Waterguard
Protects the drywall edge, supports rubber base and provides sound performance up to STC 71.
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Installation and sealant
Can You Replace Bottom-of-Wall Sealant?
Waterguard can replace a separate bottom sealant application by installing the joint protection with the drywall. Snap the profile onto the board before hanging, then inspect it before the rubber base goes on.
What does the bottom sealant need to do?
In a non-fire-rated wall, bottom sealant may provide sound or smoke protection. In a fire-rated wall, the joint may need a listed firestop system. The drywall edge also needs moisture protection and the rubber base needs solid backing.
Choose the Waterguard product for those requirements. Use its installation instructions and test information to identify the bottom sealant work it replaces.
Install the protection with the drywall.
Waterguard snaps onto the bottom edge of the board before hanging. It keeps the gypsum off the floor and gives rubber base continuous backing.
The profile becomes part of the drywall crew’s work. Check the fit, floor contact and joints between sections before the base covers the installation.
- 01Choose the productUse Waterguard for non-fire-rated walls. Use Waterguard FS for fire-rated walls under BW-S-0078. Choose Waterguard Plus for non-fire-rated walls needing the taller profile.
- 02Snap on and hangFit the profile to the board before hanging. Fasten the drywall as usual.
- 03Inspect before coveringCheck the installation against the product instructions before fitting rubber base.
Replace the bottom acoustical sealant.
Standard Waterguard replaces bottom acoustical sealant in its paired wall test. The report identifies the board, framing and remaining perimeter seals used in that comparison.
Replacing bottom sealant does not remove required seals at the head of the wall, penetrations or openings. Include those locations in the estimate and installation plan.
Replace bottom sealant in UL BW-S-0078.
Waterguard FS protects 1- and 2-hour fire-rated joints under UL BW-S-0078. FS is the listed joint material; no separate bottom sealant application is required in that system.
Install FS on the outermost board layer on both sides of the wall. The intumescent strip must stay in contact with the floor, with no gap beneath the profile. Gaps between adjoining FS sections may not exceed ⅛ inch. Follow the complete listing for the wall, floor, board and fastening requirements.
Two different dimensions
BW-S-0078 specifies a nominal ¾-inch bottom joint and a maximum ⅛-inch gap between FS sections. Neither dimension permits a gap below the FS profile.
Choose the taller profile for non-fire-rated walls.
Waterguard Plus installs without additional profile screws, glue or sealant unless the project specifies it, under the manufacturer’s installation instructions (§3.03 J). Normal drywall fastening is still required.
Price the installation you will build.
Include the Waterguard material and attachment labor in the drywall scope. Remove the separate bottom sealant allowance where the selected installation replaces it.
Decide who supplies, installs and inspects the profile. Schedule that inspection before rubber base covers the joint.
Choose your product½-inch profile · Non-fire-rated 1- and 2-hour fire-rated walls · BW-S-0078 1¾-inch profile · Non-fire-rated
Choose the right Waterguard for your wall.
Waterguard FS
Pink FS protects 1- and 2-hour joints under UL BW-S-0078 without a separate bottom sealant application. FS also achieves STC up to 71 in separate sound tests.
View Waterguard FSWaterguard Plus
The taller profile provides over an inch of vertical water protection, rubber-base backing, smoke control and STC up to 57.
View Waterguard PlusSources