Gypsum Board-Clad Fire-Rated Duct – An Effective Solution for HVAC System Protection
1. What is a Gypsum Board – Clad Fire-Rated Duct?
A gypsum board-clad fire-rated duct is a type of duct made from galvanized steel or stainless steel, externally covered with specialized fire-resistant gypsum boards to enhance heat resistance and prevent fire spread through the ventilation system.
This solution is widely used in projects requiring high fire protection standards (PCCC), such as:
- Shopping malls
- High-rise residential buildings
- Factories and industrial facilities
- Office buildings
2. Structure of Gypsum Board-Clad Fire-Rated Duct
A typical system includes:
- Duct core: Galvanized steel or stainless steel
- Reinforcement frame: V-shaped or U-shaped steel for added rigidity
- Fire-resistant cladding: Fire-rated gypsum board (single or double layer)
- Insulation material (optional): Mineral wool or glass wool
- Finishing layer: Fire-resistant coating or sealant
3. Advantages of Gypsum Board-Clad Fire-Rated Duct
High fire resistance
- Withstands fire from 45 to 180 minutes
- Prevents fire spread through ventilation systems
Cost-effective
- Lower cost compared to many other fire-resistant materials
- Easy installation, reducing labor costs
Good sound and thermal insulation
- Minimizes HVAC system noise
- Reduces heat loss
Easy installation
- Lightweight gypsum boards, easy to cut and assemble
- Suitable for various types of construction projects
4. Applications
Gypsum board-clad fire-rated ducts are widely used in:
- Corridor smoke exhaust systems
- Fresh air supply ducts
- Basement smoke extraction systems
- Areas requiring EI45, EI60, EI90, EI120 fire ratings
5. Technical Standards
During installation, the following must be ensured:
- Compliance with EI fire resistance standards as per regulations
- Airtightness of the duct system
- Certified fire-resistant materials
- Proper installation with no gaps at joints
6. Pricing of Gypsum Board-Clad Fire-Rated Duct
Costs depend on:
- Steel thickness (0.75mm – 1.2mm)
- Number of gypsum board layers
- Fire resistance rating (EI45, EI60, EI90, EI120)
- Project scale
7. Conclusion
Gypsum board-clad fire-rated ducts are a cost-effective, efficient, and easy-to-install solution suitable for many construction projects. Proper material selection and standard-compliant installation will significantly enhance the safety and durability of HVAC systems.
