When it comes to drywall, not all sheets are created equal. Fire-resistant drywall, also known as Type X drywall, isn’t just a marketing term—it’s a life-saving building material designed to slow down fires and reduce damage. But what makes it different from the regular drywall most of us use every day? Let’s break it down.
1. The Core Difference: What’s Inside Counts
• Regular Drywall: Standard drywall is made of a gypsum core (a soft mineral) sandwiched between two layers of paper. While gypsum naturally contains water molecules that help resist heat for a short time, regular drywall breaks down quickly in a fire.
• Fire-Resistant Drywall: Type X drywall takes the same basic gypsum core and enhances it with glass fibers and other additives. These reinforcements keep the drywall intact longer, even as it’s exposed to high heat.
2. Thickness Matters
• Regular drywall is typically 1/2 inch thick, while Type X drywall is beefed up to 5/8 inch thick. That extra material adds more mass, which takes longer for a fire to burn through.
3. Fire Ratings Explained
• Fire-resistant drywall is tested and rated for how long it can withstand fire. For example:
• A single layer of 5/8-inch Type X drywall can provide up to 1 hour of fire resistance.
• Doubling up the layers increases the fire rating, which is why it’s often used in high-risk areas like stairwells or between apartment units.
4. Glass Fiber Reinforcement
The secret sauce in fire-resistant drywall is the glass fibers mixed into the gypsum core. These fibers hold the board together even as the fire weakens the gypsum, acting like steel rebar in concrete. This reinforcement keeps the wall intact longer, slowing the spread of flames.
5. Where You’ll Find It
Fire-resistant drywall isn’t for every job—it’s used where building codes demand extra safety. Common applications include:
• Garage walls (especially those shared with living spaces).
• Furnace rooms and boiler enclosures.
• Shared walls in duplexes, condos, and apartments.
• Ceilings in commercial buildings or stairwells.
6. How to Spot Fire-Resistant Drywall
Look for a stamp or label that says “Type X” on the board. It should also list the manufacturer and fire rating details. Don’t guess—if you’re not sure, ask your supplier.
7. Is It Worth the Cost?
Fire-resistant drywall costs more than standard drywall, but it’s an investment in safety. It:
• Slows fire spread, giving people more time to escape.
• Reduces damage to your property.
• Meets code requirements for certain areas, which avoids fines and callbacks.
Key Takeaways
Fire-resistant drywall isn’t just thicker—it’s tougher, reinforced, and built to stand up to the heat. Whether you’re working on a garage, a multi-family building, or a commercial project, using the right drywall for the job is critical for safety and compliance.
When in doubt, always choose the material that meets code and keeps people safe. Because in a fire, every extra second counts.
Next Steps: Ready to learn more? Check out our guide on How to Install Fire-Resistant Drywall Like a Pro (coming soon!).