When it comes to keeping fire from doing serious damage to your building, every little thing counts, especially the materials that are hidden behind your walls and ceilings. Fire Rated Plasterboard is one of the best and most trusted ways to stop fires from spreading, keep people safe, and fulfil strict Australian building codes. But there are so many systems, ratings, and installation requirements to think about that it can be hard to choose the perfect one. This guide will help you choose the best fire-rated system for your next project by breaking down everything you need to know.
What is plasterboard that is rated for fire?
What Fire Rated Plasterboard Is and Why It Matters
The NCC and other Australian building standards say that different types of buildings must be able to handle fire in certain ways. Fire-rated systems help you achieve these requirements by:
Keeping fire from spreading quickly from one room or unit to another
- Keeping the structure stable
- Making it easier for people to get out faster
- Keeping important services and infrastructure safe
Fire-rated plasterboard is often used in walls between apartments, walls between businesses, hallways, riser shafts, service rooms, and ceiling systems. Some of these systems are made to have a 2-hour fire rating.
Different kinds of fire-rated plasterboard
There are different types of fire-rated boards.
These are the most common choices:
- Plasterboard with a fire rating of 13 mm
Lightweight, yet when utilised in multi-layer arrangements, it can get strong FRLs. - 16mm Fire Rated Plasterboard (High Performance)
More dense and strong, commonly utilised in high-demand situations where fire protection is better. - Systems with more than one layer
Some FRLs, like 90 or 120 minutes, need two or more layers. As an example, a fire-rated plasterboard ceiling with a 120/120/120 FRL may need several 13mm layers.
Each type must be linked with its authorised system; just having the right thickness is not enough.
7 Tips from Experts on How to Pick the Right Fire Rated Plasterboard
1. Find out what FRL you need
Begin with the Fire Resistance Level that is listed in the documents for your project. FRLs are different for walls, ceilings, shafts, and the circumstances at the edges.
2. Use tested systems instead of standalone boards.
Always pick a system that has been tested to AS 1530.4. The fire-rated performance depends on the whole building, not just the board.
3. Make sure the board thickness meets the needs of the system.
4. Think about the needs of the building's structure and sound.
Fire performance and sound requirements generally go hand in hand, especially in projects with more than one home.
5. Make sure the right application
Not every board is safe to use for every purpose. Each wall, ceiling, and internal divider needs a certain proven layout.
6. Check the Certifications of the Manufacturer
Pick manufacturers who have easy-to-find system instructions and tests that meet NCC standards.
7. If you're not sure, ask a fire expert.
A licenced fire safety consultant or fire engineer can help you avoid having to do work again that costs a lot of money.
Things to think about before installing and best practices
To be in compliance, you must install fire-rated plasterboard correctly. Best practices include: Following the precise configuration of the tested system
- Using the right kinds of screws, spacing, and staggering
- Making sure the right framing materials and thickness are used
- Using multi-layer boards with the right amount of joint staggering
- Avoiding penetrations unless you use fire-rated collars or seals that have been approved. Even if the right board is used, the whole fire rating can be voided if it is not installed correctly.
FAQs
1. For how long does Fire Rated Plasterboard really keep fire out?
The amount of time Fire Rated Plasterboard can withstand fire depends on the approved system utilised. It can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. The grade is based on the whole wall or ceiling assembly, not just the board. This includes the framing, fasteners, and number of layers. For instance, a fire-rated system that lasts for two hours may need boards that are double-layered or have a high density and are installed exactly as they were tested. For accurate performance numbers, always check the manufacturer’s system handbook.
2. Is Fire Rated Plasterboard resistant to mould or water?
Standard fire-rated plasterboard is not waterproof, but many brands make boards that are resistant to fire, moisture, and mould and are meant for use in bathrooms, kitchens, and service areas. These hybrid boards have unique cores and liners that keep moisture out. If your project has damp areas, search for items that say “fire- and moisture-rated” to make sure they meet all the requirements.
3. Is it possible to paint right over Fire Rated Plasterboard?
Yes. Once the joints are set, sanded, and primed, you can paint Fire Rated Plasterboard. The fire rating of the board derives from its core and system configuration, not its surface finish. So, painting it won’t change its compliance. But stay away from textured coatings or penetrations unless the system maker says it’s okay, because these could affect how well the system works in a fire.
4. What is the difference between a ceiling system that is fire-rated and a wall that is fire-rated?
A fire-rated wall keeps fire from spreading between rooms or building units, and a fire-rated ceiling protects structural parts and keeps fire from spreading higher. To get ratings like 1-hour or 2-hour FRLs, ceiling systems frequently need boards that work better, framing that lasts longer, and multi-layer setups. They can’t be switched out because they each have their own regulations for how to install them.
5. Do I need to hire a pro to install fire rated plasterboard?
You can install regular plasterboard yourself, but qualified professionals should always install fire-rated plasterboard. Fire-rated systems must follow certain rules for how far apart screws should be, how layers should be put together, how joints should be treated, and how frames should be built. Even tiny mistakes, such using the wrong fasteners or leaving penetrations unsealed, might make the certified fire rating invalid, which can cause expensive compliance problems later.
