Is there anything special I need to do to enclose my water heater?

Question

I am converting a garage into a room. The water heater to my house is in the corner of the garage and I wanted to enclose it with drywall to cover it up and put up a door so we can have access to it when needed. Is there anything special that needs to be done? I want to make sure the house doesnt burn down.

Answer 1

Standard drywall from HomeDepot is sufficient for a 1-hour burn.  This is all you would need.  If you can, cover your studs on the inside of your enclosure also.

Answer 2

You may want to relocate it outside the house which is most logical...

In boxing up, you may want to consider using fire-rated boards and if possible, have the access door to the outside of the house for servicing..

Answer 3

I don't know what the building code is in your area.

They do make fire resistant drywall, it costs more, but then, you will not be needing a lot.