"cshenk" wrote in message
...
"jamesgangnc" wrote
"John Grabowski" wrote:

*Usually the drywall is required in a garage for fire resistance. When

Yes, I knew there was something about fire resistance involved. I was
hoping that wallboard on just the garage ceiling would satisfy that
requirement. Do you have to have wallboard on the garage walls as
well for fire resistance?

James, the problem is none of us know where you are, so most 'code
information' you have so far, is questionable. Even with your location,
we may not have anyone here who's had to check that so knows your
specifics. You'll note John above said *usually* and that's dead on. His
advice for example doesnt match requirements where I am but probably
matches much of the USA for the ceiling portion with above living space.
They may not specifically say 'drywall' but that may be the only product
in reasonably affordable cost that meets the specs.

Usually you can call your county or city office and get a pretty easy
answer for free. Sometimes they give you an email address and ask you to
email it and they get back with you. Other times, you find they have some
web site with a 'common question FAQ' and they tell you where it is (your
question would be apt to be in there).

There are several levels of codes to weed through. Here's my
understanding of them if you live in the USA (not a given, cant tell)

Federal codes. These generally apply mostly to public buildings.
State codes: These tend to also deal alot with public buildings but have a
good bit on private dwellings as well
County codes: Not all have these it seems. All the ones i've seen dealt
with private housing
City codes: generally only applicable is you live inside the city lines.
Mix and match set of private and public.

Because you are asking a specific code question and we don't know where
you reside, *none* of us can give you a definative answer.

I can tell you a plywood ceiling is legal where *I* am and that's inside
the living areas. I'm even allowed to insulate exterior attached garage
walls then cover that with open holed peg board (insane but true as they
havent written rules against it yet, just against the side that adjoins
the house).


Your town may not have adopted any codes but I'll bet your insurance company
requires 5/8 Type X Firecode Sheetrock on the garage ceiling if there's
living space above it and on the wall between the house and attached
garage....If it were me I'ld do it for peace of mind....To cheap not
to...IMHO...Wood ceilings in your house is legal...Your not storing a hot
car full of gas amoung other gas filled toys and tools , paint thinner , oil
, ect. in there Some places require 5/8 Type X on kitchen ceilings if there
is living space above it , however.........