Do I Need Fire Rated Drywall For Ceiling?

Fire-rated drywall (Type X gypsum board) is specified when a ceiling must achieve a certain hourly rating—commonly 1-hour or 2-hour—to comply with building codes. Type X gypsum contains glass fibers and special additives that improve fire resistance compared to standard drywall. If your project requires a fire-rated ceiling—such as above corridors, stairwells, or fire barriers—Type X drywall installed on furring channels or resilient channels can provide the necessary rating. However, aluminum ceiling tile systems with UL-listed fire-resistant panels can also meet these requirements. These systems combine fire-rated aluminum tiles with a matching suspension grid in a tested assembly. When architectural design calls for a metal ceiling aesthetic, fire-rated aluminum systems offer an attractive alternative to gypsum. Consult code requirements and reference UL or ASTM listings to determine whether Type X drywall or an aluminum ceiling system is most appropriate for your ceiling application.