Fire-Rated Drywall Installation in Gainesville, FL
Fire-rated drywall installation uses 5/8-inch Type X board, or similar fire-resistant board, installed so the whole assembly slows fire. Type X has a glass-fiber core that holds together longer in heat. The rating belongs to the assembly, not the board alone, which means fasteners, joints and layers all matter.
Free estimate. Send a few photos with the form, or call and we will talk it through.
📞 Talk to a Drywall Expert: (352) 649-3354Request a FREE Quote
Fire-Rated Drywall Installation, explained in plain English
You find fire-rated walls between garages and houses, between units in duplexes and apartments, around stairwells and mechanical rooms, and in commercial buildings. The plans or the inspector tell you what rating is needed. We follow the listed assembly: the layer count, fastener spacing, joint treatment and sealing.
Details decide whether the wall works. Gaps around pipes and wires get sealed with the right material. Seams are taped and coated. Boards go up on the right side of the studs, and layers are staggered so seams do not line up.
What to think about before you start
- Ask the building department or architect for the rating needed. We build to that spec.
- A rated wall can be defeated by one unsealed hole. Penetrations need fire caulk or putty.
- Type X is heavier. Ceilings take more help and more time.
- We do not certify assemblies. Your inspector does.
What it costs around Gainesville
Fire-rated work is priced after we see the plans or the space, since the rating, layer count and details change the labor. The per-square-foot ranges on the calculator are for standard board, so treat them as a floor.
Planning ranges from our local rate card, not a quote. See the cost guide and calculator.
How it goes in Gainesville
Rated walls come up often in Gainesville because of the mix of garages attached to homes, student housing with shared walls, and commercial buildings along the main corridors.
How the job goes, step by step
- Confirm the rating and assembly with the plans or inspector.
- Hang board with correct layers and fastener spacing.
- Stagger seams and detail corners.
- Seal penetrations and joints.
- Tape, finish and prepare for inspection.
Quick answers about fire-rated drywall installation
What does fire-rated drywall mean?
Board that slows fire when installed as part of a tested assembly, usually 5/8-inch Type X.
Where is fire-rated drywall required?
Common places are garage-to-house walls, shared walls between units, stairwells and some commercial walls. Your inspector confirms.
Is Type X drywall different from regular drywall?
Yes. It has a glass-fiber core and is thicker, typically 5/8 inch, so it holds up longer in heat.
Can fire-rated drywall be painted?
Yes, just like regular drywall.
Does the rating come from the board alone?
No. The rating comes from the full assembly: studs, board layers, fasteners and sealing.
Can you work from architect plans?
Yes. Send the plans with the estimate form and we price from them.
More questions? See the full FAQ.
Ready for a straight answer on your drywall?
Call or send photos. We will tell you what we see and what it should cost, and we confirm the price in person before any work starts.
📞 Call (352) 649-3354 Request a free estimateGet a free fire-rated drywall installation estimate
Tell us about the job. Photos help us price it before we visit.