Temporary Walls (Fire rated or Non-rated)

Archive of Older Topics Archive - Specifications Discussions #5
1

Do you have suggestions, products or experience for how to install temporary interior walls on top of an existing quarry tile floor without damaging the tiles or the sheet waterproof membrane beneath them?

We are doing a small remodel in the kitchen of one of our completed and occupied hospital projects. This will require temporary walls to control airborne contaminants and to provide temporary fire separations for when the work breeches the permanent fire walls.

For most projects this would be a means and methods problem and we would look at a Contractor’s proposed solutions. But this project is rather small and if we need to replace a lot of the existing tile and membrane because of damage due to construction activities, the tail will end up wagging the dog.

2

We’ve had Dirtt in a couple of times; don’t know if they’d work for this application, but I’d make the phone call. Bill O’Neill 612-860-4000; woneill@dirtt.net; head office 403-723-5000.

3

Obviously, the problem is not the partition itself, but the anchoring of the partition to the floor. Anchoring could be done if it is carefully installed at the grout joints. Since it is only a temporary installation, I don’t think you’ll need the number of anchors that would be required for a permananet partition. I’d discuss it with the AHJ.

I wouldn’t worry much about the bottom joint, but if the AHJ has a problem with it, try using intumescent glazing tape on both edges of the sill plate, but don’t adhere it to the tile–the product will work without it when needed.