Fire Resistant Plasterboard - Kitchen

[dadndaughter247]

Hi all,

I ripped down the kitchen ceiling ready for new plasterboard and plastering.

I want to avoid double skinning as the room has a low ceiling with no room to add any height. If I use fire plasterboard can I get away with one layer of 12 or 15mm?

The bathroom is above the kitchen and we have an RSJ at one end of the kitchen supporting the back of the house as a single story extension was added off the back of the kitchen.

Thanks!

 

[RandomGrinch]

I may be wrong, but your circumstances sound as if there's no need for additional fire protection.
If you want to use fireboard, then fine, but a single layer of standard 12.5mm plasterboard may also comply.
Is the RSJ plastered over, in the wall, or is it above the ceiling?

 

[dadndaughter247]

Thanks for your speedy response RandomGrinch - very much appreciated.

The RSJ is currently plastered over and hangs down from the ceiling - so not in the ceiling.

The old ceiling was put up over 20 years ago and I noticed as I took it down it was double skinned. Was hoping to get away with one layer to avoid losing precious mm in height but would like to ensure the space is safe from a fire POV, particularly as it’s a kitchen.

Why do you think my circumstances don’t require fire resistant plasterboard? Keen to hear your advice. Thanks

 

[RandomGrinch]

Why do you think my circumstances don’t require fire resistant plasterboard?

For a DIY ceiling replacement, there are no regs requirements (as far as I know) to provide fire protection between floors on a single occupancy home, of 2 storeys or less.
12.5mm plasterboard and skim offer 30 minutes fire protection by themselves.
However, if you feel it's prudent to use fireboard, then go ahead.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Is this a flat or a house?

 

[dadndaughter247]

It’s a terraced house

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

So one layer of board typically but it does depend on the height of the joists and type of floorboards.

 

[foxhole]

It was probably over boarded in the past to avoid the mess of taking down original .
Quite common.

 

[dadndaughter247]

It was probably over boarded in the past to avoid the mess of taking down original .
Quite common.

Was the same in the rest of the house, so you’re very likely right! We have slowly renovated each room but the kitchen is the big one and it’s one of those thing where you want to get it right the first time to ensure you can get a good 10 years at least out of it - hence taking the ceiling down and putting a new one up!

 

[dadndaughter247]

So one layer of board typically but it does depend on the height of the joists and type of floorboards.

Do you mean the height of the joists measured from the kitchen floor? And type of floorboards in the room above?

 

[foxhole]

Good opportunity to insulate while ceilings are down .

 

[JohnD]

Might the double board have been for noise resistance?