In residential homes, installation of fire rated drywall is often required by state/province and local building codes on interior and exterior walls near furnaces and utility rooms. Fire rated drywall can also be installed in a basement or other places where a wood stove might be used.

Besides, Can you use drywall around a fireplace?

Drywall + Fireplace = House Fire

Unfortunately, this is highly flammable and is not an appropriate or safe fireplace surround. The sheetrock had to be removed and replaced with any type of non-combustible surround – stone, tile, marble, or metal.

Keeping this in mind, What walls should be fire rated? Exterior walls generally have a rating based solely on interior occupancy use and structural requirements. However, exterior walls that are 10 feet or less from the property line are required to have a fire resistance rating based on the proximity to adjacent buildings and interior occupancy conditions.

Do you need 5/8 drywall in garage?

The international residential code requires all garage/house commonwalls and ceilings have an equivalent to a 20 minute fire membrane on the garage side. It allows 1/2″ on the ceiling, unless the garage is beneath habitable rooms… If so, a 5/8″ ceiling is required.

Does a ceiling need to be fire rated?

For the internal wall and ceilings finishes, materials need to be Class 1-rated to prevent fire spread. Thus, finishes such as plywood or interior timber cladding will need to be protected.

What can I use for a fireplace surround?


Material Choices for a Fireplace Surround

  • STEEL. Steel is one of the most popular fireplace surround materials. …
  • WOOD. Wood is a less obvious choice for a fireplace surround than steel.. …
  • CONCRETE. …
  • STONE. …
  • BRICK. …
  • TILE.

How far does drywall have to be from fireplace?

The National Fire Code requires all combustible material to be at least 6 inches from the opening of the firebox. For every 1/8 inch of protruding combustible material, you must account for an additional inch of clearance.

Is drywall OK behind a wood stove?

Drywall is combustible and not a suitable material either for use behind the wood stove or for use underneath tile. Removing it from the wall behind the wood stove allows you to install cement backerboard instead. Cut right through the drywall using a drywall saw.

What is fire resistant wall?

Fire Barriers

NFPA denotes a fire barrier as a fire-resistant wall of assembled materials made to maintain the spread of fire. Fire barriers can be placed indoors to hold back the spread of fires or used outdoors with a modular design to protect fire incidents from spreading. Such as in the example of a power plant.

What size drywall should I use in garage?

The most common drywall panel size measures 4 feet by 8 feet, and if the garage walls are 8 foot high, that’s the optimal size. If the garage walls are 9 feet high, select panels that are 54 inches wide. When installed horizontally, the panels will fit evenly, eliminating the need to cut the panels.

What size Sheetrock is required in a garage?

If there are habitable rooms above the garage, 5/8″ type X (fire-rated) drywall must be used at the ceiling.

What kind of drywall do you use in a garage?

Drywall is the easiest and most economical covering for your garage ceiling. Use 5/8-in. -thick drywall if your trusses or rafters are spaced 24 in.

Do I need to install fire rated downlights?

Do downlights have to be fire rated? It is highly recommended that all downlights installed are fire rated. This is purely for your protection in your home, as they give you more time to escape a fire and help slow the fire spreading through floors.

What is fire resistant ceiling?

An Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) fire resistant rated ceiling system provides separation between the elements of the building services (i.e. ductwork and piping) and the occupied space below. A UL fire resistant rated ceiling also provides a known, specified fire resistance period.

Do you need fire rated plasterboard?

Normally two layers of plasterboard with a skim will give the required fire resistance. If you are not involving planning or building control due to a change of use, then it’s up to you, any plasterboard is better than no plasterboard and as their is no room above the garage their is no additional fire spread risk.

What materials can be used for a fireplace?


Fireplace Design Idea – 6 Different Materials To Use For A Fireplace Surround

  • STEEL. One of the most popular fireplace surround materials. …
  • WOOD. A less obvious choice for a fireplace surround, considering what you burn, is wood. …
  • CONCRETE. …
  • STONE. …
  • BRICK. …
  • TILE.

Can you use wood for a fireplace surround?

Is Wood Safe for Fireplaces? International Residential Code, a model code adopted by many municipalities, does allow for combustible materials, such as wood sheathing, to be placed directly on fireplace surrounds. However, all combustibles must remain at least 6 inches from the opening.

What is the surround around a fireplace called?

The mantel is located at the top of the fireplace surround, or top of the face of an open fireplace. … The mantel provides a shelf on which decorations and other items can be placed, but can sometimes help with preventing smoke from the fire from coming into the room.

How much clearance do you need around a fireplace?

The National Fire Code dictates that any combustible material (e.g., wood mantel or similar trim) must be at least six inches from the firebox opening. An additional inch of clearance is needed for every 1/8 inch the combustible material or trim protrudes.

How do you hang drywall around a fireplace?

When attaching plasterboard to a brick fireplace wall, you have two options: use construction adhesive to glue the drywall directly to the brick, known as the direct bond method, or mount the drywall with screws. Both methods require you to cover the joints with tape and compound.

How much clearance do you need for a chimney?

You’ll want particularly to see the California Chimney Code Section 2113.19 on Chimney Clearances. Chimneys must end at least 2 feet above any section of the building within 10 feet of them, and must be 3 feet above the section of roof it is built through.

What needs to be on the wall behind a wood burning stove?

Stone or brick is a common material to use behind a wood burning stove. These panels help create more of a focal point for a room. The NASD explains that any area within 36 inches of the stove in all directions should be covered.

What material do you put behind a stove?

Granite, stone and other natural or composite materials are also commonly used in backsplashes, whether in tile form or as larger pieces. These higher-end materials will mean an increase in budget, but also a stunning and long-lasting stove backsplash. Stainless steel is another popular option for stove backsplashes.

How hot can Drywall get?

After installation – Drywall installed in garages or other unconditioned areas will far exceed 104°F. In some areas, such as Arizona, outside temperatures will exceed 110°F for lengthy periods of time and can reach extreme temperatures over 150°F in unconditioned spaces.