Gold Bond 5/8-in x 4-ft x 8-ft Fire-Shield Fire Resistant Type X 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

  • The Gold Bond 5/8-in Type X Fire-Shield Drywall Panel is a high-performance wallboard designed to provide enhanced fire resistance, sound control, and durability. It is widely used in residential, commercial, and institutional construction where building codes require fire-rated assemblies.

  Key Features & Benefits

  • Fire Resistance:

    • Classified as Type X, meaning it contains special core additives (typically glass fibers) that increase fire resistance.

    • Provides 1-hour fire rating when used in tested assemblies.

  • Dimensions:

    • Thickness: 5/8 inch

    • Width: 4 feet

    • Length: 8 feet

  • Core & Surface:

    • Gypsum core reinforced with noncombustible fibers.

    • Paper facings designed for smooth finishing and painting.

  • Strength & Durability:

    • Rigid construction reduces sagging on ceilings.

    • Resists cracking, chipping, and general wear.

  • Sound Control:

    • Provides enhanced acoustic performance compared to standard drywall.

    • Ideal for walls and ceilings in multifamily housing, offices, and schools.

  • Code Compliance:

    • Meets ASTM C1396 standards for gypsum board.

    • Complies with building code requirements for fire-rated construction.

  • Applications:

    • Interior walls and ceilings in fire-rated assemblies.

    • Corridors, stairwells, garages, utility rooms, and shared walls in multifamily buildings.

  Pros & Trade-Offs

  Pros

  • Fire Resistance & Code Compliance
    The Type X core is engineered for fire resistance, making it an approved component in UL fire-rated assemblies. Useful in walls and ceilings where 1-hour fire ratings are required.

  • Sound & Thermal Performance
    The 5/8-in thickness contributes to better sound dampening than thinner drywall, and the gypsum core also resists heat transfer, helping slow fire spread.

  • Durability & Stability
    It resists warping, rippling, sagging under normal conditions. The edges are reinforced (paper folded around long edges) which protects the core.

  • Better Environmental & Health Credentials
    Recycled paper facings, heavy face/back paper; also has low chemical emissions (UL GREENGUARD Gold) and low VOC materials.

  • Installation Features
    GridMarX guide marks help locate studs quickly; tapered edges for easier finishing; works with standard fasteners.

  • Mold & Moisture Resistance Variants
    If you choose the XP or Purple-XP versions, you get extra protection against moisture and mold in areas that may be damp.

  Limitations:

  • Not moisture- or mold-resistant in this version; not suited for areas with constant water exposure (like inside shower walls).

  • Not fire-rated beyond the basic gypsum core; if stricter fire code is required, another board type (Fire Shield / Type X) is needed.

  • Less sag resistance compared to thicker or specialty boards, especially on ceilings or where framing is spaced widely.

  • Trade-Offs / Limitations

    • Weight
      Thicker/fire-rated panels are heavier than standard drywall. Handling, lifting, and installation require more effort (and possibly more manpower) especially for ceiling work or large spans. This increases labor. Impacts transport too.

    • Cost
      Material cost is higher than standard (non-Type X) drywall. Also potential for higher labor cost because of weight, cutting, aligning, fastening. If you don’t need the fire rating, you may be paying extra.

    • Moisture Sensitivity (for the standard version)
      The regular Fire-Shield board (not mold/moisture treated) does not resist moisture as well. In high-humidity areas, water exposure can degrade performance or lead to mold problems. You’d need to use moisture/mold resistant variants if needed.

    • Thickness & Space
      Using 5/8-in boards takes more space (depth) in wall assemblies. Could affect overall wall thickness or reduce clearances, especially where multiple layers or finishes are involved. Also may affect electrical box recesses or trim/shim requirements.

    • Finishing & Cutting
      While installation is straightforward, due to the core density, cutting may require sharper tools. Edges/joints may be more susceptible to damage during handling. More care required in transport, storage, loading/unloading.

    • Fire Rating vs Alternative Products
      Sometimes building codes require even higher ratings (e.g. 2–hour or special assemblies). Type X is good for many, but not always sufficient. Also, there are enhanced versions (Type C, or special cores) that might allow fewer layers or thinner assemblies for the same fire rating, but possibly at higher cost.

  Practical Project Ideas for Homeowners:

  • Safety & Code-Compliance Projects

    • Garage-to-House Wall Upgrade
      Many building codes require a fire-rated barrier between attached garages and the home. Replacing or adding Type X drywall on the garage wall and ceiling increases fire safety.

    • Basement Finishing with Fire Safety in Mind
      When converting a basement into living space, adding Type X drywall to walls and ceilings provides extra protection in case of furnace or electrical fires.

    • Utility & Furnace Rooms
      Surrounding heating equipment, water heaters, or laundry areas with fire-resistant drywall helps contain potential ignition sources.

    • Shared Walls in Duplexes/Townhomes
      Strengthen fire separation between units by upgrading partition walls with Type X drywall for peace of mind and code compliance.

    🔇 Comfort & Lifestyle Projects

    • Home Office / Media Room
      The thickness and density of 5/8-in drywall provide improved soundproofing. Perfect for quiet offices or entertainment spaces where noise control matters.

    • Bedroom-to-Bedroom Partitions
      Installing on shared walls helps reduce noise transfer, improving privacy and comfort.

    🛠️ Maintenance & Value-Add Projects

    • Ceiling Replacement in Older Homes
      Swap sagging or cracked ceilings with sturdy Type X drywall for a fresh look plus fire resistance.

    • Kitchen Renovations
      Behind ranges, ovens, or near pantries, using Type X drywall provides an extra layer of fire safety.

    • Workshop or Hobby Rooms
      For spaces where power tools or electrical equipment are used, Type X adds both durability and fire protection.

    🌟 Bonus Upgrade Projects

    • Safe Room or Storage Area
      Add a layer of Type X drywall around closets or storage spaces for extra fire protection of valuables.

    • Attic Conversions
      When converting attic space into living areas, fire-rated drywall ensures the new rooms meet safety standards and reduce fire spread risk.

• Why Choose - Gold Bond 5/8-in x 4-ft x 8-ft Fire-Shield Fire Resistant Type X Drywall Panels?

  • Fire Protection – Type X core slows fire spread and meets 1-hour fire-rating requirements in tested assemblies.

  • Thicker & Stronger – 5/8-in board resists sagging, cracking, and provides a more solid wall than standard 1/2-in drywall.

  • Sound Control – Extra thickness and density improve noise reduction between rooms.

  • GridMarX® Guide Marks – Pre-printed marks on the surface make screw placement faster and more accurate during installation.

  • Durable Surface & Edges – Heavy recycled paper facings and reinforced edges resist damage, making finishing and repairs easier.

  • Dimensional Stability – Resists warping, rippling, and buckling from normal temperature and humidity changes.

  • Health & Eco Benefits – Low VOC, GREENGUARD Gold certified, and made with 100% recycled paper facings for better indoor air quality.

  • Code Compliant – Designed and approved for fire-rated wall and ceiling assemblies, giving peace of mind for inspections.

  When This Board Really Shines

  • Garage Walls & Ceilings – Meets fire-code requirements between garage and living spaces, giving critical protection where fire risk is highest.

  • Basement Finishes – Adds fire resistance around furnaces, electrical panels, and water heaters while also reducing noise transfer in converted living areas.

  • Utility & Furnace Rooms – Creates a safer enclosure for mechanical equipment, containing potential fire sources.

  • Kitchens & Cooking Areas – Provides extra protection behind ranges, ovens, or in pantry walls where fire safety matters most.

  • Shared Walls in Duplexes or Multifamily Homes – Improves fire separation and acoustic privacy between units.

  • Ceilings in Large Rooms – Resists sagging better than 1/2-in drywall, making it ideal for wide spans or heavy insulation overhead.

  • Home Offices & Media Rooms – Extra thickness helps block sound for quieter work or entertainment spaces.

  • Safe Storage Rooms – Great choice for closets or rooms protecting valuables, important papers, or keepsakes.

  • Attic & Loft Conversions – Meets safety codes while enhancing comfort and durability in newly finished spaces.

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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