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What Is Fire-Rated Plasterboard?

One of the integral parts of designing and building a building is making sure that the correct plasterboard is used. Fire plasterboard is important because it offers enhanced fire protection in high-risk areas. Using this type of plasterboard gives occupants additional time to notice the fire and safely get out of the building. Building supply companies offer a range of plasterboard with different qualities, including fire rating.

Understanding Plasterboard

Plasterboard is known by additional names, including drywall, gyprock, or gypsum board. It is used in more building projects to make interior ceilings and walls. It has a strong core made of gypsum or calcium sulphate dihydrate, and it is covered on the two sides with a heavy paper. One of the reasons that it is so popular is that it is easy to install, lightweight, and offers a smooth finish. In addition, plasterboard is affordable, recyclable, and easy to repair. It comes with different ratings for fire resistance, moisture resistance, and more.

Fire-Rated Plasterboard

One type of plasterboard is fire-rated plasterboard. It improves the level of fire protection where it is installed. Any plasterboard that is fire-rated is resistant to fire, and they come in different core formulations and thicknesses. Two of the most common are Type C or Type X core formations. The benefit of using them is that this type of plasterboard can minimise the spread of smoke and flames in case of a fire.

Characteristics of Fire Plasterboard

There are certain characteristics that fire plasterboard shares with other types of plasterboard, and others are unique to it. First, it is easy to install and made with a gypsum core and heavy paper on both sides. This makes it ideal for creating walls and ceilings because it provides smooth surfaces. It distinguishes itself because it is non-combustible and offers additional fire resistance.

In fact, there are different options that range from offering a minimum of 30 minutes up to four hours of fire resistance. This extra fire protection saves lives by allowing people the time to get out of the building, and it helps to minimise fire damage spreading. Finally, it has low thermal conductivity and enhanced emergency protection.

Using Fire Plasterboard

Fire plasterboard can be used on any walls, ceilings, or partitions, and builders use them in all types of building. They are especially useful in corridors, garages, and separating walls to ensure safe exit from a building if a fire occurs. This material is easy to install, easy to clean, and easy to repair, which makes it a great choice for fire protection.

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