What does GA-216 / ASTM C840 cover?

Framing spacing and surface tolerance; Board orientation, fastening and edge support; Joint treatment and finish levels; Control joint placement.

What does a field inspection against GA-216 / ASTM C840 look at?

Fastener spacing and screw depth photographed before tape covers it. Fire and sound assemblies photographed with the rated detail visible. Finish level checked under raking light and photographed the same way.

Which checklists verify work against GA-216 / ASTM C840?

4 free checklists in the RTI library reference this family — each listed on this page with the photo evidence every item needs before it can be submitted.

Gypsum Association / ASTM International

GA-216 / ASTM C840

GA-216 and ASTM C840 describe how gypsum board is applied and finished: framing tolerance, board orientation, fastener spacing, joint treatment and the finish level a surface is meant to reach before paint.

Adoption varies by jurisdiction — confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction enforces before you run a walk against it.

What it covers

Framing spacing and surface tolerance
Board orientation, fastening and edge support
Joint treatment and finish levels
Control joint placement

What the evidence looks like

Fastener spacing and screw depth photographed before tape covers it.
Fire and sound assemblies photographed with the rated detail visible.
Finish level checked under raking light and photographed the same way.

Checklists that verify work against GA-216 / ASTM C840

4 free checklists, each with the photo every item needs before it can be submitted.

Drywall Rough-inDrywall rough-in inspection checklistBoard-hanging walk checking fastener pattern, joints and rated assembly layers before taping starts9 items12 photos Drywall Pre-coverDrywall pre-cover inspection checklistBoard inspection before taping and finishing conceal fastener defects and damaged panels5 items7 photos Drywall FinalDrywall final inspection checklistFinish-level walk checking joints, corners and texture match under critical light before turnover8 items11 photos Drywall PunchDrywall punch checklistCloseout walk for dings, joint show-through and finish defects3 items4 photos

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Common questions

What is GA-216 / ASTM C840?: Gypsum board application and finishing — framing, fastening, joint treatment. It is published by the Gypsum Association / ASTM International. GA-216 and ASTM C840 describe how gypsum board is applied and finished: framing tolerance, board orientation, fastener spacing, joint treatment and the finish level a surface is meant to reach before paint.
What does GA-216 / ASTM C840 cover?: Framing spacing and surface tolerance; Board orientation, fastening and edge support; Joint treatment and finish levels; Control joint placement.
What does a field inspection against GA-216 / ASTM C840 look at?: Fastener spacing and screw depth photographed before tape covers it. Fire and sound assemblies photographed with the rated detail visible. Finish level checked under raking light and photographed the same way.
Which edition of GA-216 / ASTM C840 applies to my project?: Adoption varies by jurisdiction — confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction enforces before you run a walk against it.
Which checklists verify work against GA-216 / ASTM C840?: 4 free checklists in the RTI library reference this family — each listed on this page with the photo evidence every item needs before it can be submitted.

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Free inspection checklistsField-ready checklists by trade, with the photos each item needs.The Photo GateWhy a submission without its photos never leaves the phone.How RTI worksPrint, scan, submit, approve, hand over — the whole loop.