Fire-resistant drywall: GKLO, it is also heat-resistant and heat-resistant

An important advantage of drywall is its versatility. But this does not mean that the usual GKL sheet can be used in conditions close to extreme. A moisture-resistant variety is used for a humid environment, and fire-resistant drywall is used to create structures that can withstand open fire and withstand elevated temperatures.

What is fireproof drywall

Heat-resistant material is available in the form of flat rectangular building sheets. They are a gypsum core, lined with strong cardboard on both sides. From standard GCR Fire-resistant variety is distinguished by the following features:

• The gypsum core is additionally reinforced with fiberglass. It is not afraid of high temperatures, and prevents the destruction of the material when exposed to fire.
• Crystallization water is present in the core, increasing the level of fire protection. In the process of heating, the material extinguishes itself.
• The sheet is reinforced from the inside with chamotte clay, which under the influence of fire is sintered and keeps gypsum from scattering.
• The cardboard shell is glued to the core with special compounds that increase strength and turn the coating into a reinforcing frame. It is an excellent basis for applying finishing materials of any kind.

All additional components of fireproof drywall allow it to tolerate exposure open flame, not spreading combustion, not emitting smoke and not collapsing for a long time.

Characteristics and properties of GKLO

The fire-resistant version of GKL has the following technical parameters:

1. The standard size is 2500 × 1200 × 12.5.
2. Weight - 30 kg.
3. Density - 850 kg / m3 (for comparison: conventional Gyproc drywall - 800 kg / m3).
4. Combustibility class - G1 (low combustible material).
5. Flammability Index - B1 (low flammability).
6. The toxicity group is T1 (low hazard).
7. Thermal conductivity - 0.22 W / Mk.
8. Thickness - 6.5, 9.5, 12.5, 14, 15, 16 mm.
9. Width - from 0.5 to 1.3 m.
10. Length - from 3 to 5 m.

In addition to high fire resistance, GKLO has the following properties:

• Excellent sound and heat insulation.
• Durability - due to its increased strength, it lasts longer than conventional GCR.
• The ability to absorb excess moisture and release it into the environment with a deficiency.

GKLO is pink or red, less often gray with a red marking, so heat-resistant GKL is easy to recognize by appearance.

Open fire interaction

When exposed to high temperatures, refractory drywall is not deformed. The material is able to withstand an open flame for a long time. Ultimately, the cardboard shell will still burn, and the gypsum core will crack. However, this process will be slow.

Fire resistance is 25–45 minutes, depending on the manufacturer. During this time, the material will completely retain the bearing capacity and pristine integrity, preventing the fire from moving in the opposite direction. Then begins the gradual destruction of the drywall sheet, which will end in about an hour. Normal GCR breaks up after 18–20 minutes.

The next video is a crash test of different types of drywall, thanks to which you can visually verify the stability of GKLO.

Scope of application

The scope of use of fire-resistant drywall is wide enough and includes:

1. Finishing work in rooms with high air temperature. These are boiler houses, boiler rooms, production workshops for which there are special requirements for heat-resistant finishing materials.
2. Installation of bulkhead partitions, which contain basalt-based cotton fibers with heat-resistant properties.
3. Repair in children's rooms.
4. Finishing work in the premises of public buildings with high traffic.
5. Arrangement of walls and supporting elements in educational institutions.
6. Making fireplaces.
7. Sheathing wooden structures to prevent fire.
8. Installation of ventilation systems of household type.

Marking

On each sheet of fire-resistant GKL there is a symbol, consisting of:

• letter code type plate;
• labeling standard;
• indication of the type of longitudinal edges of the sheet plate;
• digital indicators that display the nominal length, width, and thickness in mm.

For example, a Knauf gypsum fire-resistant building board with a rounded edge 2500 mm long, 1200 mm wide and 14 mm thick will be indicated as follows:

Fire-resistant gypsum plasterboard GKLO type DF-GOST 32614-2012 (EN 520: 2009) ЗК 14-1200-2500

Mounting Features

Fundamental differences from installation technology of standard drywall boards not available, however, the procedure itself is somewhat complicated by the increased stiffness of the coating. For installation, a hardened guide type profile is used that can withstand higher loads compared to standard drywall.

Stages of the work:

• Preparation of load-bearing elements. Stripping of the floor and removal of the old finish, applying a primer is carried out. If necessary, the wall surface is leveled. Experts advise to additionally cover the base with fire-resistant compounds, which allow to protect the housing from fire.
• Marking the area for attaching cardboard. Installation of the profile must be carried out at a distance of about 100 mm from the ceiling and up to 50 mm from the floor (depending on the type of frame). The profile is fastened with elongated dowels.
• Installation of heat-resistant drywall. It is carried out using special load-bearing elements. The distance between the screws is 20 cm.

Mandatory requirement: all fasteners must be made of refractory materials (alloy steel) and have high torsion resistance. This will increase the rigidity of the support structure.

• Priming surface, reinforcement of seams using reinforcing paper tape.

Important! When installing heat-resistant sheets, use exclusively a metal profile that prevents deformation of the material.

Cost

Fire retardant GCR can be purchased in any region of the country, the price indicator varies depending on the manufacturer and size. The well-established manufacturer of heat-resistant drywall, which has a certificate of quality and meets international standards, is Knauf. The approximate price of the fire-retardant GCR of this company measuring 12.5 × 1200 × 2500 varies from 350 to 450 rubles per sheet. Most manufacturing companies provide customers with the opportunity to order material directly from the warehouse or design it to individual sizes.