Waterguard, Waterguard FS, or Waterguard Plus: Which Does Your Wall Need?

For a non-fire-rated wall, choose standard Waterguard. For a fire-rated wall, use Waterguard FS where the wall and floor meet UL BW-S-0078. Choose the taller Waterguard Plus for non-fire-rated walls needing additional water protection.

A double-stud wall or high sound requirement does not automatically require FS. Waterguard and FS both achieve STC up to 71. See the sound-test reports for the wall designs.

Choose Waterguard for a non-fire-rated wall needing moisture protection, rubber-base backing, sound and smoke control. It snaps onto the bottom of the board before hanging.

Waterguard replaces bottom acoustical sealant in its paired wall test. Use the report and installation instructions to check the wall construction and remaining perimeter seals.

Pink Waterguard FS combines a ½-inch vinyl profile with an intumescent strip. UL BW-S-0078 lists FS for 1- and 2-hour bottom joints without a separate bottom sealant application.

Install FS on the outermost ⅝-inch board layer on both sides of the wall, with the shorter leg facing outward and the intumescent material touching the floor. Follow the complete listing for the wall, floor and remaining installation requirements.

Waterguard Plus provides over an inch of vertical water protection and continuous rubber-base backing for non-fire-rated walls. It also provides smoke control and maintains STC up to 57.

Choose Plus when you need the taller profile. Check the finish-base height and the installation instructions for your board and floor. Profile height and water-protection height are different measurements.

Use Waterguard, Waterguard FS or Waterguard Plus consistently in the drawings, specifications, takeoff and submittal. The full name tells the supplier and installer which profile the wall needs.

Include the quantity, who will install it and when it will be inspected. Request a sample if the team needs to see how the profile fits the board.