5/8-inch Type X Drywall for Secondary Suites
The 5/8-inch (15.9 mm) Type X drywall the Building Code names for separating a secondary suite from the main home, under a City permit.
No range: we found no two independent published prices for suite separations.
Find a Drywall ContractorAbout 5/8-inch Type X Drywall for Secondary Suites
Adding an apartment to a house needs a City building permit, even if little or no work is proposed, and the permit drawings must show the wall construction and the floor and ceiling construction (the fire separation) between the new unit and the main dwelling.
For new work, the Building Code gives two routes: a fire separation with a 45 minute rating between the units (O. Reg. 163/24, 9.10.9.16.(1)), or a continuous smoke-tight barrier of not less than 5/8-inch (15.9 mm) Type X drywall on both sides of the separating walls and on the underside of the floor-ceiling framing (9.10.9.16.(4)). Walls, columns and beams that support the floors between the units also get 5/8-inch Type X (9.10.8.3.(2)).
For existing houses, Part 11 of the Code offers a compliance alternative: a 15 minute horizontal fire separation where smoke alarms are installed in every unit and in common areas and are interconnected. The City decides which route fits your house when it reviews the permit.
The barrier has to be continuous (9.10.9.2), so pot lights, ducts and other openings in that ceiling matter. These are Building Code minimums for new work; ask the City how they apply to your renovation. The rest of the suite (exits, alarms, heating) is outside this site. We found no two independent published prices for this work, so no range is shown.
What This Work Covers
- City building permit for the new unit
- 5/8-inch Type X, or the rated assembly, as the permit drawings show
- Both sides of separating walls and the underside of the floor framing
- Openings in the barrier kept continuous
- Inspections booked before the work is covered
Popular For
Common questions about 5/8-inch type x drywall for secondary suites
- Do supporting beams need Type X in an Ottawa house with a suite?
- Does adding a suite in Vanier need a permit if little work is planned?
- Does a basement apartment in Ottawa need two layers of Type X?
- Who decides which fire separation route fits my Nepean suite?
- Half-inch or five-eighths drywall for walls in a Kanata renovation?
- Do I need an Ottawa permit to replace a damaged drywall ceiling?
- When is new drywall part of a City of Ottawa building permit?
- Does replacing a ceiling joist under drywall in Ottawa need a permit?
Other Drywall Services
Drywall Hole & Dent Repair
Patching holes, dents and nail pops in walls and ceilings so the repair is ready for paint.
Drywall Crack Repair
Repairing cracked joints and corners: opening the crack, re-taping where the tape has let go, then coating and priming.
Water-Damaged Drywall Replacement
Removing wet board after a leak or flood so the wall can dry, then hanging, taping and finishing new board.
Drywall Installation (Hang, Tape & Finish)
Hanging new board on walls and ceilings, then taping, finishing and sanding it to an agreed finish level.
Taping, Mudding & Finish Levels
Taping and finishing joints to a named finish level, from a fire-taped garage wall to a skim-coated smooth wall.
Popcorn & Textured Ceiling Removal
Testing first, then scraping, skim-coating and priming a popcorn or textured ceiling, or covering it with new board.
Sagging & Damaged Ceiling Repair
Repairing sagging, cracked or stained ceiling board, from re-fastening to replacing sections.
Garage-to-House Walls & Ceilings
Board and sealing on the wall and ceiling between an attached garage and the house, where the Code wants a continuous gas-tight barrier.
Ready to Get Started?
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