What type of gypsum board is required for walls of a garage located near a home?

Fire-rated gypsum board is required for the walls of a garage located near a home primarily due to fire safety regulations. Garages often contain vehicles, fuel, and other potentially flammable materials, which increases the risk of fire. Using fire-rated gypsum board helps to delay the spread of fire and provides additional time for occupants to evacuate and for firefighters to respond to the situation.

The fire-rated gypsum board is designed to have a higher resistance to fire, often characterized by a specific fire-resistance rating established by testing under controlled conditions. This is particularly important in residential settings where attached garages share walls with living spaces, ensuring that any fire risk is adequately mitigated.

In contrast, regular gypsum board does not have the necessary fire resistance, while moisture-resistant gypsum board is primarily used in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens, rather than for fire prevention in a garage setting. Therefore, the appropriate choice for enhancing safety in this context is fire-rated gypsum board.