What thickness of sheetrock is typically used to construct one-hour fire-rated walls?

In constructing one-hour fire-rated walls, 5/8-inch thick sheetrock, also known as gypsum board or drywall, is typically used. This thickness is specifically designed to provide the necessary fire-resistance performance required for walls that must withstand fire exposure for a minimum of one hour.

The 5/8-inch thickness increases the wall's ability to prevent the spread of fire and withstand heat, thereby meeting building code requirements for fire-rated assemblies. Building codes and fire safety standards often specify the use of this thickness in various applications, including commercial and multi-family residential construction, to enhance safety and compliance with fire regulations.

Other thicknesses, such as 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch, do not provide the same level of fire resistance and are not adequate for one-hour fire-rated walls. Similarly, 3/4-inch is generally not used for standard wall assemblies and may not meet the specifications required for these applications effectively. Hence, 5/8-inch sheetrock is the standard choice for ensuring proper fire ratings in wall construction.