RIGIPS: new systems for exterior walls with metal stud frames

For several years, RIGIPS has been offering innovative and high-performance systems based on its highly moisture- and mould-resistant special board Rigips Glasroc X, for use in wet and damp rooms as well as outdoor areas, such as cladding timber-framed exterior walls. The numerous advantages of this glass fibre-reinforced board are now also being utilised in two new systems specifically developed by the drywall specialist for cladding non-load-bearing exterior walls with metal stud frames. These innovative solutions are intended to help create urgently needed living space, not only through new construction, but also by making it much simpler and faster to repurpose existing buildings.

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Problematic exterior walls: when converting former commercial properties into living spaces, the façade often needs to be renewed. Drywall specialist RIGIPS has now developed two new systems for constructing non-load-bearing exterior walls with metal stud frames, providing a powerful alternative to conventional solid construction methods. Find out more at www.rigips.de/aussenwand. Photo: SAINT-GOBAIN RIGIPS GmbH

Due to various societal developments, an increasing number of commercial properties, particularly in city centres, are standing empty, while "affordable" housing is in short supply everywhere. Many small, medium-sized and large cities in Germany are affected by this issue. Converting and repurposing former office spaces, for example, is an obvious solution, but it is often hindered by difficult-to-resolve factors.

"Thanks to modern drywall systems, the interiors of such buildings can be quickly and flexibly converted into living spaces that meet the highest requirements for sound, thermal and fire protection", explains Andreas Ebbers, a development engineer at RIGIPS. "The more challenging issue is the external appearance: many commercial properties have wide or tall glass fronts that need to be closed or redesigned during conversion and associated façade renewal. This often requires complex planning using traditional solid construction methods, as well as a renovation process that can only be carried out on site, which is particularly challenging when considering the difficult-to-assess static conditions of many older buildings."

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The foundation of the new exterior wall systems is the Rigips Glasroc X board, which complies with type GM-FH1 according to DIN EN 15283-1. It features a highly moisture- and mould-resistant gypsum core that is reinforced with glass fibres. Its inorganic surface is equipped with an extremely UV-resistant glass fleece, allowing it to be exposed to the weather temporarily. Unlike cement-bonded panels, Rigips Glasroc X can be easily processed using standard drywall tools. Photo: SAINT-GOBAIN RIGIPS GmbH

Accelerated planning process: no fire protection certificates required!

Rigips is now taking a significant step towards simplifying the planning process with its two newly developed systems for renovating and renewing infill panels in skeleton structures. The optimal foundation for these systems is the Rigips Glasroc X board, which complies with type GM-FH1 according to DIN EN 15283-1. It features a highly moisture- and mould-resistant gypsum (ETA-21/0179) core reinforced with glass fibres. Its inorganic surface is equipped with an extremely UV-resistant glass fleece, allowing it to withstand temporary direct exposure to the weather. This means that exterior walls can be protected from weather influences for several months immediately after lining with Glasroc X and sealing the board joints. In the two new systems — a basic variant and an additional installation layer version — the board is combined with a high-performance thermal insulation composite system from Saint-Gobain Weber to ensure forward-looking thermal and acoustic insulation. The decisive factor: due to the non-combustibility of the construction products used, no additional fire protection certificates are required under § 28 (2) of the Model Building Code. This significantly accelerates the planning and construction process.

Quick and easy situational adaptability

"With these systems, we are bringing the advantages of modern drywall to the exterior wall, literally "to the forefront". The infill panels can be easily adapted to the situation, meaning new façade designs, such as residential-standard window surfaces, can be implemented much more easily than in solid construction. Drywall walls can be installed significantly faster, and hardly any construction moisture is introduced, so further interior renovation measures are not impaired or delayed. At the same time, the wall solutions are much lighter than aerated concrete walls, for example. This makes it much easier to meet challenging static requirements. All these advantages also apply to the new exterior wall systems in new constructions," says Andreas Ebbers.

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The expertise of three Saint-Gobain companies — ISOVER, RIGIPS and Weber — has been united in one solution: Rigips Glasroc X, which is combined with a high-performance thermal insulation composite system from Saint-Gobain Weber and the specially tailored metal construction felt ISOVER ULTIMATE MBF-034, ensures forward-looking thermal and sound insulation. Two new systems are available: a basic variant and a version with an additional installation layer. Illustrations: SAINT-GOBAIN RIGIPS GmbH

Easy processing

RIGIPS has deliberately developed two exterior wall systems based on the Glasroc X board, as it offers many processing advantages over cement-bonded boards used for similar applications. Thanks to its lower weight, it is much easier to handle on the construction site. Additionally, Rigips Glasroc X boards can be processed quickly and precisely using conventional drywall tools. They can be easily scored and broken precisely at the cutting edge, or cut with a circular saw and guide rail.

High-performance system components ensure maximum safety

The system components provided by RIGIPS ensure maximum safety and flexibility. The Rigips Glasroc X connection tape and sealant can be used to reliably seal joints between existing concrete or masonry components and new additions. Corrosion-protected profiles and accessories provide additional safety. Additionally, the specially designed metal construction of ULTIMATE MBF-034 offers high-performance insulation for stud frames made from ISOVER's high-performance mineral wool. wool.

"Our goal is to provide planners and architects with two systems that offer additional flexibility and cost-effectiveness in response to the challenges of renovation projects. Therefore, through Rigips project consulting, we also offer interested parties support for their construction project from an early stage. Working alongside planners, we can optimise our exterior wall solutions to meet the desired requirements – quickly, flexibly and reliably."

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The system components provided by RIGIPS ensure maximum safety and flexibility: the Rigips Glasroc X connection tape and sealant can be used to reliably seal joints between existing concrete or masonry components and new additions. Corrosion-protected profiles and accessories offer further protection. Photos: SAINT-GOBAIN RIGIPS GmbH

RIGIPS has compiled all information about its exterior wall systems in a brochure, which is available to download for free at rigips.de/aussenwand. Interested parties can contact their local Rigips area manager or the Rigips technical consultancy team. All contacts can be found on the Rigips website at rigips.de/kontakte.

ABOUT SAINT-GOBAIN RIGIPS GMBH
Recognised as a system provider by construction professionals for its high-quality drywall construction solutions, RIGIPS offers a wide range of gypsum and speciality boards, Rigidur gypsum fibreboards, profiles, accessories and high-performance joint fillers and compounds. These certified solutions are ideal for interior and exterior drywall constructions, providing highly effective fire and sound protection for maximum safety and comfort. A wide range of services complements our comprehensive product and system portfolio to support the planning and execution of even the most demanding construction projects. At the same time, RIGIPS is committed to environmental responsibility, focusing on sustainable climate protection and the conservation of natural resources. For instance, gypsum board recycling options increasingly close material cycles, while product packaging made from recycled materials reduces the need for primary raw materials. RIGIPS is part of the international Saint-Gobain Group.

ABOUT SAINT-GOBAIN
As a global leader in lightweight system solutions, Saint-Gobain develops, produces, and distributes materials and services for the residential, non-residential, and infrastructure markets. Its integrated and innovative solutions combine benefits such as take-back programs and recycling schemes designed to recover materials and support resource conservation, while maintaining high levels of performance. The Group is guided by its purpose: "MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME".

46.5 billion euros in sales in 2025
More than 162,000 employees represented in 80 countries
Commitment to reducing CO₂ emissions by 2050, with interim targets

Find out more about Saint-Gobain at www.saint-gobain.de and follow us on
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