Can someone refer me to a source (website) explaining why code requires interior walls to be 1/2" drywall (taped) but a garage/house shared wall must be 5/8"? I know it has to do with the time is takes for fire to breach the wall. I'd just like to see the numbers.

I am looking at a product called Blazeguard to do the interior walls of a garage. It has a class A fire rating, but I don't know if that is adequate for the shared wall, or if I need to put a layer of drywall under it.

Thanks,

Your most accurate resource will be your local building department. Codes vary from town to town but 5/8" minimum is poretty standard. You do not need to use 5/8 or Blazegaurd on the non shared wall between the gargae and the living space. http://pabcogypsum.paccoast.com/TechData/GA-610-02b.pdf

Thanks for the response

I like the idea of the Blazeguard. Even though it is expensive, once it goes up its up, and the job is done in the garage. No taping, etc. It would be nice if it could replace the 5/8 on the shared wall, but I'm not finding information to support that.

Blazeguard has some really nice pictures and advertising but if you are worried about safety standard 5/8 drywall is all that is required. For the cost of buying the Blazeguard you can pay a drywall pro to hang and tape the 5/8" and even prime it. You can buy whatever you feel is right for your home and wallet but I think Blazeguard is not cost effective for a home/garage common wall.

...if you are worried about safety standard 5/8 drywall is all that is required....

That is my main concern, for sure


I appreciate your viewpoint