When it comes to building construction, safety is always at the top of the list. Fire protection in particular is one area where you can’t afford to cut corners. Whether you’re a contractor, architect, or construction manager, understanding UL-certified fire-rated assemblies and how they work with materials like gypsum board can make a big difference in the safety of your project.
At Robey Drywall, we’ve got the experience and knowledge to make sure you’re covered, and we’re here to break it all down for you.
What’s the Deal With UL-Certified Designs?
So, why should you care about UL-certified designs? Simply put, they’re the best way to ensure your building meets fire safety standards. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is an independent testing organization that puts building assemblies through the wringer—subjecting them to extreme fire conditions to make sure they’ll hold up in real-life situations.
We stick with UL-certified designs for one simple reason: they work. Whether it’s fire resistant drywall, floor-ceiling setups, or roof systems, using these approved designs ensures your project is both safe and up to code. If you’re using UL-certified assemblies, you know you’re installing materials that have been tested to withstand high temperatures and hold their structure when it counts.
Gypsum Board: The Fire-Fighting Superhero
You might not think much about it, but gypsum board plays a huge role in fire resistance. We’ve worked with this material for years because of its unbeatable fire protection. It’s packed with water molecules, and when exposed to heat, these molecules turn into steam, which helps cool the surface and slow down the spread of fire.
Here’s why we love using gypsum in our fire-resistant installations:
- Fire Resistant: When it comes to fire protection, Type X and Type C boards are the real deal. These boards have fiberglass mixed in, which gives them extra strength when the heat is on. They don’t just last longer during a fire; they help stop the fire from spreading.
- Cost-Effective: Fire protection doesn’t have to break the bank. Gypsum offers an affordable solution for fire-rated assemblies, so you can protect your project without skyrocketing costs.
- Versatility: Whether it’s a one-hour fire-rated wall or a four-hour roof system, this board is flexible enough to work with a wide range of designs. Need more protection? Just add more layers—it’s that simple.
- Easy to Install: The key to fire resistant drywall is installation, and our team knows how to get the most out of gypsum. We make sure every project meets UL standards and is installed correctly the first time.
How UL Fire Tests Work—and Why They’re Important
UL fire tests aren’t just about seeing how long a wall can stand up to heat. They’re designed to simulate real-world fires, pushing materials like gypsum to their limits. Here’s a quick look at what happens during a UL fire test:
- Temperature Testing: Fire-rated assemblies are tested to make sure they can keep the other side of the wall cool, even when the fire reaches temperatures of up to 1700°F.
- Structural Integrity: It’s not enough to stop the fire; the assembly also has to hold its shape. A wall or ceiling that collapses during a fire is just as dangerous as one that lets flames through.
- Hose Stream Test: After being exposed to extreme heat, the assembly is blasted with high-pressure water, simulating what happens when firefighters arrive. The assembly must hold up under the water pressure to pass.
We know these tests inside and out, and we only use materials and designs that meet these strict standards. This is why we choose to work with UL-certified designs—they’re proven to work when it matters most.
Why Robey is Your Go-To for Fire Resistant Drywall
There’s more to installing fire resistant drywall than just picking the right materials—it’s about knowing how to put them together correctly. That’s where we come in. With years of experience under our belts, we’ve perfected the art of fireproof drywall, making sure that every wall, ceiling, and floor we install is safe, strong, and compliant with the latest codes.
We understand that each project is different, so we customize our approach based on what’s needed. Whether it’s layering gypsum board for better sound and fire protection or handling tricky installs in high-risk areas, we have the know-how to get the job done right.
Using the Best Tools in the Industry
While our main focus is delivering top-notch work, it helps to have the right resources. That’s why we use tools like National Gypsum’s Product iQ and other fire-resistance resources. They’re great for fine-tuning our projects, but at the end of the day, it’s our expertise that makes everything come together.
Ready to Boost Your Fire Protection?
We take fire protection seriously during every project. Our knowledge of UL fire-rated designs and the benefits of gypsum board allow us to provide the best fire resistant drywall around. We’ve been at this for years, and we’re ready to help make your next project safer, stronger, and ready to handle anything.
Have a project that needs fireproof drywall? Contact us today to see how we can protect your building with the best fire-rated assemblies and installations in the industry.
