For a garage located beneath a habitable room, which type of gypsum board is required for separation?

When a garage is situated beneath a habitable room, fire-resistance is a key concern due to the potential for fire spread between these two areas. To ensure adequate fire protection and meet building codes, specific types of gypsum board must be used for separation.

The appropriate choice is the 5/8 inch Type X gypsum board. This material is specifically designed to provide a higher level of fire resistance than standard drywall. Type X gypsum board incorporates additives that help slow down the spread of flames and improve its ability to withstand heat. The thickness of 5/8 inch also contributes to its fire-resistant properties, making it suitable for fire-rated assemblies.

Using this type of drywall is aligned with building safety standards aimed at protecting living spaces above from fire hazards originating in a garage. The other options, while they may provide some level of fire resistance, do not meet the stringent requirements needed for this specific application. Thus, the correct material for proper separation in this scenario is the 5/8 inch Type X gypsum board.