Area Separation Wall Systems

Area Separation Walls are non-loadbearing; 2-hour rated vertical wall assemblies that provide fire-resistant protection between adjacent living units in apartment buildings, condominiums and townhouses. Area Separation Walls are also referred to as party walls, firewalls, multi-family walls and H-Stud assemblies. Area Separation Wall assemblies are a great alternative to masonry construction. The H-Stud system is at least 50% lighter than masonry walls installs faster, is STC sound rated and increases valuable floor space compared to 8"-12" wide masonry walls.

H-Stud Profile

H-Studs are 2" wide vertical members used to secure two 1" thick pieces of gypsum shaft liner in Area Separation Wall assemblies. H-Studs are inserted into C-Runners and slid over gypsum panel liner edges. The process is repeated until the desired wall length is achieved. Once the wall is plumbed it is secured at the floor, roof and truss line with Aluminum Breakaway Clips. Area Separation Wall assemblies are limited to 50 feet in height (maximum).

• 2-hour fire-rated assembly
• 2" wide, 25 gauge (18mil)
• Tested and approved with most major gypsum and shaft liner manufacturers
• Stock lengths are 8', 10' and 12'

C-Runner Profile

C-Runner, also referred to as H-Track, is used to secure H-Stud and gypsum shaft liner panels in area separation wall assemblies. C-Runner is attached to the foundation with power-driven fasteners. C-Runner is also used as top track to cap the H-Stud and gypsum shaft liner panels. A second track is then screwed back to back, to the lower runner, to hold the next level of the area separation wall assembly.

• 2-hour fire-rated assembly
• 2" wide, 25 gauge (.018)
• Tested and approved with most major gypsum and shaft liner manufacturers
• Standard 10' stock lengths

Aluminum Burn Clips (AB)

Aluminum Burn Clips are used as part of the H-Stud Area Separation Wall assembly and are designed to melt and break away when exposed to fire. The clips are used to hold the area separation wall assembly in place at the floor, roof and truss line between adjacent units.

Should a fire break out in one unit, the Aluminum Burn Clips on the fire-ridden side of the area separation wall will melt, allowing the wall structure for that side to collapse. The Aluminum Burn Clips on the non-fire side will remain intact and hold the area separation wall in place as a barrier to contain the fire within the unit of origin.

• Tested and approved with most major gypsum and shaft liner manufacturers
• Must be used in conjunction with H-Stud Area Separation Wall Assembly
• Prepunched for easy attachment