As winter approaches, your home’s high-risk areas, the garage and basement, see increased activity, often involving space heaters, high-voltage tools, and stored flammable materials. This heightened risk makes understanding fire-rated drywall essential. It is the cheapest and most effective way to protect your family and meet critical building code compliance.
If you are planning a renovation or are concerned about your home’s safety barrier, here is what you need to know about Type X drywall.
What Makes Type X Drywall Fire Resistant?
Standard drywall is inherently fire-resistant, but Type X drywall takes protection a step further. It is reinforced with non-combustible glass fibers within the gypsum core. When exposed to heat, the chemically combined water inside the gypsum is released as steam, effectively cooling the surface and slowing the fire’s spread.
The key benefit of this fire-rated drywall is its rating. Standard 1/2-inch drywall offers about 30 minutes of protection. However, the required 5/8 inch Type X drywall extends this resistance to a full one hour.
Why Codes Demand Fire Protection in Your Garage
The garage is the most common area where local codes mandate fire-rated materials. This is because the garage is a major fire hazard, often housing gasoline, chemicals, and vehicles, and it shares a wall or ceiling with your living space or an attic.
By code, any wall connecting a garage to a house, as well as the ceiling separating the garage from a living area above, must be protected by 5/8 inch Type X drywall. For basements, if you are finishing the space and need to enclose a furnace or utility room, the Type X drywall code often applies to these specific enclosure walls. Failing to use the correct material voids insurance and compromises safety.
Cost and Assurance of Professional Installation
While the initial fire-resistant drywall cost is slightly higher than standard sheetrock, the peace of mind and the assurance of building code compliance are priceless.
More important than the material itself is the professional installation. For the fire barrier to be effective, every seam, joint, and screw head must be properly finished with joint compound and tape. Any gap allows flames to penetrate quickly, rendering the fire rating useless. Choosing our team ensures your fire safety system is installed to the exact specifications required by law.
Protect your home and investment this winter. If you are building, remodeling, or simply unsure if your current structure meets standards, consult with us today for a professional installation review.