You bought your new Drywall and are ready to install it in your new kitchen. You’re worried that your Drywall will get damaged if it’s too hot. Would it handle hot temperatures from the stove or catch on fire?
Drywall can get as hot as 1250F before it starts dehydrating. However, when there is a fire, and the temperature exceeds 1750F, it will also catch on fire. Regular Drywall catches fire after 30 minutes, while Fire-resistant Drywall will only catch fire after 2 hours.
You probably heard stories where people tell you that their house burnt because they had Drywall installed in the entire house, and because of it, they couldn’t stop the fire.
But what if I told you that Drywall might actually be the only factor that would help you save your house?
How Hot Is Too Hot For Drywall?
Drywall is made of gypsum and two layers of paper. According to USG, gypsum can withstand temperatures up to 1250F. So, if your Drywall stays under this temperature, you won’t have to worry about heat damage.
Moreover, according to most studies, permanent temperature damage to Drywall occurs only when the temperature exceeds 176-degree Fahrenheit. If the temperature is between 1400F to 1760F, the Drywall sheets may experience dehydration. However, they can be restored to ambient levels without affecting their quality.
Almost all drywall sheets are fire-resistant to some degree. Regular Drywall, also known as gypsum board, is made of gypsum – a non-flammable mineral. Although gypsum is a non-flammable mineral, it is pressed between thick sheets of paper that can catch on fire quickly if the temperature rises dramatically.
The temperature can also affect the joint compound or drywall mud if the temperature rises excessively. Excess heat can cause the joint mud to dry quickly, causing it to shrink. If the joint compound shrinks excessively, it can form cracks at the edges of the tape.
It’s also important to note that the old Drywall compound in its dust may dry up due to high temperatures making it unusable.
Can I Install A Drywall Next To A Fireplace?
Although you can install Drywall next to a fireplace, it’s not the best decision – especially if you’re going for the regular Drywall. Regular drywall sheets are the most inexpensive, but when it comes to fire protection, they are not the best option.
Although they are fire-resistant to some degree, they can still catch on fire. The biggest problem is that they burn fast when they catch on fire, so it’s important to keep that in mind.
Instead of Drywall, using non-combustible materials around your fireplaces, such as metal, marble, tile, or stone, is recommended. Alternatively, if you have a factory-built, zero-clearance fireplace, you can use a Drywall around it.
Most fires are caused by putting flammable materials around a fireplace. This is why most experts recommend avoiding regular Drywall next to a fireplace.
So, instead, you should get fire-rated Type X drywall for your fireplace. Keep in mind that although this kind of Drywall is fire-rated, it’s still not completely fireproof. Instead of stopping the fire passage completely, it only slows it down. This type of Drywall has a thickness of 5/8 and is made of fiberglass.
How Long Does It Take To Burn Through Drywall?
Regular Drywall can withstand fire for up to 30 minutes. Fire-resistant like Type X Drywall can go up to 2 hours before it actually starts to burn. This would be one of the main reasons why you would Drywall your ceiling, even under Tongue and groove, to give you this extra fire resistance.
That being said, there are many Drywall manufacturers, which means you can buy Drywall in various sizes, thicknesses, and types. You can get moisture-resistant Drywall, mold-resistant Drywall, and even fire-rated Drywall.
Regarding temperature, Drywall can be divided into two categories; non-fire rated and fire rated. You’ll need to pick Drywall according to your needs and building code. While some local building codes allow you to use non-fire-rated drywall sheets, others recommend getting fire-rated drywall panels.
Generally speaking, one layer of Type X drywall can withstand fire for up to one hour. So, if you want to increase fire protection, all you have to do is you multiple layers of Type X drywall. However, make sure to check the local building code to determine how many layers of Drywall you can use.
Does Drywall Catch On Fire Easily?
No, it doesn’t. As mentioned throughout this article, because it’s made mostly of water and gypsum, which has an extremely high melting point, it’s considered almost non-flammable, but as with everything, it also has a tolerance level that, once exceeded, will start to burn.
We already know it only catches fire when the temperature exceeds 1760F. Before that, your Drywall might lose its shape and create gaps, allowing the fire to pass through it and damaging the wall construction, giving you the perception that the Drywall is also on fire but, in fact, won’t catch fire until after that point.
Precautions to Take
There are some security measures that you can take to avoid fire hazards in your room, such as:
- Keep all the potential sources of fuel at least three feet away from fireplaces, stoves, and heaters
- Make sure all the electronic appliances, ovens, and stoves are turned off while leaving the room
- To avoid grease buildup, clean the cooking surfaces regularly
- Keep the candles away from anything that can burn
- Use Type X drywall for excellent fire resistance
- Don’t use Drywall near fireplaces
- Use tiles, metal, or other non-flammable materials around the fireplace.
FAQs:
Can Cement Board Be Used As A Heat Shield?
When it comes to Drywall, you have numerous options. Cement board drywall is probably the best type of Drywall available in the market. It is durable and stronger and offers unbeatable moisture, mold, and mildew resistance.
Moreover, the cement board drywall can also be used as a heat shield to protect your walls, ceilings, and floors in residential construction. In addition, if your cement board is not covered with any other flammable material, you can even use it around the fireplace.