Do I need fire-rated drywall between a garage and living space in NB?

Yes, you absolutely need fire-rated drywall between an attached garage and living space in New Brunswick. The National Building Code of Canada, which NB follows, requires a minimum 45-minute fire separation between garages and residential areas to protect occupants from vehicle fires and carbon monoxide.

The standard requirement is 5/8" Type X fire-rated drywall on the house side of any wall or ceiling that separates the garage from living areas. This includes the wall between the garage and house, and any ceiling where living space exists above the garage. The fire-rated drywall must be installed with appropriate fire-rated screws or nails at specified spacing, and all joints must be properly taped and finished to maintain the fire rating.

Beyond just the drywall, the entire assembly must maintain the fire rating. This means using fire-rated doors (typically 20-minute rated solid core or steel doors) between the garage and house, with proper weatherstripping and self-closing hinges. Any penetrations through the fire separation wall for electrical, plumbing, or HVAC must be properly fire-stopped with approved materials. Simply drilling a hole and running a wire compromises the entire fire barrier.

In NB's climate, this fire separation also serves as an important thermal barrier. Garages are typically unheated, and without proper insulation and air sealing behind that fire-rated drywall, you'll lose significant heat from adjacent living spaces. Many NB homeowners install R-20 to R-24 insulation in the wall cavity before the fire-rated drywall, along with a proper vapour barrier on the warm (house) side.

Common mistakes include using regular 1/2" drywall instead of 5/8" Type X, not extending the fire barrier to cover the entire separation (including areas above drop ceilings), and failing to fire-stop penetrations. Some contractors try to save money by using standard drywall, but this violates code and creates a serious safety hazard. Building inspectors specifically check for proper fire separation during framing and drywall inspections.

If you're finishing a basement that shares a wall with the garage, or adding living space above a garage, this fire separation requirement applies. The fire-rated drywall typically adds $2-3 per square foot compared to standard drywall, but it's not optional. Any renovation involving the garage-to-house connection requires a building permit in NB, and the inspector will verify proper fire separation before approving the work.

For existing homes where you suspect the fire separation may not meet current code, have it assessed during any major renovation. Upgrading to proper fire-rated separation protects your family and ensures your home insurance remains valid.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The New Brunswick Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Gionetterenovations
• Thirty Four Renovations