Fire-rated drywall, also known as Type X gypsum core board, is specially designed to resist fire for a specified period.
It contains glass fibers and other additives that help maintain structural integrity during a fire, slowing the spread of flames and heat. This added protection can provide crucial extra minutes for building occupants to evacuate safely and for firefighters to respond.
Fire-rated drywall plays a crucial role in building safety, serving as a critical component in passive fire protection systems. Understanding where and when to use fire-rated drywall is essential for compliance with regulatory codes and ensuring occupant safety.
Where Is Fire-Rated Drywall Required?
Fire-rated drywall requirements vary depending on several factors, including building type, occupancy, size and location.
Common areas where fire-rated drywall is typically required are multi-family residential buildings, commercial structures, hospitals and healthcare facilities, educational institutions and high-rise buildings.
Multi-Family Residential Buildings
In multi-family dwellings like apartment buildings, fire-rated drywall is often required for:
Walls and ceilings between units
Corridor walls
Stairwell enclosures
Elevator shafts
Commercial Structures
Commercial buildings often require fire-rated drywall in:
Exit corridors
Stairwells
Elevator shafts
Walls separating different occupancy types
Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
Healthcare facilities have stringent fire safety requirements, including requiring fire-rated drywall in:
Patient room walls and ceilings
Corridors and exit paths
Areas housing critical equipment
Educational Institutions
Schools and universities typically require fire-rated drywall in:
Classroom walls and ceilings
Corridors and stairwells
Assembly areas
High-Rise Buildings
Tall structures often have extensive fire-rated drywall requirements, including installing it in:
Elevator shafts and stairwells
Mechanical rooms
Floor-to-floor separations
Codes Governing Fire-Rated Drywall Use
The use of fire-rated drywall is primarily governed by three major building codes in the United States. These codes work together to establish minimum safety standards for various building types and occupancies:
International Building Code (IBC): The IBC provides comprehensive guidelines for fire-resistant construction, including where fire-rated drywall is required.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) and NFPA 5000 (Building Construction and Safety Code) offer additional requirements for fire-rated assemblies.
Local Building Codes: Many jurisdictions have specific fire code drywall requirements that may be more stringent than national standards.
Factors Influencing Fire-Rating Requirements
Several factors determine the specific fire-rating requirements for a given application:
Building Occupancy Type: Different occupancies (e.g., apartment buildings, businesses, etc.) have varying fire protection needs based on factors like occupant load and familiarity with the space.
Building Size and Height: Larger and taller buildings generally require more stringent fire protection measures, including higher fire ratings for certain assemblies.
Proximity to Other Structures: Buildings close to property lines or other structures may require additional fire protection to prevent fire spreading between properties.
Fire-Rating Requirements for Wall Assemblies
Fire-rated wall assemblies are typically classified by their fire-resistance rating, measured in hours — this is how many hours the wall can remain intact after it is exposed to fire:
1-Hour Rated Assemblies: Often used for residential unit separations like apartment buildings and basic commercial applications.
2-Hour Rated Assemblies: Common for fire walls, elevator shafts and stairwells in many building types.
3-Hour Rated Assemblies: Required for certain high-rise applications and special occupancy separations.
4-Hour Rated Assemblies: Used in extreme cases where maximum fire protection is necessary such as buildings storing flammable chemicals or combustible materials.
Types of Fire-Rated Drywall and Their Applications
There are several types of fire-rated drywall available, each suited for specific applications:
Type X: The most common type, offering 1-hour fire resistance at 5/8 inch drywall thickness.
Type C: Provides enhanced fire resistance, often used for 2-hour and 3-hour rated assemblies.
Abuse-Resistant: Combines fire resistance with increased durability for high-traffic areas.
Moisture-Resistant: Ideal for fire-rated assemblies in damp or humid environments.
Trim-Tex's Fire-Rated Solutions
Above, we have only discussed fire-rated walls, but further codes also require firestop materials in the joints between and around these walls. In the past, this was accomplished with unreliable sealants and sprays. At Trim-Tex, we understand the critical nature of fire-rated assemblies and have introduced several innovative products to enhance their performance:
Fire-Rated 093V Expansion Bead: Designed for use in fire-rated control joints, this bead accommodates building movement and features fire resistance.
Fire Bead: Serving as an all-in-one solution for head-of-wall joints, this provides fire protection and deflection (moving from original placement or changing shape due to an applied load) capabilities.
Hotrod® XL: This versatile fire-stopping accessory can be used in various applications to maintain fire ratings at penetrations and joints.
Fire Gasket: This fast-installing solution for head-of-wall joints provides fire protection and sound control.
Trim-Tex understands the value of your time, which is why we design our solutions for painless installation, ensuring a fast and straightforward application that saves you time and effort.
Choose Trim-Tex and experience the difference that comes from working with a company that understands your needs and is dedicated to your success.