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Well-Seasoned on All Forms Of Radiation Shielding

Lead-Lined Plywood

Lead-lined plywood, also called lead-backed plywood, is constructed of standard or fire-retardant plywood laminated with sheet lead to provide shielding from the harmful effects of radiation. Lead’s high density makes it extremely effective at absorbing and scattering x-rays, gamma rays, and other forms of radiation. It is also highly resistant to environmental and chemical corrosion and easily bent and shaped. Facilities that benefit from lead-backed plywood include:

View CAD Drawings for detailed information about lead plasterboard, and explore our featured projects for examples of our past work. If you have additional questions about lead shielding for radiation, request a quote or contact us to discuss your requirements.

Installing Lead-Backed Plywood for Effective Radiation Shielding

Lead-lined plywood can be mounted directly onto metal studs and secured with drywall screws. Due to the heaviness of lead-backed plywood, additional fasteners and support will be required for ceiling installations. All our lead-lined plywood products are available with the same lead requirements and applications as our lead-lined drywall and are offered in standard weights ranging from 1 lbs per square foot to 60 lbs per square foot.

lead lined gypsum board

Our plywood is lined with sheet lead that exceeds or meets the Federal Specification QQL-201 F Grade C and ASTM B749-03 Standard Specification for Lead and Lead Alloy Strip, Sheet, and Plate Products. Call 1-888-746-4777 today to learn more about our quality products or installation services.

Lead-Lined Plywood for Heavy Shielding Applications

Lead-backed plywood is typically recommended with heavier lead shielding requirements, such as when the lead shielding exceeds thicknesses of 1/8”. Since lead-lined plywood at these thicknesses becomes very heavy to handle in full sheet form (4’x8’), we recommend having us cut the lead-lined plywood into widths that equal your on-center stud dimensions (e.g. 12” or 16”). This will make the lead-backed plywood much more manageable for the installer. For example:

  •     1 sheet of 3/4” x 4’x8’ plywood with 1/4” lead lining to 7’ weighs approximately 505 lbs
  •     1 sheet of 3/4”x16”x8’ plywood with 1/4” lead lining to 7’ weighs approximately 168 lbs

There are several considerations for determining the correct thickness for your lead plywood, including the room’s configuration, type of equipment, frequency of use, and distance between the equipment and your staff or patients. State or federal regulations may also apply, depending on your application.

Lead lined plywood diagram

Additional Lead Components for Radiation Protection

RPP is your full-service partner for complete radiation protection. Along with our lead-backed plywood, we manufacture and deliver various lead products to ensure your facility is effectively shielded.

When building shielded walls with lead-backed plywood, you must account for the shielding of all penetrations, seams, and cutouts in the wall. If the lead-lined plasterboard is cut to the on-center stud dimensions, lead angles of the same thickness and height will shield all joints and fastener penetrations. The cutouts, which can include receptacles, light switches, and others, must also have shielding behind them to ensure total protection.

Fire-Rated Lead-Backed Plywood to Match Your Specifications

Many types of fire-rated lead-lined plywood are available upon request. We can readily offer 5/8” and 3/4" thick fire-treated plywood, with options meeting or exceeding the following specifications:

  • ASTM D5516 Standard Test Methods for Evaluating the Flexural Properties of Fire-Retardant Treated Soft Plywood Exposed to Elevated Temperatures: This testing is conducted on fire-retardant lead-backed plywood to determine the effects of high temperatures (up to 170°F) and humidity on the material properties.
  • ASTM D5564 Standard Test Method for Determination of the Total Ammonia Contained in Sulfonated or Sulfated Oils: Addresses health and safety standards by evaluating the amount of ammonia present in sulfonated and sulfated oils used in lead-lined plasterboard.
  • ASTM E-84 Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials: Provides comparative measurements of surface flame spread and smoke density under specific fire exposure conditions.

Additionally, RPP offers CDX, Pyro-Guard, HI-ABUSE® & HI-IMPACT® FIRE-SHIELD WALLBOARD. Each of these options is best used with our lead angles for superior protection from radiation leakage. Read our FAQ for more information.

Request a Quote for Lead-Lined Plywood

Contact Radiation Protection Products to learn more about lead-backed shielding for radiation or request a quote for lead-lined plywood and plasterboard.