PRONTO(TM) Joint Tape Performs Well in Fire-Resistance Test
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LAS VEGAS, March 26, 2008 - PRONTO(TM) Joint Tape, an innovative solution for
professional drywall installation, performed very well in the ASTM E84 fire
test, officials of National Adhesives, the maker of the product, announced
today at Intex EXPO 2008.
In testing conducted by a certified independent lab, PRONTO Joint Tape
(product # 88CRN1) performed exceedingly well in the Standard Test Method for
Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials ASTM E84-08*. The
maximum temperature observed in the test was 614 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite
the extreme temperature of the test, the product exhibited a flame spread
index of only 15, with a smoke developed index of only 25, according to James
Nowicki, Senior R&D Manager, National Adhesives.
Although classification of ASTM E84 results varies by local and state
jurisdictions, the most widely accepted classification is described in the
National Fire Protection Association publication NFPA 101 Life Safety Code,
where Class A is 0 to 25 Flame Spread Index and 0 to 450 Smoke Developed
Index. The NFPA Class A typically corresponds to Type I in other codes such as
SBCCI, BOCA, and ICBO.
PRONTO Joint Tape is a profiled, perforated tape that evenly covers both
factory and butt joints, eliminates the first coat of joint compound, and
removes several time-consuming steps from the traditional drywall finishing
process. The tape can save drywall installers up to 25% of their overall
drywall finishing cost. Typical process time for finishing drywall is 3 to 5
days. PRONTO Joint Tape provides a consistent first coat quality, replacing
the first four steps of the joint-compound application process, including
"waiting for the compound to dry" (which saves a full day), cutting costs in
labor, commuting, site prep and clean up time.
PRONTO Joint Tape is made by National Adhesives, a global leader in industrial
adhesives technology. For more information about PRONTO joint tape, visit
prontojointtape.com or call 1-888-5PRONTO (1-888-577-6686).
National Adhesives (www.nationaladh.com) is a unit of National Starch and
Chemical Company, which had worldwide sales of $4 billion in 2007. National
Adhesives offers hot melt, liquid emulsion and solvent-borne solution
adhesives to customers worldwide. National Adhesives' products are based on
polyurethane, acrylic, rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate, epoxy, polyvinyl
acetate and starch and dextrin chemistries. National has its headquarters in
Bridgewater, NJ, and is a member of the ICI Group, an Akzo Nobel company.
National Starch and Chemical Company is dedicated to meeting the needs and
expectations of customers without compromising its commitment to
sustainability. National Starch supports sustainability through its continuous
efforts to improve the safety, health and environment of the communities in
which it operates. For detailed information on National Starch's
sustainability program, visit www.nationalstarch.com.
*ASTM E84-08. Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
Building Materials. ASTM International. 2008.
Editorial Contacts:
Dave Manion
908-685-5395
dave.manion@nstarch.com
Martin Torbert
908-685-5185
martin.torbert@nstarch.com
08-0165
