A garage that is less than 3 feet from the house is required to have what thickness of gypsum on its walls?

In this scenario, when a garage is positioned within 3 feet of the house, specific fire safety requirements must be met to protect the home from potential fire hazards. The thickness of gypsum board, commonly used as a fire-resistant barrier, is critical in this context.

A gypsum wall thickness of 1/2 inch is mandated for detached garages when they are built this close to a dwelling. This thickness provides adequate fire protection while balancing considerations for weight, installation, and cost.

Using thicker materials, such as 5/8 inch or more, is generally reserved for areas requiring enhanced fire resistance or for certain types of construction, but they are not necessary under the specified proximity requirement of less than 3 feet to the house. Thus, the 1/2 inch thickness aligns with the necessary safety regulations for such constructions.