What is a primary characteristic of fire-rated drywall?

Fire-rated drywall, also known as Type X drywall, is characterized primarily by its composition, which includes special additives designed to enhance its fire resistance. These additives, often made of fiberglass or other materials, improve the drywall’s ability to withstand high temperatures, thereby providing a delay in the spread of fire. This characteristic is crucial in maintaining building safety, especially in commercial settings where fire codes require specific materials to protect structural integrity and provide occupants with additional time to evacuate during a fire emergency.

While some fire-rated drywall options might be thicker than standard drywall, not all of them necessarily are, making thickness an insufficient characteristic to define them universally. The cost of fire-rated drywall can indeed be higher due to its specialized formulation, but the price is not a defining characteristic. Additionally, fire-rated drywall is not lighter than standard drywall; in fact, the added materials can contribute to a slightly heavier profile. Thus, the defining feature remains its incorporation of fire-resistant additives, which differentiate it from standard drywall.