Fire rated acoustical tile ceilings

It seems counter-intuitive to think that acoustical tile ceilings can be part of a rated assembly, but they are, based on UL classifications and product literature.

Fire separation assemblies

Contrary to popular belief, the gypcrete in the UL L-528 floor ceiling assembly is not required to achieve the 1 hour rating. Flooring system No. 1 specifically shows underlayment without any sort of gypcrete.

UL ratings can be accessed online here.

Fire resistance assemblies can be selected by fire rating here. This is a cool little interactive exercise that avoids having to thumb through the Big Orange Book. It's still a good idea to consult the B.O.B. anyway as we can't depend entirely on the web...



Use ALL the tools at your disposal.

Everything we need to know about drywall.

US Gypsum Association website.

Some shaftwall details from Georgia Pacific.

Gypsum board product details from Certainteed.