What is fire rated plasterboard?
Fire rated plasterboard, often referred to as fire board or fireline plasterboard, is a type of drywall designed to offer improved fire resistance compared to standard plasterboard. It contains additives such as glass fibres to help slow the spread of fire when used as part of a correctly specified system.
What is fire rated plasterboard used for?
Fire rated plasterboard is used in walls and ceilings where additional fire protection is required. It is commonly installed in areas such as garages, stairwells, ceilings between floors, and partition walls in both domestic and commercial buildings.
It is typically used as part of a full system that includes framing, fixings, and jointing materials to achieve the required fire rating.
Why use fire resistant plasterboard?
- Provides increased fire resistance compared to standard plasterboard
- Helps slow the spread of fire when correctly installed
- Suitable for areas requiring improved fire performance
- Available in recognisable pink-faced boards
Fire rated plasterboard is often specified where building regulations require higher levels of fire protection.
Fire rated plasterboard sizes and types
Fire boards are available in a range of thicknesses, commonly including 12.5mm and 15mm, depending on the level of fire resistance required. Thicker boards or multiple layers are often used to achieve higher fire ratings within a system.
The correct choice depends on the specification and the required fire performance for the structure.
Fire rated plasterboard vs standard plasterboard
Standard plasterboard is suitable for general internal use but offers limited fire resistance. Fire rated plasterboard is specifically designed to provide enhanced performance, helping to slow the spread of fire when used as part of a correctly installed system.
This makes it suitable for applications where additional protection is required under building regulations.
Common mistakes when using fire board
- Assuming the board alone provides full fire protection
- Using incorrect thickness for the required rating
- Not following system specifications
- Poor installation or jointing reducing performance
Fire performance depends on the complete system, not just the board itself, so correct installation is essential.
FAQs
What is fire rated plasterboard?
Fire rated plasterboard is a type of drywall designed to provide improved fire resistance compared to standard plasterboard. It helps slow the spread of fire when installed correctly as part of a complete wall or ceiling system.
Is fire rated plasterboard fireproof?
Fire rated plasterboard is not fireproof. It is designed to resist fire for a period of time, helping slow the spread of flames. The level of resistance depends on the thickness and the full system used.
Where is fire board used?
Fire board is used in areas where additional fire resistance is required, including ceilings between floors, garage walls, and partition walls in domestic and commercial buildings.
What thickness fire plasterboard do I need?
The required thickness depends on the fire rating needed. Common options include 12.5mm and 15mm boards, with higher ratings achieved through layering or specific system designs.
Is pink plasterboard fire rated?
Pink plasterboard is typically used to identify fire rated boards. While the colour helps distinguish it, the actual fire performance depends on the board specification and how it is installed within a system.