We are in the process of upgrading an existing metal siding exterior wall for a fire rating of 1 hour. What materials could be attached (not sprayed) to achieve this? Does sheetrock have a fire rating? What is firerock and what is the difference between it and sheetrock? Any information you can supply will be greatly appreciated.

 

I believe 2 layers of 5/8" rock will do what you need.
But since you need a firewall, it might be best to find out what code will allow.

 

Maybe I read the OP incorrectly, but you want to further fireproof the "exterior" of the building? On the interior you can install the fire resistant sheetrock in layers as mentioned, but I don't know anything that could be applied to the exterior to enhance the fireproofness.

 

Thanks for the interest and responses to my previous question concerning what material could be attached to an existing metal siding exterior wall to achieve a 1 hour fire rating. For clarity, the panel-like material will have to be attached to the inside of this exterior wall.

 

The answer you want may have to come from those who will inspect it. Where I live, the requirements seem to vary by county, town, and inspector. Some will throw the book at us, others throw it away. This board can give you direction, but the answer lies with your inspector.

Firerock, I believe is just 5/8" fire rated sheetrock. It has fiberglass fibers embedded in it and will be identified as fire rated.

Check to see if any doors or windows need to be upgraded as well.

GL
Bud

 

Buds right, for details check your local codes because they vary. You will need some fire rated Sheetrock(type X). "Type X" has a denser core and contains glass fibers that keep it from crumbling in the heat. Naturally It also dampens sound transmission through the walls better than Regular Sheetrock..

 

Sounds like everyone has provided the same/similar answer.
One thing to note is that what ever you use, it'll only be as good as what you have going into or throw it.
For residential inspections, you'll probably be find provided you meet local code.

For data centers and other commercial setups, your cabling and ventilation, etc, needs to be fire rated as well.
The last server room I designed was a 2 hour rating. It was 2 layers of 5/8 fire rated drywall, plenum network cable, going through metal conduit. The cooling was done by wall mounted AC units with with no HVAC ducting outside. That's probably way more then what you are looking for, but it's an example of what was required to meet the 2 hour rating here.

 

3 y/o thread....We'll have to assume the project is done.

 

Sorry Vic, I failed to notice the date of the original post.
I normally check the date too but failed to this time.

 

But now I sure am curious what they did and how it worked.

 

The OP hasn't been on since 2009, so I doubt we'll ever know for sure.