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Maintaining structural wall integrity when installing doors and windows
When installing doorways and windows in internal steel studs walls, special consideration is needed to ensure these openings do not ‘disrupt’ the integrity of the wall.
Insufficient structure around the opening may cause failure in the wall in its static form or due to excessive impact after installation.
- Always use Studco® deflection track at the top and bottom of all openings.
- All doorways wider than 1000mm and all window opening greater than 1200mm wide need to be engineered by a qualified person. The risk is that wide openings can cause the track section at the top opening to collapse.
- Any opening where the lined area above the opening is greater in square metres than the opening itself must be engineered. Excessive weight above the opening may result in buckling of the jamb studs and failure of the entire wall.
- Always use boxed (or back to back) studs on both sides of the opening. In some instances, the engineer may specify three or more studs on each side.
- For in high traffic areas, such as hospitals, public foyers and schools, the Studco M100 or M103 bracket should be installed at the base to minimise deflection if the jamb stud is impacted by passing traffic.
- When jamb studs are installed in a concrete structure, use Studco’s M100 or M103 bracket at the top.
- If the wall above and around the opening lined with architectural panels or brittle substrates, ensure your design is checked by an engineer first.
- Jamb studs must be boxed or back to back.
- Use deflection track top & bottom and fix to jamb studs.
- Use Studco M100 or M103 bracket at each intersection.
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Oct 31,2017For architectural specifications or installation advice, please contact Studco Building Systems® for fast, friendly service at engineering@studcosystems.com or call 800 675 8023
