Area separation walls
Commercial
Fire protection when it matters most
Multifamily construction requires the separation of each unit into distinct fire areas.
Area Separation Wall (ASW) systems are non-bearing, rated gypsum board assemblies designed for fire-resistance between adjacent multifamily units. Each area separation wall is structurally independent which allows for collapse on one side of the fire wall while remaining in place to protect the other side of the assembly. Area separation walls are critical to keeping fires contained from spreading into other units in the construction.
Build these 2- and 3-hour rated fire walls with high-performance Gold Bond Building Products. The 2-hour area separation walls are constructed with light-gauge steel H-studs that secure two layers of Gold Bond® Shaftliner XP® or Gold Bond® eXP® Shaftliner panels friction-fit between studs and a minimum of 3/4 inch air space on each side. For the 3-hour system an additional layer of 5/8" Gold Bond® Fire-Shield C™, 5/8" Gold Bond® XP® Fire-Shield C™, or 5/8" Gold Bond® eXP® Interior Extreme® Fire-Shield C™ Gypsum Board is fastened to each side of the studs and the air space on each side of the system is not required.
How to build an area separation wall
Learn the basics of constructing a two-hour area separation wall, including clip spacing, clip attachment, fire blocking, and floor and roof intersections.
Technical resources
All Design Resources
FAQs
View Now2-Hour System
Technical and installation information from the NGC Construction Guide™.
3-Hour System
Technical and installation information from the NGC Construction Guide™.
UL Evaluation Report
Building code qualifications for the ASW system as a fire wall.
3-Part Guide Specs
Technical and performance requirements for specifications.
FAQs - UL Fire-Rated Assemblies
Common questions and answers for understanding UL fire-rated assemblies.
Continuing Education - ASW System
CSI course for using ASW in multi-family multi-level housing. (Free for CSI Members)
From the NGC Blog
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5 questions about multifamily and area separation walls
Get answers about repairs, door additions and when to use fireblocking.
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Shaft and area separation firewall assembly solutions
Solving challenges in fire-rated wood-frame assemblies.
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Top fire-rated assembly questions and answers
Learn which modifications are allowed for fire-rated assemblies.
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Importance of fire-rating continuity in wood-frame assembly intersections
Find out how a lack of fire rating continuity affects your structure's safety and compliancy with building codes.
Read NowProducts used in area separation wall systems
Gold Bond® Shaftliner XP®
Gold Bond® eXP® Shaftliner
5/8" Gold Bond® XP® Fire-Shield C™ Gypsum Board
5/8" Gold Bond® eXP® Interior Extreme® Fire-Shield C™ Gypsum Panel
5/8" Gold Bond® Fire-Shield C™ Gypsum Board
Literature and technical guides
View
Literature & technical guides
View ResourcesNGC Construction Guide™
Comprehensive products and systems information.
The Wood Book™
Comprehensive guide for fire-rated assemblies in wood-frame construction.
The PURPLE Book®
The leading resource on fire-rated assemblies in commercial construction.
The SoundBook®
Technical details for acoustic assemblies with real-world sound-rated designs.
XP Family of Interior Products
PURPLE XP® family of paper-faced products are specially treated to provide Xtra Protection (XP) against mold and mildew.
eXP Family of Glass Mat Products
PURPLE eXP® family is a fiberglassed-faced gypsum line that provides a solution for most designs or building challenges.
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Expert Connection
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National Gypsum Company is the exclusive service provider for products manufactured by Gold Bond Building Products, LLC.