Why don’t builders use 5/8-inch fire-code drywall throughout the entire house? I’d certainly pay a premium over standard drywall to have a more fire-resistant structure.
—Steve Miller, Sylvan Lake, MI.
What Is Fire-Rated Drywall?
Fire-rated drywall, also known as Type X drywall, is a particular kind of drywall that offers additional fire resistance compared to standard drywall. While standard drywall is made from a gypsum core covered with paper, fire-rated drywall has glass fibers mixed into the gypsum core to help it resist fire for a longer period. In this article, we explore what fire-rated drywall is, its benefits, when and where to use it, and how it compares to standard drywall.
Composition of Type X Drywall
The primary difference between standard drywall and Type X drywall lies in their composition. Type X drywall has the same gypsum core as regular drywall, but it also contains non-combustible glass fibers. The addition of these glass fibers significantly improves its fire resistance. Type X drywall typically comes in 5/8-inch thickness, which provides better fire resistance than the 1/2-inch thickness standard drywall.
Benefits of Fire-Rated Drywall
Type X drywall increases a wall’s fire rating to a minimum of one hour, from the 30-minute rating for standard 1/2-inch drywall.
Fire-rated drywall provides additional time to evacuate a building in the event of a fire, which can be life-saving. This extra time can also allow firefighters to control the blaze more effectively, thereby reducing property damage. The presence of fire-rated drywall can also lead to lower insurance premiums, as insurers often recognize the reduced risk of fire-related damage.
Additionally, fire-related drywall also has some benefits that aren’t related to safety. For example, Type X drywall dampens sound transmission throughout the walls for enhanced privacy and better acoustic qualities.
When and Where To Use Fire-Rated Drywall
Fire-rated drywall is not necessary for all areas of a home, but there are specific locations where its use is highly recommended or required by building codes. These areas typically include garages, utility rooms, and walls that separate different living spaces, also known as partition walls.
Building Code Requirements for Fire-Rated Drywall
Type X drywall is not often used in residential construction except where the building code requires it, which is why builders do not use it throughout the whole house.
Building codes vary depending on the region, but many local and national building codes require the use of fire-rated drywall in certain areas of the home. For instance, the International Residential Code (IRC) states that if there is a habitable room above the garage, then 5/8-inch Type X drywall is required on the garage ceiling. Additionally, utility rooms and furnace rooms often require fire-rated drywall to prevent the spread of fire effectively.
Why Type X Isn’t Required
Even if you installed Type X drywall throughout your home, 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.
Cost Comparison Between Standard and Fire-Rated Drywall
One of the considerations homeowners need to take into account is the cost difference between standard and fire-rated drywall. While fire-rated drywall offers enhanced fire resistance, it is also more expensive than regular drywall. On average, a panel of 1/2-inch standard drywall at your local home improvement store might cost between $14 and $18, whereas a sheet of 5/8-inch Type X drywall could cost approximately $18–$23.
Although the initial cost is higher, the added fire protection can be financially beneficial in the long run due to potential savings on insurance premiums and reduced property damage.
Installation Guide for Fire-Rated Drywall
Installing fire-rated drywall is somewhat similar to installing standard drywall, but there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind to ensure it provides the intended fire resistance.
- Measure and Cut the Drywall: Measure the wall dimensions and cut the drywall sheets accordingly using a utility knife. Ensure the sheets fit snugly together to prevent gaps.
- Install the Sheets: Begin installing the drywall sheets horizontally, starting from the top. Use drywall screws to secure the sheets to the studs, placing screws approximately 16 inches apart. Ensure the screws are flush with the drywall surface without breaking the paper covering.
- Seal the Joints: Apply fire-rated joint tape over all joints between drywall sheets. Use a drywall taping knife to smooth the tape and ensure it adheres properly.
- Apply Joint Compound: Spread a layer of fire-rated joint compound over the taped joints using a taping knife. Allow the compound to dry, then sand it smooth. Repeat this process until the joints are seamless.
- Inspect the Installation: Finally, inspect the installation to ensure there are no gaps or exposed areas and that all joints are adequately sealed.
Tools and Materials Needed
To complete the installation, you will need specific tools and materials, such as:
- Utility knife
- Drywall screws
- Drill
- Fire-rated joint tape
- Drywall taping knife
- Fire-rated joint compound
- Sandpaper
Additional Fire Safety Measures
While fire-rated drywall can enhance fire resistance in specific instances, it is not a standalone solution for comprehensive home fire safety. Fire-rated drywall can slow the spread of fire, but it cannot prevent fires from starting. Homeowners should implement other fire safety measures to help keep them protected, such as installing smoke detectors to provide early warnings of fires and creating and practicing an emergency evacuation plan.
Installing fire extinguishers in accessible locations throughout the home is another smart fire safety prevention method. Homeowners should ensure everyone in the household knows how to use a fire extinguisher correctly. Residential fire sprinkler systems provide additional protection by automatically activating to control or extinguish fires, minimizing fire damage and providing an extra layer of safety. You can also consider adding fire-resistant doors and windows to your home for added safety.
Is It Worth It To Use Fire-Rated Drywall Throughout My Home?
In short, no, you do not need to use fire-rated drywall throughout your home. While it’s critical to use it in places where it’s required, such as in attached garages and around boilers in multi-family dwellings, your home won’t be significantly safer by using it everywhere. However, if you are interested in the other benefits this material offers, such as sound dampening, then it may be worth the extra expense.