Type X drywall is a type of fire-resistant drywall specifically engineered to provide enhanced fire protection compared to standard drywall. It contains a special gypsum core mixed with non-combustible glass fibers, which help it resist heat and flames better. Typically, Type X drywall is 5/8 inch thick and is designed to provide a minimum one-hour fire rating, meaning it can slow the spread of fire for at least one hour under fire conditions
. Key characteristics of Type X drywall include:
- Fire resistance: It offers improved fire protection due to its denser gypsum core and glass fiber reinforcement, outperforming regular drywall in fire resistance
- Thickness: Usually 5/8 inch thick, which contributes to its fire-resistive properties
- Applications: Commonly used in areas that require fire-rated assemblies such as utility rooms, basements, stairwells, and walls separating garages from living spaces
- Additional benefits: It also provides slightly better sound absorption and strength compared to standard drywall
- Cost-effectiveness: It is generally more affordable than higher fire-rated options like Type C drywall, making it suitable for residential applications where moderate fire resistance is needed
Type X drywall is distinct from Type C drywall, which contains more glass fibers and vermiculite additives, offering a higher fire rating (2-4 hours) and better performance in certain installations like ceilings
. In summary, Type X drywall is a fire-rated gypsum board designed to enhance fire safety in buildings by resisting fire longer than standard drywall, making it a common choice for residential and some commercial fire-resistive construction
