Understanding the Importance and Applications of Lead-Lined Drywall

architecture - engineering - construction

Understanding the Importance and Applications of Lead-Lined Drywall

August 17, 2023

As a leading provider of radiation shielding solutions, MarShield is committed to delivering products that meet the highest standards of safety and quality. One of the radiation shielding products we provide is lead-lined drywall. Keep reading to explore what it is, why it’s used, and the unique features that make it an essential component in radiation protection.

What is Lead Drywall?

Lead drywall, also known as Lead Sheetrock, Gyproc, Wallboard, or Lead-Lined Gypsum Board, is a specialized product designed for radiation shielding. At MarShield, our drywall is laminated with a sheet of lead, creating a protective barrier for any room requiring radiation protection.

Why Use Lead Drywall?

The primary purpose of lead drywall is to provide a continuous layer of radiation shielding on necessary surfaces or walls. It’s an integral part of new construction or shielding upgrades/renovations for Positron Emission Tomography (P.E.T) rooms and other types of diagnostic imaging rooms where radiation protection is paramount.

Lead Drywall Product Details

Our lead drywall starts with a sheet of lead that meets or exceeds Federal Specifications QQ-L-201F, Grade B, ASTM B-749-03, and Standard Specification for lead and lead alloy strip, sheet, and plate products. This lead sheet is made with 99.9% pure or higher un-pierced virgin lead, free of dross, oxide inclusions, scale, laminations, blisters, and cracks. It is then factory laminated to drywall, creating a robust and reliable radiation shield.

The drywall comes in 1/2″ to 5/8″ thickness with a lead thickness of 1/32″ to 1/8″ maximum thickness. Our lead drywall product meets U.S. and Canadian Safety Standards for 1-hour and 2-hour fire-rated partition applications, ensuring it’s not just effective but also safe.

Customization and Installation

Given the weight of lead-lined drywall, we offer customization options to suit most applications. Panels can be tailored to smaller widths and lengths, making them easier to handle and install. During installation, it’s crucial to account for the loss of shielding in all penetrations, seams, and cutouts in the leaded drywall. We provide lead tabs to cover all screw heads, ensuring a seamless and secure radiation shield.

Additional Features

Our lead drywall isn’t just about radiation protection. It’s also designed to be moisture and mold resistant, making it suitable for various environments. They are made with a specially formulated moisture-resistant core and are enclosed in 100% recycled moisture and mold resistant light violet-colored face paper and bronze-colored back paper. The Gypsum Boards may be finished, painted, textured, or wallpapered using regular gypsum board techniques.

MarShield Lead Lined Drywall

Lead drywall is more than just a building material. It’s a critical component in creating safe spaces for medical procedures and research involving radiation. At MarShield, we’re proud to offer a product that meets the highest standards of safety, quality, and effectiveness. If you have any questions or are ready to place an order, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.

For more information, please refer to our Lead Drywall Information Sheet and Lead Drywall Installation Information.

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Company: MarShield - a division of The MarsMetal Company