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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
So I'm renovation the downstairs and I'm putting up drywall walls against the garage. Currently the garage is finished so I'm assuming the walls in there have fire rated drywall but do the ones inside have to be too?
 

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The IRC code requires 1/2" rock on the garage side of the garage walls and any supporting structure (steel posts, stud walls, etc). If there is habitable space above the garage then 5/8" is required on the ceiling and any horizontal members such as steel beams. A lot of people spec 5/8" on the walls but the code does not require it.

In a single family residence under no circumstance should you have to have 5/8" (or 1/2" for that matter) on both sides of the wall separating the garage from the house. Just the garage side. The rock is intended as a fire membrane separation, not a true firewall that is designed to protect the structural elements from both sides of the wall.
 

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Discussion Starter · #7 ·
The IRC code requires 1/2" rock on the garage side of the garage walls and any supporting structure (steel posts, stud walls, etc). If there is habitable space above the garage then 5/8" is required on the ceiling and any horizontal members such as steel beams. A lot of people spec 5/8" on the walls but the code does not require it.

In a single family residence under no circumstance should you have to have 5/8" (or 1/2" for that matter) on both sides of the wall separating the garage from the house. Just the garage side. The rock is intended as a fire membrane separation, not a true firewall that is designed to protect the structural elements from both sides of the wall.
It's a finished basement..so I shouldn't finish the inside walls because there is already drywall on the garage side?
 
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