Fire rated walls are tested and certified wall assemblies built with Type X drywall that buy precious time during a fire emergency. In this episode, we break 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 fire rated drywall types (Type X vs Type C), shaft wall assemblies, fire stopping penetrations, and how fire compartmentalization protects building occupants.

Whether you're studying for the ARE or working on real construction documents, understanding fire rated walls is essential for the PA, PPD, and PDD exam divisions.

📖 Key Topics Covered:

• Fire rated walls and how they save lives through compartmentalization
• Type X drywall and the calcination process
• Fire rated drywall: Type X vs Type C gypsum board
• 1-hour and 2-hour fire rated wall assemblies
• Shaft wall assemblies for elevators and stairwells
• UL assemblies and how to specify them correctly
• Fire stopping penetrations in fire rated walls
• Common fire rated wall mistakes to avoid
• Fire rated walls on the ARE exam

⏱️ Chapters: (0:00) Introduction and Overview (2:23) What Exactly Is a Fire Rated Wall (3:53) Why Fire Rated Walls Are Critical (5:42) The Science Behind Fire Rated Walls (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 with diagrams and study notes: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/fire-rated-walls/

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• AIA Contracts 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-aia-contracts-101/

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