Fire-Resistant Drywall Installation

Fire-resistant drywall is commonly installed in garages, furnace rooms, kitchens, around fireplaces, in multi-family housing units, and commercial buildings. Building codes often require it in specific locations, but it can be installed anywhere for added safety.

Standard 5/8-inch Type X drywall typically provides about 1 hour of fire resistance, compared to about 30 minutes for standard drywall. Type C provides even greater protection. The exact rating depends on the specific product and installation method.

Fire-resistant drywall typically costs about 20-30% more than standard drywall. However, the additional cost is relatively small compared to the safety benefits and potential insurance savings it provides.

In most cases, you don't need special permits specifically for fire-resistant drywall beyond what would be required for any drywall installation. However, if the installation is part of a required fire-rated assembly for code compliance, inspections may be necessary.