Fire-resistant plasterboard: advantages of a unique building material

Plasterboard that resists fire is becoming more and more of a standard choice for both residential and commercial building. Because of its resistance to high temperatures, it is a vital option for places where safety is of the utmost importance. For those undertaking new construction or renovations on older properties, fire-resistant plasterboard presents a dependable and reassuring solution.

The unique composition of fire-resistant plasterboard distinguishes it from more conventional options. In the event of a fire, residents will have more time to flee thanks to the additional fire-retardant materials included in its design. This feature is especially important in areas where there is a higher risk of fire, such as basements and kitchens.

Apart from the safety advantages, working with fire-resistant plasterboard is no different from working with ordinary plasterboard. It is an adaptable option for many different types of projects because it can be shaped, cut, and installed with the same instruments and methods. Furthermore, it maintains all of the standard plasterboard’s visual appeal and finish quality.

Use of plasterboard in modern times

As you are aware, gypsum has been utilized for construction purposes since ancient times. The development of technology for making gypsum plasterboards (GKL) represented a breakthrough in this field.

Crucial! One of the primary justifications for using gypsum plasterboard in interior design is its "naturalness," or total environmental friendliness.

  1. Gypsum plasterboard is non-toxic, neutral, promotes comfortable living. It is known that it “breathes”: it regulates the humidity of the room, absorbing excess moisture and giving it away in the presence of dry air. In other words, it creates a comfortable, harmonious “climate” in the room.
  2. The material is absolutely hygienic, does not harm the environment.
  3. It has excellent sound insulation, water and fire resistance (in technological modifications).
  4. Additional advantages of gypsum plasterboards as a finishing material are low weight and ease of installation. This allows you to increase the speed of work, carry out installation in more convenient conditions. In addition, the material forms a small amount of construction waste and debris, which makes it easier to clean the premises.

Gypsum board that is resistant to fire can be used to finish rooms, in design, to give the building material different shapes, and to connect in different ways. This allows for the creation of both straight and curved structures with clean transitions between them. The ability to stably fix the constructed architectural compositions is made possible by the presence of profiles, or metal frames.

Manufacturers are now able to produce gypsum boards that are water- and fire-resistant in addition to standard. Their internal structures, methods of creation, etc., are different.

  • Waterproof drywall contains disinfectants that are destructive for fungi, bacteria. Thanks to this, the ability of the material to push off water is used in the decoration of kitchens and rooms with high humidity: bathrooms, toilets.
  • Fireplite GKLs finish various communications (air ducts and t.D.). This is a very durable material that is used even to create partitions between the rooms; It can be painted, covered with wallpaper or tiles without preliminary processing. Often with the help fire -resistant drywall They lay electric cables, other communications: it provides good fire safety.

Water resistance and fire resistance are frequently combined.

A versatile and necessary building material that provides excellent protection against fire hazards is fire-resistant plasterboard. With increased fire resistance and all the advantages of regular plasterboard, it’s perfect for both residential and commercial construction. Because it slows the spread of flames and gives occupants more time to evacuate in the event of a fire, this material instills peace of mind. It is a sensible option for making interior spaces safer without sacrificing aesthetics because of how simple it is to install and how well it works with different finishes.

Features of fire -resistant drywall

This kind of finishing material is distinguished by its composition, which is an internal multi-layer structure made of thermally processed gypsum. Its unique quality is the intense compression of the structural materials, which virtually eliminates oxygen (allowing the fire to burn).

It is 12.5 mm thick and composed of multiple layers of:

  1. The largest part (about 90%) is occupied by the dihydrate gypsum itself in combination with organic additives, reinforced with reinforcing glass thread.
  2. The remaining percentage is filled with cardboard coating, water (1%) as a binder.

Take note! Plasterboard’s exceptional fire resistance is made possible by the interweaving of glass threads and specific additives; in the event of a fire, the sheet will continue to withstand the effects of fire even after the cardboard has burned.

Because it is a part of the gypsum core’s structure, the reinforcing thread, also known as filament, is up to 30 mm long and gives plaster great resistance, preventing it from being destroyed by high temperatures. Plasterboard’s fire resistance is further increased by the presence of organic fire-resistant additives.

How do material sheets regulate the microclimate in rooms? The special crystalline molecular lattice that makes drywall possible to absorb and release moisture (or "breathe") without causing structural deformation is what makes this possible.

The market for building materials in Russia today is crowded with players, but one stands out in particular: the German manufacturer Knauf is known for producing extremely high-quality goods.

Plasterboard that resists fire Apart from the aforementioned attributes, Knauf offers an additional significant benefit: it is odorless and, even when saturated with moisture, does not conduct electricity. This property extends to many technological additives.

Fire-resistant plasterboard: fire safety

Other types of plasterboard are still flammable, so if a customer wants to feel secure about the fire safety of their home, they must use heat-resistant plasterboard for cladding. Ordinary gypsum filling collapses quickly when exposed to high temperatures, but GKL is fire-resistant because of its above-described structure, which allows it to withstand fire for a much longer period of time and keeps its integrity even after burning the cardboard.

It also possesses the following unique qualities:

  • lower thermal conductivity, it is equal to 0.22;
  • the cardboard layer itself is also impregnated with fire-resistant substances, which increase its resistance to thermal effects;
  • its density is higher – 850 kg per cubic. meter;
  • red marking is used to designate it.

Different material groups have different levels of flammability, toxicity, and smoke production in the event of a fire.

Take note! These are the standards set forth in building codes that determine which kinds of drywall are qualified for quality certifications.

For instance, drywall that is fireproof Knauf is well-known among customers because it possesses all the required fire safety certificates.

When discussing plasterboard’s fire resistance, it is important to emphasize once more that gypsum is fire resistant in the sense that it collapses and loses its shape rather than burning. Gypsum board that is resistant to fire can endure an open fire for 25 to 30 minutes before starting to collapse. Manufacturers create multiple layers with fire-resistant impregnation (fire retardants) to give it the longest possible resistance. This prolongs the life of the protective cardboard layer, preventing the flame from reaching the gypsum core.

In relation to low temperatures, gypsum board is able to endure any negative temperature while still retaining its structural integrity.

It should be noted that, in most cases, this amount of time is sufficient to put out the fire.

Use of fire-resistant gypsum board

This finishing material has an indicator G1, or flammability group, in accordance with building GOST requirements. With its assistance, it is possible to ensure:

  • fire safety of building structures;
  • protection from fire in communication shafts, air ducts;
  • insulation of various cables, including electrical ones;
  • to arrange a barrier for fire.

It makes sense to finish rooms with higher fire safety requirements using fire-resistant plasterboard.

It is employed in facing (finishing):

  • interior of wooden houses;
  • boiler houses of industrial and domestic type;
  • home fireplaces;
  • bases of walls of baths, saunas;
  • air ducts in private houses and apartments;
  • insulation of electrical cables;
  • making partitions;
  • children"s rooms, etc..

When finishing a living area, putting in two layers of this plasterboard closely spaced apart will raise the fire resistance index.

Crucial! It is known that the fire resistance is increased by 50% by the second layer.

Additional fasteners and fireproof metal frames will be needed for this during installation.

The sole disadvantage of this kind of gypsum board is its low mechanical strength; screws, dowels, and screws pass through easily and are unstable, meaning they cannot support heavy loads (such as those encountered when fastening shelves for storage).

Advantage Description
Fire Resistance Fire-resistant plasterboard can withstand high temperatures, helping to slow the spread of flames in a building.
Easy Installation It is simple to install using standard tools, making it accessible for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
Sound Insulation Besides fire resistance, this material also provides good sound insulation, improving overall building comfort.
Durability Fire-resistant plasterboard is strong and long-lasting, providing reliable protection over time.
Cost-Effective Despite its specialized properties, it is relatively affordable, offering great value for fire safety in construction.

Plasterboard that is resistant to fire is a dependable and useful option for improving building safety. It is a useful addition to any construction project where fire safety is a concern because of its capacity to withstand high temperatures and slow the spread of flames.

In addition to being fire resistant, this kind of plasterboard is flexible in design and installation and is easy to work with. It contributes to the overall insulation of the space and leaves a smooth surface that is ready for painting or decorating.

Selecting plasterboard that is resistant to fire means making an investment in a material that will not only safeguard your property but also provide long-term strength and adaptability. It’s a necessary building material for people who value safety above all else without sacrificing style or quality.

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What type of plaster do you prefer to use in your projects?
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Andrey Ivanov

An experienced builder with more than 15 years of experience. I specialize in plastering and decorative finishing. I started my career as an ordinary worker, gradually accumulating knowledge and skills in various finishing techniques. Now I share my experience to help beginners master the craft and avoid common mistakes.

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