Lead Lined Drywall for Radiation Shielding

Reliable Protection for Medical and Industrial Imaging Rooms

Our lead lined drywall is engineered to provide superior radiation protection in environments where safety from x-rays, gamma rays, and other ionizing radiation is essential. Manufactured to meet ASTM C1396 standards, our drywall is factory-laminated with pure sheet lead that complies with Federal Specification QQ-L-201F, Grade C and ASTM B749-03 Type L51121, ensuring consistent shielding performance.

Fabrication Options

We manufacture each order to meet your project’s specific requirements. Typical production turnaround is 2–3 business days.

Available Options:

  • Standard ⅝" fire-rated gypsum wallboard (also available on ½" non-rated drywall)

  • ½" or ¾" lead backed fire-retardant plywood

  • Standard sheet size: 4' x 7' lead on 8' drywall (up to 12' available on request)

  • Drywall lead thickness options: from 1/64" (1#) to 1/8" (8#)

  • Plywood backing for thicknesses from 5/32" (10#) up to 2" (120#)

Included with Each Sheet:

  • One 2” wide lead batten strip (same lead thickness) for vertical joints

  • 50 lead discs (⅜” diameter) to cover fastener heads

  • Optional lead shielded corners

Additional options include mold-resistant and abuse-resistant wallboards to meet demanding installation environments.

Why Choose Our Lead Backed Drywall?

Lead backed drywall—also known as lead lined sheetrock—is a gypsum wallboard product with sheet lead bonded to the back side, designed to face wall studs during installation. This product is a critical component in medical, dental, and industrial imaging rooms to ensure full radiation containment.

Common Applications:

  • General X-ray rooms

  • CT and PET scan rooms

  • C-Arm imaging suites

  • Labs with radioactive materials or radiation-producing equipment

Built for Safety and Compliance

Lead has a uniquely high molecular density that makes it the most effective material for blocking radiation. When laminated to drywall, it forms a permanent, built-in shield—not just a temporary barrier. This structure ensures no gaps or leakage when properly installed.

Benefits of Lead Lined Drywall:

  • Permanent and effective radiation shielding

  • Suitable for use on both walls and ceilings

  • Excellent soundproofing qualities

  • Eliminates radiation leakage when installed according to guidelines


Understanding Your Radiation Shielding Report

Proper installation of lead backed drywall requires planning and documentation. A radiation shielding report, designed by a licensed physicist, is legally required to ensure safety and compliance with local and federal guidelines.

The report must be prepared by a certified expert, such as:

  • A medical physicist (certified by the American Board of Radiology or Health Physics)

  • A county or state health officer trained in radiation protection

Your physicist will assess:

  • Type and use of radiation equipment

  • Building construction details

  • Room layouts and occupancy of adjacent spaces

  • Compliance with applicable NCRP guidelines

Involving your radiation expert early in the design phase ensures that shielding requirements are fully integrated into the room’s construction and layout.


Installation Guidelines for Lead Lined Drywall

To maintain shielding effectiveness, all installation steps must be followed carefully. Improper installation can result in dangerous radiation leakage and failed inspections.

Key Requirements:

  • Use monolithic, unpierced sheets of lead (per NCRP standards)

  • Joints must be vertical and covered with 2” wide lead batten strips

  • Lead must be applied at all penetrations—outlets, vents, pipes, etc.

  • Cover all screws with ⅜” lead discs matching the sheet's lead thickness

Fastening Instructions:

  • Fasten drywall every 8" on edges and 12" on intermediate studs

  • Use standard drywall screws with slight dimples for lead disc application

  • Use construction adhesive to apply batten strips

  • Ensure ½" lead overlap at all joints

Don’t forget to add lead shielding behind wall features such as electrical boxes and switches—these are common sources of radiation leaks.


Your Trusted Partner in Radiation Safety

We’re committed to supporting you through every step—from planning to delivery. Whether you're outfitting a new imaging suite or upgrading an existing facility, our team ensures your installation meets regulatory standards and protects what matters most: the health and safety of your staff, patients, and facility.

Still Not Sure? Talk With Our Experts For Answers To Your Questions.

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