20 Jul Type X or Type C Fire Resistant Wallboard Which Offers Better Protection
Table of Contents
Type c fire resistant wallboard gives the best fire protection. It works well for ceilings and places with more fire risk. Type x gives good fire protection for normal walls and regular use. Builders pick type c when they need the most fire safety. Type x is still the usual pick for most fire resistant wallboard jobs. Both type x and type c are important for fire safety. But type c is better when the best fire resistance is needed.
Key Takeaways
Type C drywall gives the best fire protection. It can last up to four hours. It works well for ceilings and places with more fire risk.
Type X drywall gives good fire resistance for most walls. It lasts about one hour. It costs less than Type C.
Builders use Type X for normal walls in homes and businesses. Type C is picked for places that need more fire safety.
It is important to install wallboards the right way. You must also follow local building codes. This helps fire-resistant wallboards work well.
Picking the right wallboard makes things safer. It can also lower insurance costs. It helps keep people and buildings safe from fire.
Fire Resistant Wallboard Overview
Fire resistant wallboard is very important for building safety. Builders and homeowners use it to help stop fire from spreading. This helps keep people safe. There are different types of fire resistant wallboard. Each type has its own special features and uses. The table below lists the main types and their key properties:
Type of Fire Resistant Wallboard | Composition / Material | Fire Resistance Features | Typical Uses | Classification Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Type X Drywall | Gypsum core with glass fibers | Stops fire for at least 1 hour; ASTM E84 flame spread rating 15; UL Type SCX | Used for walls and ceilings in homes and businesses | Classified by gypsum material and fire rating (like ASTM E84, UL) |
Type C Drywall | Gypsum with more glass fibers and special additives | Stronger fire resistance than Type X; stays strong in fire; used in UL-rated assemblies | Used in places with more fire risk like kitchens and boiler rooms | Better gypsum panel with higher fire rating |
MGO Board | Made from natural minerals, does not burn | Does not spread fire; good for the environment; resists fire and water | Used in homes and businesses, especially kitchens and bathrooms | Mineral-based, does not burn |
Fire-Rated FRP Panels | Made from fiberglass and plastic | Resists fire and water; strong and light | Used in factories, cleanrooms, and industrial spaces | Composite material with fire rating |
What Is Type X
Type x gypsum board is the most common fire resistant wallboard. It is made by mixing gypsum with fiber, paper pulp, and starch. This mix goes between two sheets of paper and is baked until hard. Type x drywall has a thick core and extra glass fibers. These help it stop fire for at least one hour. It meets tough ASTM and UL rules. Builders use type x for walls and ceilings in homes and businesses. It also resists mold and moisture, so it works in many places. Many brands use recycled paper, which is good for the environment. Type x gypsum board is a good choice for normal fire protection.
What Is Type C
Type c gypsum board gives even better fire protection. It has a dense gypsum core with more glass fibers and special additives. These make type c stay strong and keep its shape in high heat. Type c drywall can be used in fire-rated assemblies for up to four hours. It has edges that are easy to finish and blocks sound well. Type c comes in different sizes and thicknesses, like 1/2″ and 5/8″. Builders use type c in places with high fire risk, like stairwells and elevator shafts. Type c uses only recycled paper and meets GREENGUARD Gold standards for low emissions. It is easy to install and gives the best fire protection of all gypsum wallboards.
Fire Resistance Comparison
Type X Drywall Performance
Type X Drywall PerformanceType x gypsum board is the main choice for fire-rated drywall. It is used in most homes and businesses. Makers build type x drywall with a thick gypsum core and glass fibers. This makes it strong against fire and helps it stay together during a fire. Type x drywall is usually 5/8-inch thick. This thickness gives it a one-hour fire-resistance rating under ASTM C1396 and ASTM E119.
Type x drywall is trusted because it passes tough fire tests. ASTM E119 and UL 263 are the main tests for fire resistance. These tests check how long type x can handle heat and stop fire from spreading. In most cases, type x gives one to two hours of fire protection. This depends on the wall or ceiling system. The flame spread rating for type x drywall is 15. The smoke developed rating is 0, as shown by ASTM E84. These numbers show that type x gypsum board is good at stopping fire.
Note: The fire safety of type x depends on the whole wall or ceiling. This includes fasteners, insulation, and sealing. If there are gaps or mistakes in putting it up, it will not work as well.
Type x gypsum board is better at stopping fire than regular drywall. Builders use it in hallways, stairs, and shared walls in apartments. Its strong performance makes it a good pick for normal fire safety needs.
Type C Gypsum Board Performance
Type c gypsum board gives even better fire safety. Makers add more glass fibers and special chemicals to type c drywall. These chemicals make the core swell up when it gets hot. This swelling helps seal the joints and seams. It makes type c drywall better at stopping fire, especially on ceilings where fire can make panels fall.
Type c drywall comes in 1/2-inch and 5/8-inch sizes. In lab fire tests, type c gypsum board lasts longer than type x. The better fire resistance of type c means it stays strong for more time. It often lasts longer than the one-hour rating of type x. Some walls with type c can protect against fire for up to four hours.
The table below shows the main differences between type x and type c gypsum board in fire tests:
Aspect | Type X Gypsum Board | Type C Gypsum Board |
|---|---|---|
Definition | Defined by ASTM C1396; 1-hour fire resistance for 5/8″ | Enhanced panels exceeding type x; no specific ASTM standard |
Fire Resistance Mechanism | Fibers reduce cracking; shrinks under heat | Additives cause swelling, improving fire resistance at joints/seams |
Thickness Options | 5/8″ | 1/2″ or 5/8″ |
Fire Resistance Duration | Meets 1-hour rating | Provides longer fire resistance due to enhanced formulation |
Testing Method | ASTM E119 assemblies | ASTM E119 assemblies (no specific ASTM for type c) |
Application Notes | Standard fire-rated drywall | Used where higher fire protection is needed |
Type c gypsum board is best for fire safety, especially in risky places. Its better fire resistance makes it the top pick for ceilings, shafts, and places that need the most fire protection.
Real-World Applications
In real buildings, both type x and type c drywall are important for fire safety. Builders use type x gypsum board for most normal fire-rated jobs. These include home walls, business walls, and hallways. Its fire-resistant features meet building codes and give good fire safety for daily use.
Type c drywall is needed in places with more fire danger. Builders put type c gypsum board in elevator shafts, stairs, and machine rooms. Ceilings use type c because its swelling keeps panels from falling in a fire. Hospitals, schools, and tall buildings often need type c for better fire safety and longer protection.
Experts use many rules to check fire safety. The most used ones are:
ASTM E119: Checks how long walls and ceilings last in fire.
UL 263: Like ASTM E119, it tests fire endurance.
NFPA 285, 268, and 286: Check flame spread, smoke, and heat release.
ASTM E84 / UL 723 / NFPA 255: Measure how fast flames and smoke spread.
These rules make sure both type x and type c gypsum board are safe in real fires.
Tip: Always follow local building rules and pick the right fire-rated drywall for each job. Type c gypsum board is best for ceilings and risky places. Type x gypsum board works well for normal walls.
Composition and Thickness
Type X Core Features
Type x drywall is special because of its core. Makers mix gypsum, glass fibers, paper pulp, and other things. The glass fibers make type x stronger and help it fight fire. This helps type x keep its shape in high heat. Builders pick type x for walls and ceilings that need fire safety. Type x is usually 5/8 inch thick. This thickness gives it a one-hour fire rating. The thick core also slows down flames. Type x is popular for homes and businesses. Many builders like type x because it works well and is easy to use. Its fire resistance makes it a good choice for most buildings.
Type C Additives and Glass Fibers
Type c drywall gives even better fire protection. Its core has more glass fibers and special additives than type x. These make type c great for places with more fire risk. The extra glass fibers and additives help type c last longer in fire.
Type x drywall uses glass fibers to fight fire better than regular drywall.
Type c drywall has even more glass fibers and extra stuff than type x.
The extra things in type c help it stand up to fire and heat better than type x.
Type c comes in 1/2-inch and 5/8-inch sizes. This lets builders pick the right size for each job. The strong core keeps panels from falling during a fire. This makes type c good for ceilings and shafts. Type c gives the best fire protection of all gypsum wallboards. Builders use type c where the most fire safety is needed.
Key Differences
Fire Rating
Fire-rated drywall has different levels of fire safety. Type X panels give one hour of fire protection for most walls. A 1/2-inch Type X panel protects for about 25 minutes. A 5/8-inch Type X panel protects for up to 40 minutes. Type C panels do not always have an official fire rating in codes. Builders use Type C when they need longer fire protection. Type C panels can last up to three or four hours in real tests. This is true for ceilings and places with more fire danger. Type C is the best choice when the most fire safety is needed.
Wallboard Type | Thickness | Fire Resistance Rating |
|---|---|---|
Type X Gypsum Wallboard | 1/2 inch (12.7mm) | 25 minutes |
Type X Gypsum Wallboard | 5/8 inch (15.9mm) | 40 minutes |
Type C Gypsum Wallboard | N/A | Up to 4 hours (in assemblies) |
Thickness and Weight
Type X and Type C panels are usually 5/8-inch thick. Type X is mostly used for walls. Type C is made for ceilings and places where panels must stay up in a fire. Type C has more glass fibers and vermiculite. These help stop shrinking and make it stronger. The extra things in Type C can make it heavier. Makers do not always say how much heavier. Builders pick the right thickness and type for each job.
Attribute | Type X Drywall | Type C Drywall |
|---|---|---|
Thickness | Standard 5/8 inch | Standard 5/8 inch |
Fire Resistance | Glass fibers for fire resistance | More glass fibers and vermiculite |
Typical Use | Primarily walls | Primarily ceilings |
Weight | Heavier than 1/2-inch panels | May be heavier due to additives |
Cost Comparison
Cost is important when picking Type X or Type C drywall. Type X panels cost about $0.30 to $0.63 per square foot. Most Type X panels cost $0.35 to $0.50 each square foot. Type C panels cost a little more, about $0.38 to $0.50 per square foot. A Type X panel costs around $10 to $20. Type C panels cost about $12 each. Type C costs more because it gives better fire protection and is used for special jobs.
Drywall Type | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
Type X | $0.35 to $0.50 |
Type C | $0.38 to $0.50+ |
Tip: Type X is good for normal walls and costs less. Type C is best for ceilings and risky places, even if it costs more.
Summary of Main Differences:
Type X is best for normal walls, costs less, and gives one hour of fire safety.
Type C is best for ceilings and risky places, costs more, and lasts longer in fire.
Both types are usually 5/8-inch thick for most jobs.
Choosing the Right Wallboard
Residential vs Commercial
Picking the right fire-resistant wallboard depends on the building type. Homes and businesses have different fire safety rules and needs. In houses, builders use Type X drywall for walls in garages, kitchens, bedrooms, and basements. These places need the one-hour fire protection that Type X gives. In business buildings, fire safety is more complicated. Offices, factories, and stairwells often need Type C drywall for stronger and longer fire protection.
Aspect | Residential Buildings | Commercial Buildings |
|---|---|---|
Common Uses | Firewalls, stairwells, offices, warehouses | |
Typical Wallboard | Type X | Type C (for higher risk), Type X (for standard) |
Fire Safety Regulations | Uniform, focus on occupant safety | Conditional, based on occupancy and building size |
Insurance companies sometimes give better prices for buildings with fire-resistant wallboard. This is extra true for businesses where fire safety matters a lot.
Walls vs Ceilings
Where you put the wallboard also matters. Type X drywall is good for most walls. It has glass fibers that help it stay strong in a fire. Type C drywall works better for ceilings. It has more glass fibers and vermiculite. These help Type C not shrink or fall when it gets very hot. Builders use Type C for ceilings and big buildings. Some new Type X drywall can work for ceilings, but Type C is still the best for the most protection.
Type X: Best for walls in homes and businesses.
Type C: Best for ceilings, floor-ceiling areas, and places with more fire danger.
Contractors need to pick the right wallboard for each job. This keeps people safe and follows fire safety rules.
Building Code Tips
Building codes help builders choose fire-resistant wallboard for risky places. Codes often say to use Type X or Type C drywall in kitchens, furnace rooms, garages, and walls between garages and living spaces. Type X gives a one-hour fire barrier. Type C is made for ceilings so panels do not fall in a fire. Builders should always follow local fire safety rules and ask experts for help. Using the right thickness and type of wallboard is very important. Using the wrong thickness or not sealing holes can make fire protection worse.
Always use fire-rated wallboard in risky places.
Use wallboard that also resists water in wet rooms like kitchens.
Make sure new drywall matches the fire rating of old walls when fixing them.
Good installation and following fire safety rules help keep people and buildings safe.
Type C wallboard gives the best fire protection. It works well for ceilings and places with strict rules. Type X is used for most walls because it costs less. It still gives good fire safety.
Drywall Type | Fire Resistance Duration | Relative Cost Increase |
|---|---|---|
Type X | Up to 2 hours | About 30% more than standard |
Type C | About 30% more than Type X |
Always look at local rules before you choose.
Check if insurance gives you any extra help.
Ask a building expert if you are not sure what to use.
FAQ
What is the main difference between Type X and Type C drywall?
Type X drywall has glass fibers to help stop fire. Type C drywall has even more glass fibers and extra special stuff. Type C can stop fire for a longer time. It works better for ceilings and places with more fire danger.
Can homeowners install Type C drywall themselves?
Most people can put up Type C drywall with simple tools. These panels are heavier than regular drywall. It is safer if two people work together. Always read and follow the maker’s instructions to do it right.
Does Type C drywall cost much more than Type X?
Type C drywall costs a bit more than Type X drywall. The higher price is because it gives better fire safety and has extra materials. Many builders pick Type C for places that need the most fire protection.
When should builders use Type C instead of Type X?
Builders use Type C for ceilings, shafts, and places with strict fire rules. Type X is good for most walls in homes and businesses. Always check local building rules before picking which wallboard to use.