Gypsum panels, systems, and methods

1. A method of making a gypsum sheathing panel, comprising:

combining a wetting agent and water with calcium sulfate hemihydrate to form a first gypsum slurry;

depositing the first gypsum slurry onto a first surface of a first fiberglass mat, such that the first gypsum slurry penetrates at least a portion of the first fiberglass mat; and

allowing the first gypsum slurry to set to form at least a portion of a gypsum panel core having a fiberglass mat facer comprising the first fiberglass mat, to form a set gypsum sheathing panel configured for installation in a building sheathing system,

wherein the first gypsum slurry comprises the wetting agent in an amount effective to reduce a surface tension of the first gypsum slurry to a range from about 30 dyne/cm to about 60 dyne/cm and thereby facilitate penetration of the first gypsum slurry into the first fiberglass mat, such that the gypsum sheathing panel provides a water-resistive air barrier in the absence of any externally-applied barrier product on the gypsum sheathing panel,

wherein the wetting agent is present in the first gypsum slurry in an amount of about 0.01 percent to about 1 percent, by weight, and

wherein the wetting agent is a surfactant having a boiling point of 200° C. or lower, and

wherein the surfactant is a multifunctional agent based on acetylenic chemistry

wherein the first gypsum slurry is deposited in an amount of from about 5 percent to about 20 percent, by weight, of the gypsum panel core, and

wherein the gypsum sheathing panel exhibits an exfiltration and infiltration air leakage rate of less than 0.04 cfm/ft 2 at 1.57 lbs/ft 2 , when measured according to the ASTM E2357 air barrier assembly test.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising applying a continuous barrier coating to a second surface of the first fiberglass mat opposite the gypsum panel core, the continuous barrier coating penetrating a portion of the first fiberglass mat, to define a remaining portion of the first fiberglass mat, wherein gypsum from the gypsum panel core penetrates the remaining portion of the first fiberglass mat such that voids in the first fiberglass mat are substantially eliminated.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the continuous barrier coating comprises a plurality of pin holes that provide for water vapor transmission from the gypsum panel core across the coating.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first gypsum layer has a slurry density of about 88 pcf to about 98 pcf.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the gypsum sheathing panel passes a hydrostatic head test against water leakage, as measured by AATCC 127-2008.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the wetting agent comprises a surfactant having a boiling point of 110° C. or lower.

7. A method of making a gypsum sheathing panel, comprising:

combining a wetting agent that is a surfactant having a boiling point of 110° C. or lower and water with calcium sulfate hemihydrate to form a first gypsum slurry;

depositing the first gypsum slurry onto a first surface of a first fiberglass mat, such that the first gypsum slurry penetrates at least a portion of the first fiberglass mat; and

allowing the first gypsum slurry to set to form at least a portion of a gypsum panel core having a fiberglass mat facer comprising the first fiberglass mat, to form a set gypsum sheathing panel configured for installation in a building sheathing system,

wherein the first gypsum slurry comprises the wetting agent in an amount effective to reduce a surface tension of the first gypsum slurry to a range from about 30 dyne/cm to about GO dyne/cm and thereby facilitate penetration of the first gypsum slurry into the first fiberglass mat,

wherein the wetting agent is present in the first gypsum shiny in an amount of about 0.01 percent to about 1 percent, by weight, and

wherein the surfactant is a multifunctional agent based on acetylenic chemistry or an exthoxylated low-foam agent

wherein the first gypsum slurry is deposited in an amount of from about 5 percent to about 20 percent, by weight, of the gypsum panel core, and wherein the gypsum sheathing panel exhibits an exfiltration and infiltration air leakage rate of less than 0.04 cfm/ft 2 at 1.57 lbs/ft 2 , when measured according to the ASTM E2357 air barrier assembly test.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the gypsum sheathing panel provides a water-resistive air barrier in the absence of any externally-applied barrier product on the gypsum sheathing panel.

9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising applying a continuous barrier coating to a second surface of the first fiberglass mat opposite the gypsum panel core, the continuous barrier coating penetrating a portion of the first fiberglass mat, to define a remaining portion of the first fiberglass mat, wherein gypsum from the gypsum panel core penetrates the remaining portion of the first fiberglass mat such that voids in the first fiberglass mat are substantially eliminated.

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the continuous barrier coating comprises a plurality of pin holes that provide for water vapor transmission from the gypsum panel core across the coating.

11. The method of claim 7 , wherein the gypsum sheathing panel passes a hydrostatic head test against water leakage, as measured by AATCC 127-2008.