038 - 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 Is a Fire Rated Wall

(3:53) Why Fire Rated Walls Matter

(5:42) Science Behind Fire Rated Walls

(8:02) Real-World Applications

(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

📝 Download the FREE 2-page Fire Rated Walls study notes

🎯 Get access to all ARE study materials with the ARE 101 Membership

🎯 Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp

📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses:

• Building Codes 101

• PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design)

• PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs)

• PA 101 (Programming and Analysis)

• CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation)

• CDT 101 (Construction Documents Technologist)

• CCCA 101 (Construction Contract Administration)

• PcM 101 (Practice Management)

• PjM 101 (Project Management)

• Mechanical Systems 101

• AIA Contracts 101