What is the fire rating of drywall?
This rating measures the rate at which a flame will spread over a material. Red oak has a rating of 100 and anything considered Class A fire-resistant needs a rating of 0-25. Fire-resistant drywall has a flame spread rating of 15, well below the maximum spread for a Class A product. Some CertainTeed products have a flame spread rating of zero.
What constitutes an one hour fire rated wall?
One hour fire-rated walls may contain a non-combustible core and steel top and bottom. These panels are thicker than traditional building materials, such as sheetrock, and may feature a silicone finish. They’re designed to be fire-resistant, yet lightweight. This makes them easy to work with, transport, and erect.
What is gypsum type X?
Type X. The first fire code product is called type X drywall, which is made from gypsum that has noncombustible glass fibers. The material used for this product increases its fire rating to a minimum of an hour and is usually installed in projects such as area separation firewalls, shaft walls, and stairwell walls. Type C
What is Type X sheetrock?
it reads: “type x (special fire- retardant) designates gypsum wall- board complying with this specification that provides at least one-hour fire retardant rating for boards 5/8" (16 mm) thick, or ¾-hour fire retardant rating for boards ½" (13 mm) thick, applied to a partition in single-layer nail ap- plication on each face of load-bearing wood …
What is the fire rating of Type X drywall?
Surface Burning Characteristics: CertainTeed Type X Gypsum Board has a Flame Spread rating of 15 and Smoke Developed rating of 0, in accordance with ASTM E 84, (UL 723, UBC 8-1, NFPA 255, CAN/ULC-S102).
Is Type X drywall fire-resistant?
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. As an added benefit, Type X drywall absorbs sound slightly better and is slightly stronger than conventional 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch drywall.
How do I know if my drywall is fire rated?
Find the drywall end-tape: The end tape is also color-coded on modern drywall products, allowing quick identification of drywall thickness and type, such as fire-rated, mold-resistant, moisture-resistant.
What's the difference between Type X and Type C drywall?
Type C drywall is known as the more durable version of Type X—there are more glass fibers in this product as well as more vermiculite components, giving it a fire resistance of 2-4 hours. You can find this product at your local drywall and insulation store in 1/2” and 5/8” thickness.
What makes 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 makes a 1 hour fire rated wall?
Ratings for fire resistance are given in accordance to the time a structure can contain a simulation fire. More specifically, if a wall is constructed in a manner that closely resembles a tested wall which has shown to contain flames and high temperature for one hour, it is eligible to receive a 1-hour rating.
What is a 30 minute fire rated wall?
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.
What is the fire rating of 3/4 drywall?
two-hour fireUSG Sheetrock® Brand Ultracode® Core Gypsum Panels can achieve a two-hour fire rating with single-layer construction when used with mineral wool insulation in steel framed walls.
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.
Are all 5/8 drywall fire rated?
Regular drywall has naturally occurring fire resistance due to the presence of gypsum in the core but is not fire rated. Type X drywall has special core additives that allow it to be used in fire rated designs and usually comes in 5/8” thickness.
Where do you need fire rated drywall?
A: Fire-rated products are not typically used in single-family residential construction except for garages. These products are primarily used in commercial construction (high rises, office buildings, industrial, institutional) and any space requiring an area separation wall such as a hotel or multi-family home.
What kind of drywall do you use for a fireplace?
Fire-rated Drywall Type X It slows down the passage of fire rather than stops passage completely.
Is drywall mud fire rated?
Design Studio What is the fire rating of joint compound? Joint compound does not have a fire rating by itself, but does meet ASTM C475. When fire testing a wall the fire rating is not for individual products, but for all the system components together. USG Joint Compounds are used in numerous fire-tested assemblies.
What is fire resistant gypsum board?
CertainTeed Type X fire resistant drywall is an interior gypsum board consisting of a solid set, fire resistive, Type X gypsum core enclosed in ivory-colored face paper and a strong liner back paper. CertainTeed Type X board features a specially formulated core providing fire resistance ratings when used in tested assemblies. Long edges are slightly tapered, allowing joints to be reinforced and concealed with joint tape and joint compound. CertainTeed Type X fire resistant drywall is available in a variety of lengths and widths.
What is CertainTeed type X?
CertainTeed Type X Fire Resistant Dry wall accepts most types of paints, textures and wall covering materials. The surface shall be primed and sealed with a full-bodied latex primer before applying a final decorative material. This will equalize the suction between the joint compounds and the paper surface. For best painting results, all surfaces, including joint compound, should be clean, dust-free and not glossy. If glossy paints are used, a thin skim coat of compound over the entire surface, Level 5 finish, is recommended to reduce highlighting or joint photographing. This method is also recommended for areas of critical sidelighting of natural or artificial light sources. A sealer application under wallpaper or other wall coverings is also recommended so the board surface will not be damaged if the covering is subsequently removed during redecorating. Joint treatment must be thoroughly dry before proceeding with primer-sealer application and final decoration. Applicable Standards and References ASTM C840 GA0216 GA-214 Consult the GA-600 Fire Resistance Design Manual or UL Fire Resistance Directory, Volume 1 for specific information regarding the construction of fire resistance rated assemblies.
Does CertainTeed gypsum affect air quality?
Although LEED rating systems do not currently address emissions for all building materials and their effects on indoor air quality, finished Certain Teed gypsum board products have no reportable VOCs and will not affect indoor air quality.
What is fire code X drywall?
The first fire code product is called type X drywall, which is made from gypsum that has noncombustible glass fibers. The material used for this product increases its fire rating to a minimum of an hour and is usually installed in projects such as area separation firewalls, shaft walls, and stairwell walls.
What is the fire resistance of type C drywall?
Type C drywall is known as the more durable version of Type X—there are more glass fibers in this product as well as more vermiculite components, giving it a fire resistance of 2-4 hours. You can find this product at your local drywall and insulation store in 1/2” and 5/8” thickness.
Why is Fire-Rated Drywall Important?
No matter where you’re or what you’re building, using quality fire-rated drywall is essential. Not only is it simply good practice, but it is also usually required by state codes and local building codes. When dealing with residential buildings and homes, fire rated drywall is often found in the following areas:
Is fire rated drywall required?
For commercial buildings , fire rated drywall will usually be a requirement for most of the building’s ceilings and walls for fire partitions and assemblies, a staple for safety.
How long does it take for drywall to fire?
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.
Is Type X fire safe?
If you’re willing to shell out the extra dough, you certainly could use Type X throughout a house, yet it won’t necessarily be safer. You’d also have to close off all the other pathways for fire to travel-open doorways, non-fire-rated doors, walls without fire blocking-and that could get costly and look ugly.
What is the difference between a C and a X drywall?
Type C drywall is the improved version of the x type. This fire-rated drywall type is available in 1/2” and 5/8” thicknesses and its gypsum core still consists of glass fibers. The difference with this type of drywall is that it contains more glass fibers than its x type counterpart and also additional vermiculite components. These extra qualities make it even more resistant to fire since it will slow its spread by 2-4 hours.
Where do you put fire rated drywall?
Drywall companies install fire rated boards around boilers and on walls separating the garage and the house. That’s because the fire rated boards are more expensive than the standard ones and the rest of the structure and things inside the house are not always fire resistant either. There are differences between the type x and type c drywall.
What type of drywall is used in shaft walls?
Please note that there is a type X Shaftliner drywall type with even greater fire rating qualities but this one is installed in shaft walls, stairwell enclosures, and area separation firewalls.
How long does a type X crack?
As for out two contestants, type X kept strong for 57 minutes before it started cracking whereas type C lasted for a little over two hours without failing at the end.
Is C drywall the same as X drywall?
There are differences between the type x and type c drywall. Although the type c drywall comes in thinner boards and that makes installation easier to drywall contractors, this type of board is not recommended for all applications. Type C drywall is only 10% more expensive than type X drywall. Yet, the two types shouldn’t be used interchangeably.
Is fire resistant drywall UL certified?
The good news is that fire- resistant drywall hit s the market once it is certified by a third party. And the even better news is that the designations of UL point out the best applications of each drywall type.
Is C drywall more expensive than X drywall?
Type C drywall is only 10% more expensive than type X drywall. Yet, the two types shouldn’t be used interchangeably. One of the most important distinctions between the two fire-rated drywall types is that type C performs better when it is installed horizontally.
What is a type X drywall?
A: Drywall Type X and Type C are the industry standards for this type of construction and are used on all exterior-facing and joining walls. Interior walls are traditionally non-fire-rated ½" drywall.
What is fire rated construction?
A: Fire-rated products are not typically used in single-family residential construction except for garages. These products are primarily used in commercial construction (high rises, office buildings, industrial, institutional) and any space requiring an area separation wall such as a hotel or multi-family home.
Why are fire rated products needed?
A: The purpose of fire-rated products is to delay the spread of a fire and extend the time a person has to leave the building. In a single family home, getting out is easier. There are fewer floors and multiple exits so the code focuses more on prevention. You will see requirements around electrical wiring, for example, to prevent fire risks caused by faulty wiring.
What is a fire rating?
A: A certification process determines the fire-rating of a wall system. It is the wall system, not specific products, that are tested and certified. For example, a fire-rated drywall board is approved for use as part of a certified wall system. A basic wall system could include a drywall board, insulation, light gauge steel stud followed by another drywall board.
What is a 60 minute fire rating?
A: A 60 minute fire rating is a measure of the amount of time the wall system can withstand fire resistance in a fire-rating performance test. More than one hour is achieved by adding additional layers of boards to extend protection or by adding other elements to the system to make it more robust.
Is a fire rated garage a requirement?
A: No, in residential construction fire-rated assemblies are only specified for garages and most homeowners with attached garages are probably not aware of the fire-rating for that wall. Same can probably be said for occupants of multi-family homes with separation walls, and (unless you are replacing the drywall in an attached garage) there really is no need to be aware. The required fire-rating is specified in the building code. Your builder, your architect, your contractor, they need to be aware.
Do you need a fire rated garage?
A: First, fire-rated systems are only required if the garage shares a wall or a ceiling with the home. If you are doing repairs in the garage you should replace with like materials, but remember it is the wall system that is fire rated not the product itself. So if it's more than a patch job or you're repairing in an area that overlaps with the main living space, it's probably best to contact a professional.
How thick is a Type X drywall?
Type-X drywall is available only in 5/8-in. thickness, in widths of 48 in. and 54 in., and in lengths up to 16 ft. Type-X drywall meets ASTM International standards and is often used in fire-rated assemblies such as walls and ceilings that separate garages from living spaces.
How much does fire resistant drywall cost?
The cost difference between type-X and type-C fire-resistant drywall is small, only a few cents per square foot. Expect to pay around $11 for a 5/8-in.-thick 4-ft. by 8-ft. type-X sheet and $12 for a sheet of type C with the same dimensions.
What makes drywall stronger?
To make drywall stronger under fire conditions, manufacturers make type-X drywall, which has glass fibers added to its gypsum core. As water leaves these panels through calcination, the glass fibers act as a reinforcing mat that prolongs a panel’s structural integrity and its protective qualities.
What is a noncombustible glass fiber?
Glass fibers enhance fire resistance. Added to the core of type-X and type-C panels, noncombustible glass fibers help gypsum panels to resist crumbling during a fire . 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 ...
What is type C drywall?
Type-C drywall is basically an improved type-X product. Typically, type-C panels contain more glass fibers as well as another noncombustible material: vermiculite. A mineral, vermiculite expands as it’s heated, so in fire conditions, it effectively replaces water lost during calcination.
Why does drywall shrink when exposed to heat?
When regular drywall is subjected to excessive heat, however, it shrinks due to the loss of water volume, and the panel can crack and fall apart. This type of failure permits the passage of fire and heat into the substrate material and beyond.
Is gypsum a fire hazard?
Gypsum is noncombustible. The gypsum used to make drywall is a naturally occurring mineral composed of calcium sulfate dehydrate and water. The presence of water in gypsum contributes greatly to drywall’s natural fire resistance. When a drywall panel is subjected to high levels of heat, water begins to be released from the board as steam.
What is fire resistance in gypsum?
Fire resistance, defined as the property of a building assembly to withstand fire or give protection from it, is first the ability of a building to maintain structural integrity and stability despite exposure to a flame. In applications, like wall and floor-ceiling assemblies, fire resistance serves as a barrier to flame spread, providing temporary refuge and time to escape.
What is a type C board?
During this time, USG invented an enhanced proprietary Type X board, commonly referred to as USG “Type C.” As with the Type X panels, the core of Type C contains glass fibers, only in a much higher percent by weight. In addition to the greater amount of glass fiber, the core of these panels also includes proprietary modifiers which provide greater fire-resistive qualities. It is for this reason that Type C board became synonymous with ceiling applications, while Type X became the standard for walls—and it’s been that way for more than 50 years.
How many fires were reported in 2014?
From 2014-2018 there were more than 493k structure fires that were reported to local fire departments in the United States. 1 Beyond just active protection, these structures also employ passive protection, such as gypsum panels, to restrict the transfer of heat and fire in the event of an emergency.
Is a fire resistant board a type X?
As there is no formal industry definition for special fire-resistant board beyond “Type X,” there are no qualifications as to the performance differences between Type X and enhanced proprietary Type X boards. While enhanced proprietary Type X panels (including Type C) have been evaluated and are approved in more challenging constructions due to their superior fire-resistive qualities, these panels are still, by definition, a Type X, having met the ASTM C1396 minimum requirements as fire-resistant.
