer. Projects such as elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, dormitories, hospitals, loading docks, mail rooms, gymnasiums, and court houses are ideal for Hi-Impact XP.

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Can Hi-Impact XP be used in fire rated assemblies?
Hi-Impact XP is UL Labeled and can be used in fire rated assemblies. Click here to view Hi-Impact XP Fire-Rated Selector Guide

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How do I cut Hi-Impact XP?
Hi-Impact XP is scored and snapped similar to standard Type X wallboard only you work from the backside of the panel first, cutting through the fiberglass scrim with a standard utility knife.

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Can Hi-Impact XP be used as a tile backer?
Yes, Hi-Impact XP can be used as a tile backer board in dry areas and areas with limited water exposure such as toilet/sink areas, corridors, janitor closets, locker rooms and areas above tile in tub and shower areas. See Tile Council of America system # W243-05 for approval.

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How often do I need control joints?
Like standard wallboard, controls joints are required every 30 feet of wall or ceiling and every 50 feet for ceilings with perimeter relief. Hi-Impact XP transitions into standard wallboard seamlessly and without control or isolation joints.

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Can I use Hi-Impact XP on ceilings?
Yes, Hi-Impact XP can be applied to a ceiling in the same manner as standard 5/8” wallboard. If framing is spaced 16” o.c, install panels parallel. If framing is spaced 24” o.c., install perpendicular.

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Can I plaster over Hi-Impact XP?
Yes, provided a gypsum plaster bonding agent is apply to the panels first, a 1 or 2 coat gypsum veneer system may be applied.

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In addition to abuse and impact resistance, what else does Hi-Impact XP offer?

  • Mold, mildew and moisture resistance.
  • The strongest joint reinforcement on the market with no special finishing procedures.
  • The look and feel of drywall with the protection of a high performance specialty panel.
  • With the proper handling, installation and maintenance, Hi-Impact XP offers an active ingredient that resists mold before, during and after the construction phase of the project.
  • An easy to install panel that allows for rapid installation that requires no special handling, cutting, hanging joint finishing or painting procedures.
  • Hi-Impact XP is the only product in the market today that offers abuse, impact, mold and moisture resistance.


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