What is the minimum wallboard thickness for the walls separating a house and garage?

The minimum wallboard thickness for the walls separating a house and garage is established to ensure a safe and effective fire barrier between the two spaces. In many building codes, including those that apply in Virginia, a thickness of 1/2 inch is required to provide adequate fire resistance. This thickness is based on the understanding that walls separating living spaces from attached garages are at risk of exposure to potential fire hazards, such as those arising from car fires or flammable materials stored in garages.

Using wallboard that meets this requirement not only helps to impede the spread of fire but also provides additional structural benefits. Thicker wallboard can enhance sound insulation, although sound mitigation is not the primary reason for this requirement.

Options that suggest thinner wallboard do not meet the fire safety standards established by building codes, which aim to protect occupants and property by reducing fire risk. Similarly, thicker options might be unnecessarily robust for standard applications, making 1/2 inch the optimal choice for this context.