Best Fire Resistant Sheathing Brands Compared

18 Nov Best Fire Resistant Sheathing Brands Compared

Are you trying to find the best fire resistant sheathing for your project? The top picks in 2025 are gypsum boards, magnesium oxide panels, and fiber cement wallboards. These materials help keep buildings safe and follow building rules. You should look at how each one handles fire, how strong it is, if it fits your budget, and if it is easy to install. Here are some common types you will find:

• Gypsum boards are strong and stop fire well.

• Magnesium oxide panels are safe, green, and very strong.

• Fiber cement wallboards are tough and protect against bad weather.

Key Takeaways

• Fire resistant sheathing keeps buildings safe from fire and heat. It gives people extra time to get out safely.

• Pick materials by looking at fire ratings, strength, and water resistance. This helps keep buildings safe for a long time.

• Fire resistant sheathing can help you pass building checks. It might also make your insurance cheaper.

• Think about green choices like magnesium oxide panels. These help the planet and keep people safe.

• Always look at product certifications and read reviews. This helps you choose the best fire resistant sheathing for your job.

Fire Resistant Sheathing Overview

What Is Fire Resistant Sheathing

You might ask what fire resistant sheathing does for your building. Fire resistant sheathing is a special material that slows down flames and heat. People use it in walls, ceilings, and sometimes roofs. It helps protect the building and gives people more time to leave safely. Builders pick these materials because they are strong against fire and help meet safety rules.

Here’s a quick look at the most common types and how they work:

You can find these materials in homes, schools, and offices. Each type has its own fire resistant features. You can choose the best one for your project.

Key Benefits

Using fire resistant sheathing does more than protect from fire. It helps your building follow safety codes and rules. Here are some benefits you should know:

• You make your building safer by stopping fire from spreading fast. This gives people more time to get out.

• You can pass building checks more easily, especially where fire rules are strict.

• You can use many kinds of cladding with fire resistant sheathing. This gives you more ways to design your building.

• You might pay less for insurance. Insurance companies often give lower rates for buildings with good fire protection.

Tip: If you want to keep your property safe and save money, fire resistant sheathing is a smart pick. It protects your building and can help lower your insurance costs.

Comparison Criteria

When you look at fire resistant sheathing, check a few things. These things help you choose the best product for your project. They also help you follow safety rules. Here are the main things to look for:

• Fire resistance ratings and flame spread rating

• Durability and strength

• Moisture resistance

• Cost and installation

• Environmental impact

• Standards and certifications

Fire Rated Performance

You need to know how well the product handles fire. Fire resistance ratings show how long it stops flames and heat. Flame spread rating tells you how fast fire moves on the surface. Some brands, like FlamePRO, have a Class A flame spread rating. This means fire spreads very slowly. Other brands, like PyroGuard and ExteriorFireX, have a Class B rating. You should also look at tests like ASTM E84 and ASTM E119. These tests check flame spread, smoke, and how long the material stays strong in a fire.

Durability & Moisture Resistance

You want sheathing that lasts and does not get ruined by water. Moisture resistance is important in wet places. Some products, like Gold Bond eXP Fire-Shield Sheathing, have a Type X core and high moisture resistance. They also fight mold and have a long warranty. LP FlameBlock Fire-Rated Sheathing meets building code rules for strength and durability. Many fire rated boards do not swell or bend when wet. They work well even after storms or leaks.

Tip: If you live where it rains a lot, pick a product with high moisture resistance and strong durability.

Cost & Installation

You want a product that is not too expensive and is easy to put in. Some fire rated products cost more but save you time. Insulated sheathing needs less work to install. Mineral wool takes more time and effort. Foam board is in the middle. Always check how hard it is to install and how much work it needs before you buy.

Environmental Impact

You might want a product that is better for the earth. Magnesium oxide sheathing has a lower carbon footprint than gypsum boards. It uses less energy and even traps CO2 while curing. You can recycle magnesium oxide boards. Sometimes you can reuse them in new buildings or as fertilizer. Some brands, like DuPont and Sulfycor, use green methods and have eco-friendly certifications. Gypsum boards are harder to recycle and may let out gases in landfills.

Note: Always look for eco-friendly certifications and green practices if you want to help the planet.

Top Fire Resistant Sheathing Brands

When you look for fire resistant sheathing, you will see many brands. Each brand has something special. Some brands are better at stopping fire. Others are known for new ideas or have lots of stores. Here are some top brands you should know.

Georgia-Pacific DensGlass

Georgia-Pacific is a big brand in North America. Their DensGlass sheathing is used in many buildings. DensGlass has a fiberglass mat and a core that resists water. This helps protect against fire and water. Builders like DensGlass because it is simple to install. It works well in bad weather.

• DensGlass is easy to find in North America.

• Georgia-Pacific is known for good quality.

• You can use DensGlass for outside walls, soffits, and ceilings.

Tip: If you want a product that is easy to buy and trusted, DensGlass is a good choice.

CertainTeed GlasRoc

CertainTeed is another brand you will see a lot. GlasRoc sheathing has a special glass mat and a core that does not burn. This helps stop fire and keeps buildings safe. GlasRoc also fights mold and works well in wet places.

• GlasRoc is popular in the United States and Canada.

• You can use GlasRoc for outside walls and ceilings.

• CertainTeed makes products that are safe and last a long time.

If you want sheathing that stops fire and handles water, GlasRoc is a smart pick.

USG Securock

USG is a brand known for new ideas. Securock sheathing has a glass mat and a gypsum core that resists fire. It gives strong fire protection and is easy to install. Securock is light, so it is easy to carry and put in.

• USG has many stores in North America.

• Securock is used in schools, hospitals, and offices.

• USG keeps making their products better for safety.

You will see Securock in big projects because it is easy to use and works well.

Sulfycor

Sulfycor is a newer brand that is growing fast. Sulfycor sheathing is used in places that need strong fire protection. Sulfycor uses magnesium oxide, which helps stop fire and is better for the earth. Builders like Sulfycor because it is strong and does not get ruined by water.

• Sulfycor is selling in more places in North America.

• The brand cares about green building and saving energy.

• You can use Sulfycor sheathing where fire rules are strict.

If you want to help the planet, Sulfycor is a brand to watch.

Roseburg

Roseburg is a trusted name for wood products. Their fire rated plywood helps stop fire and gives strong support. Roseburg plywood meets building rules and works in floors, walls, and roofs. You can find Roseburg in many stores.

• Roseburg is known for good quality and trust.

• The brand sells fire rated plywood for homes and businesses.

• Roseburg products are simple to install and work with many cladding types.

If you want fire resistant plywood from a trusted brand, Roseburg is a safe choice.

Market Share and Distribution

You might wonder how these brands compare in the market. Here are some facts:

• North America has 35% of the world’s fire retardant plywood market.

• The market is growing fast. Georgia-Pacific, LP Building Solutions, and James Hardie Industries are big names.

• You can find these brands in most building stores in the United States and Canada.

Innovation and Product Development

Let’s see how new ideas make these brands different. Many brands use new materials and smart ways to stop fire. Here is a table that shows what top brands are working on:

You can see each brand has something special. Some brands care about the planet. Others want better safety or easier installation. Comparing brands helps you pick the best product for your needs.

Note: When you pick fire resistant sheathing, think about what you need most. Do you want strong fire protection, easy installation, or green materials? The best brands have choices for every need.

Fire Rated Plywood Options

Leading Brands

When you look for fire rated plywood, you want brands that deliver strong protection and easy installation. Some top choices stand out for their quality and performance. You might see Roseburg, FlamePRO, PyroGuard, and ExteriorFireX in many building stores. These brands offer fire rated plywood that meets strict codes and keeps your project safe.

• Roseburg fire rated plywood is trusted for homes and businesses. You get panels that resist flames and last a long time.

• FlamePRO fire rated plywood is known for delayed ignition and low smoke emission. You can use it in high-traffic areas.

• PyroGuard fire rated plywood gives you 100% board protection. The fire-retardant treatment goes deep into the panel.

• ExteriorFireX fire rated plywood is lightweight and easy to machine. You can cut and shape it for any job.

Tip: If you want affordable fire rated plywood, check local suppliers for deals on trusted brands.

Flame Spread Ratings

You need to know how fire rated plywood performs when exposed to flames. Flame spread ratings help you pick the right product for your project. Most fire rated plywood comes in three classes:

1. Class A fire rated plywood has a flame spread index of 0 to 25. You get the highest fire resistance for your building.

2. Class B fire rated plywood has a flame spread index of 26 to 75. This gives you moderate protection.

3. Class C fire rated plywood has a flame spread index of 76 to 200. You get basic fire resistance.

Here’s a quick table to help you compare:

Fire rated plywood also has low thermal conductivity, usually between 0.10 and 0.40 W/m·K. This means it slows down heat transfer and helps keep people safe. You get panels that protect the building structure and reduce repair costs after a fire.

If you work on high-risk construction sites, you need fire rated plywood with the highest safety ratings. Look for panels that meet ASTM E-84 Class A, CAN/ULC S102-10, or Euroclass B-s1,d0. These options give you strong protection and meet building codes.

Note: Fire rated plywood resists moisture and pests. You get panels that last longer and keep your building safe.

Fire Resistant Wallboards

Type X and Type C Drywall

When you look for fire resistant wallboards, you will see type x and type c wallboard a lot. Both types help slow down fire and keep buildings safe. Type x wallboard has glass fibers that make it better at stopping fire. People use type x wallboard in homes, like in kitchens or walls between garages and living rooms. Type c wallboard gives even more fire protection. It lets you use fewer layers in fire-rated walls. You will find type c wallboard in places that need higher safety, like offices or hospitals.

Type c wallboard meets tougher fire safety rules. Type x wallboard works well for homes. Type c wallboard is better for places that need extra protection.

• Type c wallboard is made for higher fire safety.

• Type c wallboard follows strict fire safety rules.

• Type x wallboard is best for homes.

MgO Panels

If you want a wallboard that does more, mgo sheathing is a smart pick. MgO sheathing does not burn, even when it gets very hot. It stops flames and smoke from spreading. MgO sheathing has a Class A rating for flame spread, so it works well in commercial buildings. You can use mgo sheathing where you need up to four hours of fire protection. Crews say mgo sheathing is easy to install if they know how to use OSB or plywood.

MgO sheathing helps slow down fire and smoke. It stays strong and does not burn through. If you want a wallboard that is good for the planet and strong, mgo sheathing is a great choice.

Choosing the Right Fire Resistant Wallboard

Picking the right fire resistant wallboard depends on your project. For homes, you might use type x or type c wallboard in risky spots. Kitchens and walls between garages and living rooms need fire rated gypsum board for safety. In commercial buildings, mgo sheathing gives better fire protection and meets strict rules. Think about fire ratings, what the wallboard is made of, and where you will use it.

Always check local rules before you pick a fire resistant wallboard. If you want strong fire protection and easy installation, mgo sheathing is a good choice. For homes, type x and type c wallboard give you the safety you need. If you want to help the planet, mgo sheathing is also eco-friendly. You can find the right wallboard for any project if you look at fire ratings, how easy it is to install, and what rules you need to follow.

Tip: Picking the right fire resistant wallboard keeps your building safe and helps you follow all the rules. You will feel sure you chose the best wallboard for your space.

ZIP System Sheathing

OSB Core Features

When you look at the zip system, you see a product built on an OSB core. This core gives the zip system its strength. You get panels that hold up well under pressure. The zip system uses a special coating on the outside. This coating keeps water out and helps the panels last longer. You do not need to worry about the panels swelling or breaking down when it rains. The zip system stands out because it combines the OSB core with a built-in weather barrier. You do not have to add housewrap. The zip system saves you time and makes your job easier.

• The zip system comes with a 30-year warranty. You know you can trust it for a long time.

• You get a strong panel that resists bending and breaking.

• The zip system blocks air leaks, so your building stays comfortable.

Fire Resistance and Applications

You want to know how the zip system handles fire. The zip system gives you some fire protection, but it is not as fire resistant as gypsum or magnesium oxide panels. The zip system does slow down flames better than regular OSB. You can use the zip system in homes, garages, and light commercial buildings. The zip system works well for walls and roofs. You get a product that speeds up your build and keeps your project on track.

• The zip system lets you install sheathing and weather protection in one step.

• You save money on labor because the zip system is quick to put up.

• The zip system fits well in renovations where you want to finish fast.

Here is a quick look at the pros and cons of the zip system:

Tip: If you want a sheathing that saves time and keeps your building tight, the zip system is a smart choice. You get strength, weather protection, and some fire resistance all in one.

DuPont ArmorWall Plus FR SIS

Integrated Fire Resistance

You want sheathing that does more than stop fire. DuPont ArmorWall Plus FR SIS gives extra safety. This panel puts five building parts into one product. You get fire resistance, structure, insulation, air barrier, and weather protection in one panel. You do not need to buy or install each part by itself.

Here’s why ArmorWall Plus FR SIS is special:

These panels meet tough fire codes. You can pick the thickness you need. You also save money since you do not need extra layers.

Structural and Air Barrier Benefits

ArmorWall Plus FR SIS does more than stop fire. The panel is strong and helps hold up your building. It blocks air leaks and keeps out bad weather. You do not need to put on housewrap or extra insulation. You can put cladding right on the panel, which saves time and work.

“This product can take the place of many parts you would have to buy and put in one by one,” said John Brewer, Acme Brick’s vice president of sales.

You will see these good things right away:

• You save time and work because it goes in fast.

• You make less waste since you do not need extra barriers or insulation.

• You get tested fire ratings for one- and two-hour walls.

• You meet NFPA 285 rules with many cladding types.

• You put cladding right on, so you do not need to fasten back to studs.

ArmorWall Plus FR SIS helps you finish your job faster. You get strong fire safety, better energy savings, and a cleaner work area. If you want sheathing that makes building safer and easier, this is a smart pick.

Fiber Cement Siding & Other Fire Resistant Siding

Non-Combustible vs. Ignition-Resistant

You may wonder how siding keeps buildings safe from fire. There are two main types of fire resistant siding. Non-combustible siding does not burn at all. It gives the most protection. Ignition-resistant siding slows fire down but can still burn if it gets hot enough.

Here is how some siding types compare:

• Fiber cement siding does not burn. It has a Class A fire rating. This means it will not catch fire or help flames spread.

• Metal siding, like steel, does not burn. It can handle high heat and stays strong.

• Stone and stone composite siding do not burn. They block fire and help keep walls safe.

• Three-coat stucco is also non-combustible. It makes a strong wall against flames.

• Some wood and engineered wood sidings slow fire down. They do not stop fire completely.

If you live where fires happen often, non-combustible siding is the safest choice for your home or business.

Top Brands and Styles

You have lots of choices for fire resistant siding. Some brands are known for good quality and nice styles. Here are some you might see in new homes and buildings:

• James Hardie makes fiber cement siding in many colors and looks. You can pick styles that look like wood, stone, or smooth panels.

• Allura has fiber cement siding with many finishes. You can choose lap siding, vertical panels, or shakes.

• Nichiha offers modern and classic fiber cement siding. Their panels work for homes and offices.

• CertainTeed makes fiber cement and stone composite siding. You get strong fire protection and lots of design choices.

• Steel siding brands like EDCO and Quality Edge make steel siding. It is tough, does not burn, and is easy to care for.

You can pick a style you like and still get good fire protection. Fiber cement siding looks like wood but is safer. Steel siding lasts a long time and needs little care.

Tip: Always check the fire rating before you buy siding. You want your building to have the best safety.

Comparison Table: Fire Resistant Sheathing & Wallboards

Quick Reference of Key Features

You want to see how the top fire resistant sheathing and wallboards stack up. A quick table helps you compare features, fire ratings, and costs side by side. This way, you can pick the right product for your project without feeling lost.

You can see that Type X drywall gives you solid fire protection for a good price. Type C drywall works best when you need extra fire resistance, like in commercial buildings. Magnesium wallboard stands out for high fire ratings and moisture resistance. You might use it in places that get wet or need top-level safety. Specialty boards fit special jobs, such as hospitals or data centers, but prices change depending on what you need.

Tip: Always check the fire rating and moisture resistance before you buy. You want your building to stay safe and last a long time.

If you need a quick guide, just look at the table above. It shows you which product works best for your space and budget. You can make a smart choice for your next project.

• Type X drywall is a good pick for homes.

• Magnesium wallboard works well in wet or high-risk areas.

• Specialty boards fit special needs.

You can use this table to compare products and find the best fit for your building. Your choice helps protect people and property.

Choosing the Right Fire Resistant Sheathing

Project Needs & Recommendations

You want your building to be safe. The best sheathing depends on your project. First, think about what matters most for you. Do you want something easy to install? Do you need strong fire protection? Or do you want a product with safety certifications? Always check the certifications for each product. These show the sheathing meets safety rules. Look for labels like ASTM or UL on the box.

Here’s an easy way to compare your choices:

You can read reviews online. People talk about how easy products are to use. They also share if the products work well. If you see good reviews, you know people trust the product.

Tip: Ask your builder for advice before you buy. Builders know which products pass inspections and have certifications.

Residential vs. Commercial Considerations

Your project type is important. Homes and businesses need different things. For homes, pick products that are easy to install and not too expensive. Type X drywall and fiber cement siding are good for houses. They meet basic safety rules.

For commercial buildings, you need stronger fire protection. MgO panels and DuPont ArmorWall Plus FR SIS give more safety. These products meet strict certifications and pass tough tests. You should read reviews from other business owners. They share which products meet safety rules.

Here’s a simple checklist for you:

• Check certifications for every product.

• Read reviews and ask builders for advice.

• Make sure the product meets safety rules.

• Pick the right product for your project.

If you follow these steps, your building will be safe and meet all rules.

You have many great choices for fire resistant sheathing, wallboard, plywood, and siding in 2025. For homes, type X drywall and fiber cement siding work well. If you need high performance, try MgO panels or DuPont ArmorWall. Want to save money? Type X drywall fits most budgets. Always check local codes and talk to a pro.

Remember, your choice helps protect your building and boosts safety for everyone.

FAQ

What is the main benefit of fire resistant sheathing?

You get extra protection for your building. Fire resistant sheathing slows down flames and heat. This gives people more time to leave and helps you meet safety codes.

Can you install fire resistant sheathing yourself?

You can install most fire resistant sheathing with basic tools. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you feel unsure, ask a professional for help.

Does fire resistant sheathing cost more than regular sheathing?

You might pay a little more for fire resistant sheathing. The extra cost gives you better protection and can lower insurance rates. Many people think it is worth it.

Which type of fire resistant sheathing works best for wet climates?

Magnesium oxide panels work well in wet areas. They resist water and mold. You can use them in bathrooms, basements, or anywhere moisture is a problem.