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How can gypsum board improve fire resistance inside a house?

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construction of apartment buildings — construction Apartment buildings under construction in Cambridge, England.

Gypsum board, often referred to as drywall, provides significant fire resistance in residential construction through its inherent material properties and specialized manufacturing.

The core of a gypsum board consists of a hydrous sulfate of calcium, which is naturally fire-resistant. When used as an interior finish, these panels are applied to timber or metal frameworks, and the joints are sealed with hard-setting resin compounds to create a smooth, seamless surface that offers considerable fire protection.12

For applications requiring enhanced safety, manufacturers produce specific fire-resistant panels by incorporating glass fibres into the gypsum base. This reinforcement helps the board maintain its structural integrity when exposed to high heat. By serving as a protective barrier on walls and ceilings, gypsum board helps contain potential fires, thereby improving the overall safety of a building's interior.12