Using Fire Trak Systems With Metal Studs in Walls

Benefits of Fire Trak

• In the context of fire-retardant and fire-blocking components used in a construction project, "deflection" refers to the amount of deformation -- physical change in shape -- that heat will cause in a substance. A fire-blocking device such as a Fire Trak's combination of tracks and clips is measured by the amount of deformation that can occur without the fire barrier becoming less efficient. According to Fire Trak, more than 90 percent of alternative systems on the market are fire rated with deflections of no more than 1/2 inch; they use fire caulk or spray-on coatings to achieve their fire ratings, which severely limits the testable performance of the hardware. Because it does not use caulk or coatings, Fire Trak remains functional with a deflection of up to 6 inches.

Studs

• Fire walls are constructed in a similar fashion to regular frame-and-panel walls, except that they use fire-rated wall boards over metal studs. Fire Trak is designed to be fitted over pre-existing walls, inside of which the steel studs are located. Fire Trak’s website notes that a “typical stud gauge of 25, 22 or 20” is the norm.

Construction

• Fire Trak is properly called a “head-of-wall deflection track and firestop system.” Head-of-wall, usually abbreviated to HOW, is a term applied to walls only in a fire-prevention context; it describes the join between the fire-resistant wall and the underside of the ceiling above. Fire Trak is made from 20 gauge galvanized steel that is a minimum of 0.0356 thick, 18 gauge galvanized steel that is a minimum of 0.0466 thick and 16 gauge galvanized steel that is a minimum of 0.0575 thick. Choices depend on application and relevant code requirements.

Installation

• Fire Trak installations begin with the fitting of a ceiling runner, designed with an overhanging shoulder to accommodate the wall material. Fire Trak can be fitted in both perpendicular and parallel configurations to steel and concrete decks, and to metal decks with a flute that is filled with cementitous fireproofing. The wall material is then installed and secured to the roof or floor deck using the track. Fire Trak can be used with regular brick or block walls and cavity walls; it can also be used to clad shafts such as elevators. The pre-existing wall is called the “primary wall” because it may be structural, and because it fulfills privacy and security functions in everyday service. In emergency situations, Fire Trak’s ability to deflect means its fire- and smoke-stopping abilities are not compromised by extremely high temperatures.

Fasteners

• To work properly, Fire Trak must be used with the manufacturer’s dedicated clips. Fire Trak’s patented Posi Klips allow for a the firm attachment of the ceiling track to studs while allowing for the desired deflection. They have a flange that attaches to the ceiling track and are available in a range of sizes. The deepest size is recommended for use with pre-existing walls and studs that are not fire rated. Posi Klips can be used with any common type and size of metal stud.

  Fire Trak’s patented Redi Clips are used to attach the ceiling track to the metal studs inside a fire-rated wall. Again, these are metal fasteners designed to operate without failure during extreme deflection caused by heat, yet they allow a positive connection between the track and the stud during non-emergency situations. Redi Klips can be used with any common type and size of metal stud.