Drywall is the foundation of stores, warehouses, and offices throughout the Greater Toronto area. In fact, many businesses count on a fire-rated drywall system to offer important protection in the event of an emergency. Are you interested in learning more about how these systems work? In this blog post, we’ll break down the basics–including essential requirements from the Ontario Building Code. Keep reading!
What is Fire-Rated Drywall?
Fire-rated drywall is a specialized gypsum board with increased fire resistance. While traditional drywall quickly crumbles and breaks down in the event of a fire, this specialized material can hold strong for 1-2 hours. Glass fibres are integrated into the gypsum board, which helps it maintain its structure for longer.
Types of Fire-Rated Drywall
There are two types of drywall that are commonly used in both commercial and industrial buildings:
- Type X: With one hour of fire resistance, this is the most commonly used fire-rated drywall in Ontario. Unlike traditional drywall, this gypsum board has added glass fibres, which lend strength and stability during fires.
- Type C: Typically used in higher-risk environments, this type of drywall has added fibres and fire-retardant materials. Due to these enhanced properties, this type of drywall offers superior protection with 2-4 hour fire resistance ratings.
Ontario Building Code Requirements for Fire-Rated Drywall
The Ontario Building Code (OBC) outlines the rules and regulations for fire-rated drywall installation. Curious about the regulations that apply to your office, restaurant, or retail space? Let’s break it down.
Building Classifications
While residential properties only require specialized drywall installation in garages, ceilings, and walls that separate living spaces, commercial properties are another story.
The Ontario Building Code breaks down commercial properties into the following designations:
- Offices: Group D. The more general term for this category is “business and personal service,” which can also contain buildings used as banks or hair salons.
- Retail spaces: Group E. This group is also used for other buildings that display and sell goods, such as department stores and shopping malls.
- Industrial warehouses: Group F. Within this category, facilities are broken down by hazard level, including low, medium, and high risk.
The OBC includes several other classification categories that apply to everything from residential homes to medical offices and elementary schools. For further information about which category your building fits into, visit the Ontario Building Code website.
Fire Separation Requirements by Building Classification
Does your business share a building with another operation? If so, you might be subject to certain separation requirements under the Ontario Building Code. For example:
- Group D: When adjacent to residential units, offices must have drywall with 1-hour ratings. When adjoining other offices, business, or personal services, no fire-rated drywall is required.
- Group E: Much like Group D, retail businesses that are adjacent to residential properties must have 1-hour resistance ratings. Additionally, 1 hour of resistance is required when adjacent to an office.
- Group F: Group F is more complicated, since separation requirements are dependent on the hazard level of the industrial operation. For example, high-risk operations must use drywall with 2- 3-hour ratings, regardless of the adjacent businesses. On the other hand, low-risk operations might have more relaxed requirements. If you operate an industrial warehouse, make sure to consult the OBC for more information.
Note: the fire separation requirements for your business might be more complex than the examples listed above. As a best practice, always consult the Ontario Building Code for more information. Find more information on the Government of Ontario’s website.
Additional Considerations
The Ontario Building Code is complex, and fire separation requirements are just the beginning. That’s why choosing a general contractor with local expertise matters. Here at ABE Construction Group, we know the ins and outs of the OBC and will ensure that any project we complete is up to code. Have questions about how the Ontario Building Code might impact your project? Call us today for more information. Here’s the final thing you should keep in mind: you can (and should!) consider fire-rated drywall, even if it isn’t a code requirement for your building! While this material might be slightly more expensive than traditional gypsum board installation, you can also rest assured that your business is protected from hazards for years to come.
ABE Construction Group: Your Commercial Drywall Installation Experts
At ABE Construction Group, we bring expertise, speed, and reliability to every single drywall installation. On top of our local code expertise and around-the-clock service, our tradespeople have specialized knowledge about fire-rated gypsum board selection, installation techniques, and inspection requirements. Learn more about our team or our process through our website.
Call Us Today for a Free Consultation and Site Visit!
Interested in commercial drywall installation? ABE Construction Group is here to help. Call our office today to learn more!