EP 12: Data center construction poses unique challenges

As the demand for AI, cloud services and streaming skyrockets, data center construction has become one of the fastest-growing sectors. However, these facilities present a high-stakes balancing act: They must be sustainable and quiet yet incredibly fire resistant and built at record speed. Listen or watch Tim Hessert, vice president of sales at National Gypsum Company, talk with host Chris Whitmire, director of product marketing, about the role of high-performance building products in securing the digital frontier. Listeners will learn: The four pillars of data center design: Why architects and contractors must juggle sustainability, fire safety, acoustics and speed. The weight of sustainability: How the Gold Bond® EVOLVE™ family of gypsum board products contribute to efforts to reduce embodied carbon and promote responsible material sourcing. The fire/sound balancing act: How the use of specialized gypsum board products such as Gold Bond® XP® Ultra-Shield FS® and the SoundBreak® XP® family of products meets 2- and 3-hour fire ratings while reducing constant server noise. Moisture resilience in high-cooling environments: Why fiberglass mat products such as Gold Bond® eXP® Interior Extreme® are essential for handling the high humidity created by massive HVAC systems. Roof protection for critical infrastructure: The importance of DEXcell® roof coverboards in protecting expensive equipment from wind, hail and maintenance traffic. Beating the clock with modern methods: How GridMarX® installation guide marks and the Max 12® and MaX 16® optimized fastener patterns, along with "topping out" construction, can significantly reduce installation time. Want to know more? Explore the data centers applications page View the data centers infographic Read the data center construction blog article Use the Fire & Sound Assembly Selector™ Read about the importance of roof cover boards in protecting data centers Watch the NGConnects Podcast on YouTube. Do you have a question you'd like us to answer or a topic we should cover?  We want to hear from you. Email your ideas to [email protected]. National Gypsum Company is the exclusive service provider of reliable, high-performance building products manufactured by its affiliate companies and marketed under the Gold Bond®, ProForm® and PermaBASE® brands. The National Gypsum name has been synonymous with high-quality, innovative products and exceptional customer service since 1925. The information provided in this podcast is for general information purposes only. For specific building or design questions, please consult with the 1-800-NATIONAL® Construction Services team or your regional National Gypsum construction design manager. Always use products according to the manufacturer's recommendations.