Table of Contents
Using Fire-Rated 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.
Does 1/2 drywall have a fire rating?
Most Type X drywall has a one-hour fire rating. The fire rating for the 1/2-inch drywall used throughout the rest of the home is 30 minutes.
What is the fire rating of standard 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. The real fire rated drywall has to be certified by a third party.
How much drywall do I need for a 2 hour fire rating?
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. Put two sheets together on one side or use one sheet on each side of a wall.
Does drywall need to be fire rated?
A: Yes, any space requiring an area separation wall (a wall separating adjacent living units) like apartments, condos and townhouses, uses a fire-rated system. They are also required in any egress area in the apartment building.
What is a 2 hour fire rated wall?
2. Gypsum Board: Two (2) hour rated walls have two (2) layers of 5/8″ Type ‘X’ gypsum wallboard panels on each side of the steel studs. The “Fire Tape” product would be used as an alternative to conventional joint tape in specific systems when: 3.
What is a 1 hour fire 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.
How can you tell if a wall is fire rated?
Include lettering not less than 3 inches (76 mm) in height with a minimum 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) stroke in a contrasting color incorporating the suggested wording, “FIRE AND/OR SMOKE BARRIER–PROTECT ALL OPENINGS,” or other wording.
Where is fire rated drywall used?
Fire rated drywall is typically found on attached garage walls and ceilings that are adjacent to the main living area of the home. For commercial buildings, fire rated gypsum drywall is specified for most of the building walls and ceilings to meet building code requirements for fire partitions and assemblies.
What is fire rated ceiling?
Physical Barrier An Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) fire resistant rated ceiling system provides separation between the elements of the building services (i.e. ductwork and piping) and the occupied space below. A UL fire resistant rated ceiling also provides a known, specified fire resistance period.
What is the fire rating for 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 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.
Is all drywall fireproof?
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 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.
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.
Is concrete fire rated?
It’s also incredibly resistant to fire, which makes it a safe bet for homes. The fire-resistant properties of concrete are fairly easy to understand. The components of concrete – cement (limestone, clay and gypsum) and aggregate materials – are chemically inert and therefore virtually non-combustible.
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.
Can you screw into a fire rated wall?
Yes, screws may be used as an alternative to nails in fire rated assemblies, but must be substituted one for one with the head diameter and length equal or greater than required for the nails. Spacing of the screws can be no greater than that of the nails.
How is fire resistance rating determined?
The fire-resistance rating of a wood frame assembly is equal to the sum of the time assigned to the membrane on the fire-exposed side, the time assigned to the framing members and the time assigned for additional contribution by other protective measures such as insulation.
What is a Class 2 fire rating?
A Class II rating is given if the spread of flame is no greater than 215mm in the first 1½ minutes and on overall spread of no more than 455mm.
What are the requirements of fire rated assembly?
+ Openings, penetrations, joints and duct/air openings must be protected. Fire walls are the most restrictive fire resistance-rated assembly, and create separate buildings for determining allowable area. Unlike partitions or barriers, fire walls must be vertical, and have a 2-hour minimum/4-hour maximum rating.
