Differences Between Type X and Type C Fire-Rated Drywall
Fire-rated drywall, often referred to as “fire-resistant drywall,” plays a critical role in enhancing building safety by preventing the spread of fire between rooms or across floors. Among the most commonly used fire-rated drywall materials are Type X and Type C drywall, both designed to provide protection against fire but differing in their composition, performance, and applications. Understanding the key differences between these two types of drywall is essential for choosing the right product for specific building requirements.
In this blog, well break down the differences between Type X and Type C fire-rated drywall, highlighting their key characteristics, applications, and benefits.
1. What is Fire-Rated Drywall?
Before diving into the specifics of Type X and Type C drywall, lets first understand what fire-rated drywall is. Fire-rated drywall is designed to slow the spread of fire, giving occupants time to evacuate and reducing the potential for damage. It is commonly used in areas where building codes require enhanced fire protection, such as in multi-family housing, commercial buildings, and high-rise structures.
The fire-resistance rating of drywall is typically measured in hours (e.g., 1-hour, 2-hour, or 4-hour fire resistance), which refers to how long the material can withstand exposure to fire before it starts to fail. Drywall’s ability to resist fire is primarily due to the presence of gypsum, which contains water molecules that evaporate when exposed to heat, helping to delay the spread of fire.
2. Type X Fire-Rated Drywall
Type X drywall is one of the most commonly used fire-rated drywall products. It is specifically designed to provide fire resistance and typically offers a 1-hour or 2-hour fire resistance rating, depending on the application and thickness.
Key Characteristics of Type X Drywall:
Composition: Type X drywall is made by adding fire-resistant additives, including glass fibers and other materials, to the core of the gypsum board. These materials help the drywall resist heat and slow down the spread of flames.
Fire Resistance: Type X drywall typically provides 1 to 2 hours of fire protection, depending on its thickness and the specific installation.
Thickness: Standard Type X drywall comes in thicknesses of 5/8-inch. This is thicker than regular drywall, which is typically 1/2-inch thick, providing an added layer of protection against fire.
Performance: When exposed to fire, Type X drywall’s fire-resistant core releases water vapor, which cools the board and prevents it from reaching its ignition point quickly.
Applications: Type X drywall is commonly used in residential and commercial applications where fire resistance is required for walls and ceilings. It is often used in fire-rated assemblies such as stairwells, corridor walls, and garage separation walls.
Advantages of Type X Drywall:
Cost-effective: Type X drywall is typically more affordable than Type C drywall, making it a popular choice for standard fire-resistance needs.
Widely Available: This product is readily available at most hardware and building supply stores.
Versatile: Type X drywall can be used for a wide range of applications, including both residential and commercial spaces.
Disadvantages of Type X Drywall:
Limited Fire Resistance: While Type X offers good fire resistance, it generally provides up to only 2 hours of fire protection. For more intense or extended fire exposure, higher-performing materials may be needed.
3. Type C Fire-Rated Drywall
Type C drywall is another fire-rated option that provides a higher level of fire resistance compared to Type X. Type C drywall is typically used for applications requiring enhanced fire protection.
Key Characteristics of Type C Drywall:
Composition: Type C drywall has a similar composition to Type X but includes more advanced fire-resistant additives, including a higher percentage of glass fibers. The core of Type C drywall contains additional moisture-resistant compounds, making it more resistant to heat and fire.
Fire Resistance: Type C drywall typically offers 2 to 4 hours of fire resistance, depending on the installation method, the thickness of the drywall, and the fire-resistance rating required for the application.
Thickness: Type C drywall is also available in a thickness of 5/8-inch, similar to Type X, but it can offer better performance in terms of fire resistance.
Performance: Type C drywall performs better than Type X in resisting fire. Its enhanced formulation allows it to hold up longer under extreme heat, and it tends to expand when exposed to fire, creating a thicker barrier that helps slow the fire’s progression.
Applications: Type C drywall is commonly used in areas with higher fire-risk or for structures requiring greater fire protection, such as multi-story buildings, large commercial complexes, and areas that must meet stricter fire code regulations.
Advantages of Type C Drywall:
Superior Fire Resistance: Type C drywall offers a higher level of fire resistance compared to Type X, providing up to 4 hours of fire protection in some installations.
Better Performance in Extreme Conditions: Type C drywall is more resistant to temperature fluctuations, and its ability to expand under heat can provide additional protection compared to Type X.
Disadvantages of Type C Drywall:
Higher Cost: Due to its enhanced fire resistance and superior performance, Type C drywall is typically more expensive than Type X.
More Complex Installation: Type C drywall may require more careful handling during installation to maintain its fire-resistant properties.
4. Key Differences Between Type X and Type C Fire-Rated Drywall
Feature Type X Drywall Type C Drywall
Fire Resistance Rating 1 to 2 hours 2 to 4 hours
Core Composition Glass fibers and fire-resistant additives Enhanced fire-resistant additives and moisture resistance
Performance Effective in standard fire-rated applications Better performance, especially under extreme conditions
Thickness Typically 5/8-inch Typically 5/8-inch
Cost More cost-effective Higher cost due to enhanced performance
Applications Residential and commercial walls, ceilings, and corridors Multi-story buildings, commercial spaces, and areas with high fire-risk
Expansion Under Heat Minimal expansion Expands when exposed to heat, creating an added barrier
Availability Widely available Less common and more specialized
5. Choosing Between Type X and Type C Drywall
Choosing between Type X and Type C fire-rated drywall largely depends on the specific fire-resistance needs of your building or project. Consider the following factors when making your decision:
Building Codes and Regulations: Depending on the region and the type of structure (residential or commercial), local building codes may dictate whether Type X or Type C drywall is required. For example, multi-story buildings and commercial properties often have stricter fire-resistance requirements.
Fire Protection Requirements: If your project demands more than 2 hours of fire resistance (such as for commercial buildings or high-rise structures), Type C drywall may be the better choice due to its superior fire-resistant capabilities.
Budget: Type X drywall is more affordable and provides adequate fire protection for most standard residential and commercial applications. If cost is a significant consideration, Type X may be the ideal option.
Performance Needs: If you are concerned about extreme heat conditions or need additional fire resistance for high-risk areas, Type C drywall will provide enhanced performance.
6. Conclusion
Both Type X and Type C fire-rated drywall play important roles in enhancing building safety by providing critical fire resistance. Type X drywall is a cost-effective, reliable choice for most applications that require 1 to 2 hours of fire protection, while Type C drywall offers superior performance and extended fire resistance (up to 4 hours), making it ideal for areas with higher fire risks or where stricter fire codes apply.
When deciding between Type X and Type C drywall, consider factors such as fire-resistance requirements, budget, and the specific needs of your building to ensure you choose the right product for your project. By selecting the appropriate fire-rated drywall, you can help ensure the safety and longevity of your building in the event of a fire.
