Choosing the right building materials is key to preventing the spread of fire. Since most constructions involve drywall installation, the need for high resistance against fire was born too. Due to the water contents in gypsum – the main component of standard drywall, all drywall types are somehow fire-resistant. But standard boards do not hold for long.

The secret all along was to create fire-resistant drywall that could delay the spread of fire for as long as possible. And so, fire-rated drywall was created and gradually, their fire-resistant qualities were improved.

Drywall X and Drywall C Types

Today, we mainly talk about two types of fire-rated drywall: type X and type C. They both contain fiberglass, the material that maintains the board’s integrity even after the gypsum’s water has evaporated. The two types of fire-rated drywall share some similar properties but they are not identical. Type C is considered the evolution of Type X.

Type X: This is a 5/8” thick drywall whose main components are glass fibers and gypsum. These drywall types have a fire-resistance rating of one hour – standard boards may hold up to thirty minutes.

Type C: This drywall type may be found in two different thicknesses: 5/8” and ½”. They too contain gypsum and glass fibers, only the glass fibers are found in greater quantities than in type X. On top of that, type C also has an extra additive, known as vermiculite. This material resists fire even further, raising the type C drywall’s rating to 2 hours.

Fire-rated drywall for homes

While fire-rated drywall boards are broadly used in the construction of commercial facilities, industries, and other buildings where fire-resistant materials are mandatory, they may as well work well in the home too.

Typically, fire-rated drywall boards are used in residential garages, close to fire sources, and basements. They could be useful in kitchens too and any other part of the house, where there’s a possibility that a fire could start.

One would may as well ask why doesn’t the construction industry install fire-rated drywall all over the house? For various reasons, starting with their higher costs. The simplest the board, the cheapest. Fire-rated drywall types are much more expensive – one thing that would increase the overall home cost. Then, they are thicker – hence, would occupy valuable space. And don’t forget that they haven’t been around forever. New technology and science evolution introduces new things, better solutions to resist the fire’s spreading.

What type of fire-rated drywall should you choose for your home?

•          Are we talking about a ceiling? In this case, you should choose type C. That’s what drywall repair and installation contractors would suggest, anyway. That’s due to its evolved properties and thickness. Also due to this type’s higher fire-resistant rating.

For the walls of kitchens, garages, utility rooms, and other areas, choosing the right fire-rated drywall type is a matter of the level of fire danger. If this is a room with several heat sources and flammables, you could go for type C – the evolved one.

You need to check with the local authorities too. There are building code requirements for residents too. And you want to be compliant with the local fire safety standards, apart from protecting your family and home.

One more thing you should consider is the drywall’s paint product. Consult with painting companies you can trust. What you need is intumescent and fire-retardant paints that will also stop the fire from spreading quickly. Professional house painters could suggest the ideal products for your drywall and other surfaces – hence, further preventing the quick spread of flames.

Of course, it goes without saying that there might be other structures and items in the home that would act in favor of the flames, like upholstery, hollow-core doors, etc. If you want to minimize the possibility of a house fire and reduce its quick spread – should it break, be extra careful of what you choose and where you place flammables.

It’s vital to say that drywall types X and C act as retardants too. They don’t stop fire. They are not fire-proof. They are fire-resistant. They will only keep the flames from traveling quickly to give you time to evacuate the house.