Area separation walls
Fire protection when it matters
Multifamily construction requires each unit to function as its own fire area, with assemblies that prevent flames from moving between spaces. Area Separation Wall (ASW) systems meet this need with non‑bearing, fire‑rated gypsum board assemblies engineered to resist fire between adjacent units and help contain it at the source.
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)
Designing Better Fire and Sound
Design and install fire-rated walls with fiberglass panels for safer multifamily housing. Architects can earn 1.0 AIA LU|HSW credit.
Best of NGConnects
What is NGConnects?
Products 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
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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.