Fire Rated Walls: Types, Assemblies, and Code Requirements

Fire rated walls are tested and certified wall assemblies that buy precious time during a fire emergency. This episode breaks down how fire rated wall assemblies actually work, from the science behind Type X gypsum board to UL assembly specifications and firestopping requirements. You'll learn the difference between 1-hour and 2-hour fire rated walls, when building codes require each type, and the common mistakes that compromise fire rated wall construction. We also cover Type X vs Type C drywall, shaft wall assemblies, and how fire compartmentalization protects building occupants. 📝 Key topics covered: Fire rated walls and how compartmentalization saves lives Type X drywall and the calcination process 1-hour vs 2-hour fire rated wall assemblies UL assemblies and how to specify them correctly Fire stopping penetrations in fire rated walls Common fire rated wall mistakes to avoid ⏱️ Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction and Overview 2:23 - What Exactly Is a Fire Rated Wall 3:53 - Why Fire Rated Walls Are Critical for Building Safety 5:42 - The Science Behind Fire Rated Walls (Type X Gypsum) 8:02 - Real-World Applications and Examples 10:09 - UL Assemblies and Specifications 11:55 - Common Mistakes 14:46 - Inspection and Quality Control 15:54 - National Gypsum Resources 17:41 - ARE Exam Applications 19:38 - Conclusion 📖 Read the full blog post: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/f... 📝 Download the FREE 2-page Fire Rated Walls study notes: https://youngarchitect.com/fireratedw... 🎯 Get access to all ARE study materials with the ARE 101 Membership: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/a... 🎯 Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/ 📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses: Building Codes 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/a... PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/a... PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/a... PA 101 (Programming and Analysis): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/p... CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/a... CDT 101 (Construction Documents Technologist): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/c... CCCA 101 (Construction Contract Administration): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/c... PcM 101 (Practice Management): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/a... PjM 101 (Project Management): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/a... Mechanical Systems 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/a... AIA Contracts 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/a... 👍 If this helped, give it a thumbs up and subscribe for more ARE and CDT exam prep content!