Heat resistant drywall

Types of heat resistant drywall

There are different types of heat resistant drywall available in the market. Here is a comprehensive overview of each type.

• Type X Drywall

  Type X drywall is considered fire-resistant drywall. It is designed to offer enhanced fire protection in specific areas of a building. This drywall is frequently utilized in the construction of walls and ceilings in spaces such as garages, utility rooms, and areas that require improved fire resistance. Type X drywall is available in various thicknesses, with 5/8-inch thick panels being the most common. This thickness standard was developed through the incorporation of special additives, which include glass fibers, in the gypsum core. These fibers create a fire-resistive barrier when exposed to high temperatures. When subjected to fire, Type X drywall forms a protective layer known as gypsum slag, which helps slow down the fire's progression.

• Type C Drywall

  Type C drywall is another fire-resistant option. It is primarily used in commercial buildings where improved fire resistance is required. It is frequently employed in the construction of fire-rated walls and partitions in offices, hotels, and other commercial establishments. Type C drywall comes in a thickness of 5/8 inches. However, it can also be found in 1-inch thick panels. The gypsum core of Type C drywall contains expanded gypsum crystals. These crystals help to create a fire-resistive barrier during a fire. In addition, it features a thicker, more porous liner board, which contributes to its fire-resistive properties.

• Paper Faced Cement Board Drywall

  This type of drywall is also known as tile backer board. It is a versatile board that incorporates a cement core, which is then reinforced by a heavy paper facing on both sides. It is primarily used in areas that require high moisture and heat resistance. For instance, it can be used in bathrooms, kitchens, and around fireplaces. It is available in different thicknesses, such as 1/2 inch or 5/8 inch. Its cement core offers excellent fire-resistive properties, which help prevent the spread of fire. Paper-faced cement board is also water-resistant. It is specifically designed to prevent mold and mildew growth in high-moisture areas.

Functions and features of heat resistant drywall

Below are the functions of heat-resistant drywall:

• Fire safety: Heat-resistant drywall is primarily used to improve fire safety in buildings. It acts as a barrier, slowing the fire's spread and providing crucial time for evacuation and emergency response.
• Building codes compliance: It helps meet local building codes and regulations, which often mandate the use of fire-rated materials in specific areas of a structure, such as walls, ceilings, and garages.

Key features of heat-resistant drywall include the following:

• Paper or fiberglass mesh: Like regular drywall, heat-resistant drywall consists of a core made of gypsum plaster sandwiched between heavy paper or fiberglass mesh. The core material is key to its fire resistance.
• Gypsum core: Gypsum is a non-combustible material that absorbs heat. The greater the heat, the more water it releases, thus slowing the spread of fire.
• Special additives: Some heat-resistant drywalls have additives mixed into the gypsum core to enhance their fire resistance. These can include vermiculite, fiberglass, boric acid, and other fire retardant compounds.
• Thickness: Heat-resistant drywall is typically 5/8 inch thick. Its thickness helps improve its fire resistance and provides a durable surface for walls and ceilings.
• Wall and ceiling applications: It is installed in walls and ceilings to create fire-rated partitions and barriers. This includes areas such as bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and garages.
• Interior applications: While it is most effective when used as a wall and ceiling surface, heat-resistant drywall can also be used in other interior applications. This includes behind-the-fireplace walls, kitchen backsplashes near stovetops, and garage walls.
• Non-load bearing partitions: Fire-resistant drywall can be used to construct non-load-bearing partitions in commercial and residential settings. It helps create private office spaces, conference rooms, and cubicles while providing fire resistance.

Scenarios of heat resistant drywall

• Residential Construction:

  Heat-resistant drywall is an essential component in the construction of residential buildings. It is used to create walls and ceilings in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and other areas. Its fire-resistant properties offer enhanced protection for occupants in the event of a fire.

• Commercial Properties:

  Heat resistant drywall is often used in commercial and residential building construction due to its fire-resistant properties. It is commonly installed in areas such as walls, ceilings, and partitions to provide an extra layer of protection to occupants. Additionally, it is also used in the construction of high-rise buildings, hotels, and office spaces, particularly in areas such as corridors, stairwells, and utility rooms, where fire resistance is crucial.

• Public and Governmental Buildings:

  Heat resistant drywall is used in various applications to ensure safety and compliance with building regulations. In governmental and public buildings, such as schools, hospitals, and libraries, it is commonly used in high-traffic areas such as hallways, classrooms, and patient rooms. This is to provide fire resistance and ensure the safety of occupants.

• Industrial and Manufacturing Facilities:

  Heat resistant drywall is used in industrial and manufacturing facilities to create walls and ceilings in non-process areas, such as offices, break rooms, and restrooms. It is preferred due to its durability and ease of maintenance.

• Storage and Warehousing:

  Heat resistant drywall is used in storage and warehousing facilities to separate different areas, such as loading docks, office spaces, and storage rooms. Its fire-resistant properties help protect against the spread of fire in case of a fire outbreak.

• Specialized Environments:

  Heat resistant drywall is used in various specialized environments, such as laboratories, data centers, and clean rooms. It is preferred in these environments due to its fire-resistant properties and ability to meet specific building code requirements.

• Multi-family Dwellings:

  Multi-family dwellings, such as apartment and condominium buildings, use heat-resistant drywall to separate individual units and provide fire resistance between them. It is installed in walls, ceilings, and floors to help prevent the spread of fire between units.

How to Choose Heat Resistant Drywall

When choosing the right heat-resistant drywall for a project, consider the following factors:

• Moisture and mold resistance

  Moisture-resistant (green board) fire-resistant drywall is ideal for use in areas where water is present, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. It has a water-repellent coating and a special core that resists mold and mildew growth. Mold-resistant fire drywall is suitable for exterior walls, ceilings, and any area where moisture may be a concern.

• Type of heat resistant drywall

  There are different types of heat-resistant drywall, including Type X, Type C, and Type XX. Type X is treated with special additives to help prevent fires. Type C is even better at stopping fires than Type X. It has more special materials in it. Type XX is the most fire-resistant. It works best for stopping fires.

• Paper and fiberglass

  Paper-faced drywall (gypsum board) is the most common type. It has a thin paper layer on both sides. It's easy to work with and affordable. Fiberglass-faced drywall is used in places where it needs to stop water really well, like bathrooms. It has a fiberglass layer instead of paper. The fiberglass layer stops water from getting through better than paper can. It won't rot or grow mold.

• Thickness and size

  Heat-resistant drywall comes in different thicknesses. The thin types are 1/4 inch thick. Medium ones are 1/2 inch thick. The thick types are 5/8 inch thick. It also comes in different sizes. The standard size is 4 feet by 8 feet. There are also larger sizes like 4 feet by 10 feet or 4 feet by 12 feet.

• Quality of the core material

  The core material of fire-resistant drywall is gypsum. Gypsum helps stop fires by absorbing heat. It works best when the drywall is installed correctly.

• Paper and fiberglass facings

  Paper facings are the most common. They cover the gypsum core. The paper helps make the drywall stronger. Fiberglass facings are used in special types of fire-resistant drywall. They make it lighter and better at stopping water.

• Installation requirements

  Install heat-resistant drywall correctly. Use the right screws and joint tape. Apply joint compound the right way. Follow the installation instructions. This ensures it works as intended to prevent fires.

heat resistant drywall Q&A

Q: What is fire-resistant drywall?

A: Fire-resistant drywall is a wall surface that provides fire protection to buildings. It has a gypsum core with fiberglass.

Q: What is heat-resistant drywall?

A: This is a type of drywall used in areas that require high heat resistance. It is commonly used in residential and commercial building interior walls and ceilings.

Q: What is a fire-rated wall?

A: A fire-rated wall is a partition that has been tested and rated by a recognized organization to resist the spread of fire for a specific period of time. This type of wall is usually required by code in certain locations such as building perimeters, stairways, elevator shafts and in other areas where there is a need to limit the fire’s spread.

Q: How is fire-rated drywall installed?

A: Installing fire-rated drywall is similar to standard drywall. However, it is important to ensure proper sealing of joints and openings to maintain its fire-resistance rating. Using fire-rated caulk and tape at seams and around penetrations is essential.

Q: Will using fire-rated drywall make a difference in my home’s safety?

A: While using fire-rated drywall can improve your home’s fire protection, it is important to note that no material can completely prevent fire damage. It is still essential to take other fire safety precautions, such as installing smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.