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Although all drywall is fire resistant to a degree, type-X and type-C drywall are designed specifically to be used in fire-rated assemblies. These products help to contain fire in the area of its origin much better than regular drywall.
Is all drywall fire resistant?
Drywall is relatively fire resistant. It’s composed of gypsum pressed between two sheets of thick paper. Gypsum is a soft mineral that by itself is not flammable. The glass fibers are non-combustible and help maintain the integrity of the drywall as it is dehydrated.
What type of drywall is fire rated?
Fireproof drywall is the common term; its industry name is Type X drywall. The thickness of this drywall is 5/8-inch, including all layers. Glass fibers are added to the board to help it retard fire. Also, because it is denser than normal gypsum-and-paper drywall, it takes longer for the fire to degrade it.
Do I need fire resistant drywall?
In residential homes, installation of fire rated drywall is often required by state/province and local building codes on interior and exterior walls near furnaces and utility rooms. Fire rated drywall can also be installed in a basement or other places where a wood stove might be used.
How do I know if my wall is fire rated?
The total fire rating is determined by adding each component to reach a minimum total of 60 minutes. Fire protection rating is calculated from the flame side of the assembly and of course some assemblies have multiple flame sides. Your wood framing members are required to be not more than 16″ on center.
What’s the fire rating on 5/8 drywall?
The 5/8-inch, “fire-code” drywall (called Type X) increases a wall’s fire rating to a minimum of 1 hour, from the 30-minute rating for standard ½-inch drywall. And it’s not just thickness that makes the difference. Type X has a denser core and contains glass fibers that keep it from crumbling in the heat.
How thick is a 2 hour fire rated wall?
A 2-hour rating can be achieved by a wall with an equivalent thickness of as little as 3 1/5 inches when expanded slag or pumice is used or 4 1/2 inches when siliceous gravel is used as the aggregate.
Is purple drywall fire rated?
While all drywall is naturally fire-resistant, PURPLE drywall is unique because it also resists moisture, mold and mildew. Some PURPLE drywall products also stand up to scratches, scuffs, dents and sound.
How much does a 12 sheet of 5/8 drywall weight?
Using lbs/ft2 calculations for 48” wide sheets Lbs/ft 2 12 ft long 1/2” Standard 1.6 76.8 5/8” Standard 2.2 105.6 1/2” Lightweight 1.25 70 5/8” Lightweight 1.65 92.4.
What is a 1 hour rated wall?
According to the Engineered Wood Association, a one-hour rating indicates that a wall constructed in a manner similar to the one tested will contain flames and high temperatures, and support its full load, for at least one hour after the fire begins.
Is fire resistant drywall moisture resistant?
With additives mixed in the gypsum slurry at the factory, fire resistant boards both hold the moisture longer in a fire and resist shrinking. The longer the board can maintain its integrity and position on the wall or ceiling, the better.
What is the thickest drywall you can buy?
The thickest of all the types of drywall, 5/8-inch drywall is often fire-resistant and is the best choice for soundproofing rooms. It makes a great choice for ceiling applications because it helps to prevent sagging over time.
Does garage need drywall?
You do not need 5/8″ drywall for the garage walls. In the US, you need it between the garage and living space, but not on the exterior walls. I also recommend thinking about adding some outlets before you close the walls up – so much easier than doing it later.
How do you get a 2 hour fire rated wall?
Double the number of Type X sheets on the wall for a simple system installed over fire-resistant fiberglass insulation; each sheet of 5/8-inch Type X drywall is rated to resist fire for one hour, so two layers will produce a two-hour firewall.
What are fire rated walls?
Fire Wall – A fire-resistance-rated wall having protected openings, which restricts the spread of fire and extends continuously from the foundation to or through the roof, with sufficient structural stability under fire conditions to allow collapse of construction on either side without collapse of the wall.
What are the three types of fire rated assemblies?
The International Building Code (IBC) breaks out fire resistance-rated wall assemblies into three categories – 1) fire partitions, 2) fire barriers and 3) fire walls.
What is code for drywall in a garage?
R302. 6 Dwelling/garage fire separation: The wall between a house and garage must be separated by 1/2″ drywall. This also applies to structural members, and this extends to the attic in a common-sense type of way; the garage needs to be separated from the house.
Is there 1/2 fire rated drywall?
Fire rated drywall comes with more proofing including fiberglass and other additives which increase its ability to withstand fire longer than regular drywall. A standard 1/2′ drywall can offer up to half an hour of fire resistance. It is used in most common areas of the house because it has a lower cost.
When should you use 5/8 drywall?
5/8-Inch-Thick Drywall These panels are commonly used for ceilings or for walls that require a prescribed fire-resistant rating.
How long will a 2 hour fire wall last in a fire?
Materials and Fire-Resistance Ratings The minimum fire-resistance rating is 2 hours, but fire walls can have ratings of 3 and 4 hours.
What makes a 1 hour fire wall?
A “one-hour” fire rating is given to an assembly consisting of various building materials that can resist the exposure of a standardized fire exposure for one hour. A few acceptance criteria for the test stipulate that the fire from the gas-fired furnace cannot penetrate through the assembly during the test.
