What is the approved material thickness to separate a private garage from a dwelling unit according to building codes?

The approved material thickness required to separate a private garage from a dwelling unit, according to building codes, is typically 1/2 inch. This specification is established to provide adequate fire resistance between the areas, minimizing the risk of fire spread from the garage to the living spaces within the dwelling. The 1/2 inch thickness is designed to help ensure that the wall or separation is strong enough to act as a barrier against fire for a designated time, thus enhancing safety for occupants. Additionally, the materials used must often meet specific fire-rated criteria to comply with local codes and standards, which further reinforces the importance of using the correct thickness for this fire-rated separation.