Lead lined drywall is the preferred choice when construction a room which requires shielding from radiation. Contractors use this product for radiation shielding in construction in all types of medical and dental facilities, industrial buildings and laboratories. The manufacturing process consists of laminating lead sheet to drywall using a permanent adhesive. This process creates an continuous sheet of lead drywall to cover walls, providing shielding of x-rays, gamma rays and other forms of radiation. Lead lined drywall may also be referred to as lead-lined sheetrock, lead wallboard or lead-lined gypsum board.
If an installation requires a lead thickness between 1/32" and 1/8", we suggest use of lead laminated drywall. Lead-lined plywood is typically utilized in applications requiring a lead thickness between 1/8” and 1/2". When required lead thickness exceeds 1/2", the recommended solution for radiation protection is lead plate or lead bricks.
Typically our lead-lined drywall ships as 5/8 inches thick, although 1/2-inch gypsum board is available. If you’re not sure what thickness or specification is most appropriate for your project, or you require a niche product for a specialist application, we are almost always able to help. We can provide lead-lined gypsum board in large volumes almost immediately, supplying you with the materials you need for successful, on-schedule construction.
Not sure what you need? Request a quote for Radiation Shielding Calculations for your specific imaging room.
Lead Lined Drywall Specifications
Lead-lined drywall is manufactured in 48" widths, with an option to have an additional 1" lip on the edge for overlap. We also offer lead drywall in lengths of 8′, 9', 10' and 12'. These panels can be customized according to your specifications and reduced in size to facilitate installation.
We offer lead drywall lined to 7’ as well as 4’ x 8’ sheets with full lead lining. Our range of lead lined plywood meets and exceeds government specifications regardless of the size and configuration that you order. Lead materials meet Federal Specification QQ-L-201 F and ASTM B 749-03 for lead and lead alloy products. See NCRP reports #33, #35, #49, and #147.
Gypsum board shall meet or exceed ASTM C 1396 type X fire code gypsum board.
Standard Drywall Thicknesses: 1/2” & 5/8”
Standard Lead Lining Thicknesses: 1/32”, 1/16", 3/32" and 1/8”
Lead Drywall Weight Table
| Lead Laminate Thickness | Drywall Thickness | |
| 1/2" | 5/8" | |
| 1/32” | 3.9 lbs/ft2 | 4.5 lbs/ft2 |
| 3/64” | 4.9 lbs/ft2 | 5.4 lbs/ft2 |
| 1/16” | 5.8 lbs/ft2 | 6.3 lbs ft2 |
| 5/64” | 6.7 lbs/ft2 | 7.2 lbs/ft2 |
| 3/32” | 7.6 lbs/ft2 | 8.1 lbs/ft2 |
| 1/8" | 9.5 lbs/ft2 | 10.0 lbs/ft2 |
Installation of Lead Lined Drywall
While installation of lead plywood is not difficult, it is always best to use an experienced crew which will install in accordance with local and state codes and standards.
Hanging Lead Drywall
The preferred method to hang the lead lined drywall is to fasten the fasten to heavy gauge metal studs in order to provide sufficient support and structural integrity. Erect all panels in a vertical position where possible. Only install horizontally if required by local codes. Screw or fasten lead-lined panels every 8” on center at panel edges and 12” on center to intermediate framing members.
When Lead lined drywall is used in the ceiling, additional fasteners are required to secure the panels to the ceiling.
Seaming the Joints
Two-inch wide lead batten strips are often used to shield all joints. However, we also offer Lead Angles as a convenient alternative which allows for an easier and more seamless installation. Installation of the lead angles on vertical metal studs behind each seam to block any radiation which may penetrate the seam.
Shielding Cutouts & Penetrations
All penetrations and cutouts in the lead drywall must also be shielded.
If lead batten strips and lead angles are used at all seams and studs, there should be no need for lead buttons for the screw penetrations.
Standard Production Leadtime
Most sizes lead-lined drywall ship in 1 week.
Need Help ?
We can recommend installation teams to help you in the construction project for in installing the lead drywall. Please contact us if you require assistance or recommendations.
If you don't see what you need or have questions, you can reach us by email, phone +1 (832) 764-7870, or use our contact form.
