For use as sealants in fire-rated partitions, smoke barriers, and sound-rated assemblies as acoustical barriers, USG ME sealants have an acrylic base. They were created with the express purpose of reducing sound transmission via openings or cracks in walls, ceilings and floors. The sealant is exceptionally strong, produces a continuous flexible bead that doesn't collapse and flows into all but the most complex joints, is impervious to water infiltration, and has high thermal shock protection.
These low-flowing sealants provide a dense, continuous barrier that blocks out air and other gases. It has good vibration and movement resistance, making it perfect for joints in assemblies that are fire-rated but have little to no movement since they are made with high fire ratings and acoustical performances.
Support acoustic and fire-rated drywall assemblies with USG ME sealants designed to close joints, perimeter gaps and service openings that can allow sound, smoke or air to pass through a building assembly. The range includes flexible fire and acoustic sealing solutions for interior walls, ceilings and connection joints where continuity around the assembly is important.
USG ME offers Flexible Fire and Acoustical Seal for sound-rated and fire-resistant partitions, along with Fireseal Pro Hybrid Sealant for fire-resistant connection and movement joints. These products help contractors and consultants select a sealing solution according to acoustic requirements, fire performance, joint movement and application location.
An acoustic sealant is used to close gaps and joints that could otherwise create paths for sound transmission through a wall or ceiling assembly. Even when gypsum boards, insulation and framing are correctly specified, untreated perimeter gaps can affect the performance of the overall construction.
USG ME Flexible Fire and Acoustical Seal is an acrylic, latex-based sealant designed for use in sound-rated assemblies, fire-rated partitions and smoke barriers. It forms a continuous flexible seal around suitable joints and perimeter conditions while accommodating limited movement.
Acoustic performance should always be considered at assembly level because boards, insulation, framing, penetrations and perimeter sealing all contribute to the final result.
The appropriate sealant depends on the joint condition and the performance required from the surrounding assembly.
USG ME product | Key performance | Typical application |
Flexible Fire and Acoustical Seal | Acoustic and fire-resistant sealing | Perimeters of sound-rated and fire-resistant wall assemblies, low-movement joints and small service penetrations |
Fireseal Pro Hybrid Sealant | Fire resistance with movement capability | Wall-to-ceiling, wall-to-floor and construction movement joints |
Flexible Fire and Acoustical Seal offers movement capability of approximately ±10%, while Fireseal Pro Hybrid Sealant can accommodate movement up to 25%. Product selection should therefore consider both the required fire performance and the amount of expected joint movement.
Sound can travel through small openings around walls, ceilings and building-service penetrations. These gaps can create weak points in an otherwise well-designed acoustic assembly.
Applying the specified sealant at perimeter interfaces helps create a continuous barrier between the drywall construction and adjoining building elements. Common locations may include wall-to-floor junctions, partition perimeters and other approved gaps within sound-rated assemblies.
Sealing should be coordinated before the final stages of drywall finishing so required joints remain accessible and the completed surface follows the specified assembly detail.
Some wall systems require both sound control and fire resistance. In these conditions, the sealant must be appropriate for the complete tested assembly rather than selected only because it is described as an acoustic product.
USG ME Flexible Fire and Acoustical Seal is intended for fire-resistant, sound and smoke partitions and can be used around the perimeter of many wood- and steel-stud wall assemblies. It also creates a barrier against smoke, gases and water at suitable joints.
Where fire resistance is required, always confirm the approved joint detail, sealant depth, joint width and surrounding construction through the relevant technical documentation.
Building connections may experience movement caused by structural deflection, temperature changes or other service conditions. A sealant used at these locations must accommodate the expected movement without losing continuity.
USG ME Fireseal Pro Hybrid Sealant is designed for fire-resistant sealing of connection and expansion joints. It is tested according to EN 1366-4 and provides fire resistance of up to four hours in specified linear-joint conditions.
The product can accommodate movement of up to 25% and is suitable for wall-to-ceiling, wall-to-floor, steel-frame, wooden-frame and approved metal-stud connections.
A sealant works as part of the wider drywall construction rather than as an isolated finishing material. Studs, tracks, gypsum boards, insulation, joints and penetrations should all be coordinated before sealing work begins.
When specifying drywall accessories, identify the perimeter and connection details that require acoustic, smoke or fire sealing. This helps installers apply the correct product at the correct stage instead of attempting to seal inaccessible gaps after the wall is completed.
For performance-rated systems, installation should follow the relevant USG ME assembly details and product documentation.
Consider the following before specification:
Performance requirement: Determine whether acoustic, fire, smoke or combined performance is required.
Joint location: Identify perimeter, connection, expansion and service-opening conditions.
Expected movement: Select a product that accommodates the movement expected at the joint.
Wall construction: Confirm compatibility with gypsum board, steel framing and adjoining substrates.
Fire rating: Use the specified product within an approved fire-rated joint or assembly.
Acoustic design: Seal potential sound-leakage paths around partition perimeters and approved penetrations.
Application conditions: Check joint preparation, dimensions and curing requirements.
Technical documentation: Follow the relevant product datasheet and tested assembly detail.
Sealants may not remain visually prominent after completion, but they can have an important functional role behind the finished interior surface.
When planning interior wall finishing materials, project teams should coordinate visible finishes with the performance layers behind them. Joint compounds provide smooth gypsum surfaces, while acoustic and fire sealants close designated gaps and perimeter interfaces. The two products perform different functions and should not be used interchangeably.
This system-based approach helps maintain both the appearance and specified performance of interior drywall construction.
USG ME provides dedicated sealing products for different construction-joint requirements instead of relying on a single general-purpose sealant.
Flexible Fire and Acoustical Seal supports low-movement sound-rated, fire-resistant and smoke-control conditions, while Fireseal Pro Hybrid Sealant addresses fire-resistant joints requiring greater movement capability. Technical datasheets and finishing documentation are available to help contractors, consultants and project teams confirm appropriate applications.
Acoustic sealant closes approved gaps and joints within sound-rated wall and ceiling assemblies to help reduce sound transmission through openings around the construction.
Typical locations can include wall perimeters, floor and ceiling junctions, and approved gaps around building elements. Application should follow the relevant acoustic assembly detail.
No. Joint compound is primarily used to treat gypsum board joints and prepare visible surfaces for decoration. Acoustic sealant is used to close gaps that could allow sound or air to pass through an assembly.
Some products provide both acoustic and fire performance. USG ME Flexible Fire and Acoustical Seal is designed for sound-rated assemblies, fire-resistant partitions, and smoke barriers.
Fireseal Pro Hybrid Sealant is designed for fire-resistant connection and expansion joints and can accommodate movement of up to 25%.
Small gaps can create pathways for sound transmission. Sealing designated perimeter joints helps maintain continuity around a sound-rated drywall assembly.
