Buildings
Structure, lining, insulation or finish depending on family.
Darker cells mean a higher score for this topic on that metric.
Strength24
Heat resistance54
Fire performance92
Insulation34
Workability90
Circularity62
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Last reviewed Sources & creditsMedia creditsMethodology
Quick answers
Is Gypsum board non-combustible?
Declared reaction class in this atlas: A2-s1,d0 typical; core A1. Assemblies still need resistance tests.
Does Gypsum board insulate?
Thermal mark 34/100 versus the atlas. Conductivity note: ~0.17 W/m·K.
What is the density band?
~700–1000 kg/m³
How is it made?
Origin story: Sackett 1894; US Gypsum 1916 (United States).
Can it be recycled?
Circularity mark 62/100 — editorial, route-specific.
Typical melting or failure heat?
calcines ~80–180 °C (dehydration)
heat 54 · fire 92
Gypsum board earns its keep in systems: a beam, a batt, a fibre blend, a coated steel — rarely a lone coupon.
Products below are cultural landmarks as much as SKUs.
Sectors
Transport
Mass, fire and fatigue rewrite the grade list.
Energy
Heat, voltage and hydrogen compatibility.
Consumer
The volume that pays for the mill.
Medical / food
When allowed — extractables and allergies matter.
Defence / safety
Ballistics, FR clothing, fire stops.
Products
Sheetrock
1916–
Type X
1950s–
EN 520 Type F
1990s–
Lath and plaster contrast
19th c.
Shaftwall C-H stud
1970s–
Paper face
1894–
Calcination kettle
industrial
Job-site recycling
2010s–
Pairings
mineral-wool
The cavity fill behind the board.
intumescent
Coatings where boards cannot go.
concrete
The structure the board lines.
wood
Timber frames that need this lining.
If the pairing is wrong, the material will be blamed for a system fault.
Keep exploring
More in Fire performance
👨🚒
Nomex
DuPont’s meta-aramid — fire-fighter turnout, electrical paper and a char that does not melt-drip like nylon.
Overall 65 🧯Intumescent coating
Paints that swell into insulating char — the thin-film way to give steel an R-rating without bulky boards.
Overall 58 🌡️Ceramic fibre
Spun refractory fibres for 1000–1400 °C — kiln linings, gaskets, and a respirable-fibre caution that AES grades try to ease.
Overall 62