Insulation, fire & electrical
Fire rated drywall
Fire-rated drywall is a type of drywall that’s specially designed to slow the spread of fire. It looks very similar to regular drywall, but it’s made with added materials (like fiberglass) that increase its fire resistance.Here’s what you should know:Type X Drywall – The most common fire-rated drywall. It’s usually 5/8" thick and provides about 1 hour of fire resistance when properly installed.Type C Drywall – A step up from Type X. It has extra additives that make it more fire-resistant and more stable under high heat. It can provide longer fire ratings (up to 2–4 hours in some assemblies).Where it’s used –Furnace rooms Shared walls in duplexes or suites between garages and living spaces In basements or around mechanical areas Installation matters – The drywall alone doesn’t give the full fire rating. It has to be installed as part of a tested wall or ceiling assembly with the right studs, screws, and tape/mud application.Basically, fire-rated drywall is your extra layer of protection, buying valuable time in case of a fire.