ToughRock 5/8-in x 4-ft x 8-ft Fireguard Mold Resistant Moisture Resistant Fire Resistant Regular Drywall Panel

Charlotte Wood Middle School, Danville, California

It was 1991, and our company was framing the entire middle school. The Charlotte Wood Middle School was built out of Douglas Fir Lumber, Pressure Treated Plates, and different kinds of Plywood. I negotiated a contract with a lumber mill in Oregon to provide all the dimensional lumber for the project. I had lumber being delivered from their mill for months. GREAT PROJECT! Rick Aguilar - Cost Estimator

Overview

• What It Is

  • ToughRock 5/8-in x 4-ft x 8-ft Fireguard Type X Drywall Panel: A Homeowner’s Guide

    When it comes to building safe, code-compliant spaces, not all drywall is created equal. For areas where fire resistance is a must, the ToughRock Fireguard Type X panel is a trusted solution. Designed and manufactured by Georgia-Pacific, this drywall offers enhanced fire protection, added strength, and better sound control compared to standard boards.

  • Product Overview

    Unlike regular drywall, the Type X designation means this panel has a special gypsum core reinforced with glass fibers. At 5/8-inch thick, it’s heavier and stronger than common 1/2-inch board, giving it a crucial edge in fire resistance and durability.

    With a UL-classified fire rating and GREENGUARD Gold certification for low VOCs, this drywall is engineered to perform in both safety and indoor air quality.

  Key Features & Specs

  • Size: 4 ft × 8 ft (actual: ~0.62 in × 3.99 ft × 7.99 ft)

  • 5/8-inch Type X Fireguard core reinforced with glass fibers for superior fire resistance

  • Mold-Guard protection with specially treated paper facings and core to resist mold growth

  • Moisture resistant design for use in areas with moderate humidity (bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, kitchens)

  • Non-combustible gypsum core per ASTM E136

  • Smooth, paintable surface that accepts paint, texture, or wall coverings

  • Recycled paper facings for an eco-friendly finish

  • GREENGUARD & GREENGUARD Gold certified for low VOC emissions and better indoor air quality

  • UL Classified for fire-rated assemblies

  • Tapered long edges for easier joint finishing and smoother seams

  Best Uses:

  • This board is purpose-built for safety and strength, and you’ll often see it used in places where building codes require a higher level of protection:

    • Bathrooms & Powder Rooms – Ideal for walls exposed to daily humidity, but not direct water immersion

    • Basements – Helps resist moisture and mold in damp environments while adding fire protection

    • Laundry Rooms & Utility Rooms – Withstands humidity and provides fire resistance around appliances

    • Kitchens – A safer choice for areas exposed to steam, heat, and occasional spills

    • Garages – Meets fire-rated requirements for walls and ceilings adjoining living spaces

    • Between Living Spaces – Perfect for walls between apartments, condos, or townhomes where fire codes require Type X drywall

    • Stairwells & Hallways – Protects high-traffic escape routes with added durability and fire resistance

    • Multi-Family or Rental Units – Combines mold, moisture, and fire resistance for code compliance and long-term durability

      Why Homeowners Choose 5/8" Fire Guard Mold-Resistant

      When building or remodeling, homeowners want materials that offer more than just a finished look. They want safety, durability, and protection against everyday risks. That’s where 5/8" Fireguard Mold-Resistant drywall earns its place on the project list.

      🔥 1. Built-In Fire Protection

      The Type X Fireguard core provides up to one hour of fire resistance when used in tested assemblies. This added layer of safety is especially important in garages, stairwells, basements, and between living spaces. It’s peace of mind that your home is built to protect.

      🦠 2. Defense Against Mold & Mildew

      Bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and laundry rooms often struggle with high humidity. This drywall’s Mold-Guard treatment helps prevent mold growth, achieving the highest rating on industry mold tests. That means a healthier home and fewer long-term repair headaches.

      💧 3. Moisture Resistance

      While not waterproof, this board is designed to resist moisture better than standard drywall. It’s ideal for damp-prone areas where traditional drywall would quickly weaken or fail.

      🔇 4. Sound Control & Strength

      At 5/8-inch thick, this drywall is sturdier than 1/2-inch panels. That extra mass helps reduce noise between rooms and resists sagging on ceilings — a practical benefit in busy households.

      🌎 5. Environmentally Friendly

      With recycled paper facings and GREENGUARD Gold certification, this drywall supports better indoor air quality and eco-conscious building practices.

      ✅ 6. Code Compliance Made Simple

      For many projects, building inspectors require both Type X fire resistance and moisture-resistant materials. This panel checks both boxes in one product, helping homeowners pass inspections without extra steps.

      ✨ Bottom Line: Homeowners choose 5/8" Fireguard Mold-Resistant drywall because it’s a triple threat — fire resistant, mold resistant, and moisture resistant. It keeps your family safer, your home healthier, and your walls stronger, all while meeting modern building codes.

  Practical Project Ideas for Homeowners:

  • The ToughRock 5/8" Fireguard Mold-Resistant drywall isn’t just about passing building inspections — it’s about making your home safer, healthier, and more durable. Here are some smart ways homeowners can put it to work:

    1. Bathroom Remodels

    Skip the headaches of moldy drywall. Use this panel behind bathroom walls and ceilings (outside direct shower/tub enclosures) to create a moisture-resistant, fire-safe foundation.

    2. Finishing a Basement

    Basements are prone to dampness, and that can mean trouble for regular drywall. This panel provides mold and moisture defense while still giving you the fire protection needed for code compliance.

    3. Upgrading Garage Walls

    Since codes often require Type X drywall between a garage and living spaces, this board does double duty by resisting both fire and humidity — a smart upgrade for homeowners.

    4. Laundry Rooms

    Washers, dryers, and utility sinks create heat and humidity. This drywall keeps the space safe while resisting mold in case of spills, steam, or damp air.

    5. Kitchens & Pantries

    Between cooking steam, accidental splashes, and high traffic, kitchens need more protection than standard drywall can provide. This panel is a perfect fit.

    6. Rental or Multi-Family Properties

    If you’re finishing an apartment, duplex, or in-law suite, this drywall helps you meet both fire and moisture code requirements, while reducing long-term maintenance issues for tenants.

    7. Stairwells & Hallways

    High-traffic escape routes demand strength and safety. Installing Fireguard Mold-Resistant panels here gives extra protection where it matters most.

    ✨ Pro Tip: While this panel resists mold and moisture, it’s not waterproof. For areas with direct water contact (like showers), pair it with cement board or tile backer for the best long-term performance.

• Why Choose ToughRock 5/8" Fireguard Mold Resistant Moisture Resistant Fire Resistant Drywall?

  • When you’re investing time and money into a remodel or new build, the last thing you want is drywall that fails under pressure. That’s why more homeowners and contractors are turning to ToughRock 5/8" Fireguard Mold-Resistant drywall — it offers triple protection in one strong panel.

    🔥 Fire Protection You Can Trust

    As a Type X Fireguard board, this drywall provides up to one hour of fire resistance when used in approved assemblies. It’s a must-have for garages, stairwells, basements, and walls between living spaces. In an emergency, those extra minutes can make all the difference.

    💧 Defense Against Moisture

    Unlike standard drywall, this panel is designed to resist moisture absorption. That means fewer problems with warping, softening, or paper deterioration in damp-prone areas like bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms.

    🦠 Mold Resistance for Healthier Living

    With Mold-Guard technology built into both the core and facings, this drywall has achieved the highest possible rating in mold resistance tests. That helps homeowners avoid costly repairs and promotes a healthier indoor environment.

    🔇 Added Strength & Sound Control

    At 5/8-inch thick, this drywall is tougher than 1/2-inch boards. The extra density not only adds durability and resists sagging on ceilings but also blocks more sound between rooms — great for bedrooms, offices, or media spaces.

    🌍 Built-In Sustainability

    With recycled paper facings and GREENGUARD Gold certification, this panel supports both eco-conscious building and better indoor air quality.

    ✅ One Panel, Multiple Code Requirements

    Instead of juggling different boards for different needs, this product combines fire resistance, moisture resistance, and mold resistance in one. That makes it easier to meet code requirements and gives homeowners long-term confidence in their walls and ceilings.

    ✨ Bottom Line: Choose ToughRock 5/8" Fireguard Mold-Resistant drywall when you want a panel that works as hard as you do — one that protects against fire, fights moisture, resists mold, and delivers the strength your home deserves.

  When This Board Really Shines

  • Some drywall panels are made for simple, low-risk spaces. This isn’t one of them. The ToughRock 5/8" Fireguard Mold-Resistant drywall is built for the areas in your home where you need more than just a smooth surface — you need protection, durability, and peace of mind.

    🔥 High-Risk Fire Zones

    This board is a standout in garages, furnace rooms, and walls adjoining living spaces, where codes demand fire resistance. Its Type X Fireguard core slows fire spread, giving families more time to respond.

    💧 Damp & Humid Spaces

    Bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms are notorious for moisture. With its moisture-resistant design, this board performs where standard drywall would quickly deteriorate.

    🦠 Mold-Prone Areas

    In spaces with fluctuating humidity — like basements or kitchens — mold can sneak in fast. This panel’s Mold-Guard treatment keeps walls and ceilings healthier for the long term.

    🔇 Noise-Sensitive Rooms

    Because it’s thicker and denser than regular drywall, it shines in home offices, bedrooms, and shared walls, where blocking sound matters just as much as durability.

    🛠️ Code-Heavy Projects

    For homeowners finishing basements, adding rental units, or updating older homes, this drywall checks multiple boxes at once: fire resistance, mold resistance, and moisture resistance. That makes passing inspections easier and upgrades your home’s safety in one step.

    ✨ In short: This board really shines where fire, moisture, and mold risks overlap — making it the ideal choice for today’s modern, safety-conscious homeowner.

Ask Rick, example:“What’s the best Gypsum Board for this application? or “ When should I use fire-rated (Type X) drywall?”

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