Drywall is used for walls and ceilings in building construction. Local building codes may require that fire rated drywall, Type X, be used in spaces such as utility rooms and garages where there is an increased threat of fire because of the proximity of water heaters and hazardous chemicals, including gasoline and propane.
Standard Drywall
Thirty minute walls are made of standard drywall. Standard drywall has a 30 minute fire rating that is less than the Type X minimum of 45 minutes. Standard drywall, a 30 minute wall, is not approved for use in fire code required areas.
Type X Drywall Ratings
Type X drywall is available in three different thicknesses that have different fire ratings. The fire rating for 1/2-inch Type X is 45 minutes, the minimum for fire rated drywall. Five-eighths-inch Type X carries a 60 minute fire rating, while 3/4-inch thick Type X has the highest fire rating at 90 minutes.
Identifiers
Fire code drywall has a few different properties than standard drywall. Type X drywall has a fire resistant paper coating that is marked with an "X." It is also made of glass fiber material to help it hold up longer against fire. This type of drywall is also harder to cut than standard drywall.
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