hero-image
Applications

Area separation walls

Commercial

Fire protection when it matters most

flexible-image

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.

ASW Thumbnail 1282x650

From the NGC Blog

View All Posts
ASW Header 565x315

5 questions about multifamily and area separation walls

Get answers about repairs, door additions and when to use fireblocking.

Read Now
Blog Fire Resistance 6 20 22 565x315

Shaft and area separation firewall assembly solutions

Solving challenges in fire-rated wood-frame assemblies.

Read Now
Blog Fire Resistance 11 16 22 565x315

Top fire-rated assembly questions and answers

Learn which modifications are allowed for fire-rated assemblies.

Read Now
Blog Fire Resistance 8 8 22 565x315

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 Now
6 Design Center

Design & Resource Center

Browse our digital library of tools, resources, and service options to support your team.

Learn More
Expert connection 800 national 560x320 2024

Expert Connection

Gold Bond experts are ready to discuss project and product needs to meet your goals.

Expert Connection

Need Technical Information?

Call 1-800-NATIONAL®

National Gypsum Company is the exclusive service provider for products manufactured by Gold Bond Building Products, LLC.