Fasteners, Anchors, and Blocking are Critical to a Sustainable Installation

Fasteners and partition panel hardware need to be coordinated with the substrate.

Selecting the correct hardware and panel connections can determine whether an installation is sustainable or not. There are a wide variety of partition panel mounting types, including continuous stainless steel brackets, continuous aluminum brackets, and plastic or stainless steel shoes.

In a pilaster mounting, pilaster adjustments, with floor-mounted jack-leveling devices, are standard on floor anchored/overhead braced pilasters. Alternate types of pilaster mounting use a heavy gauge mounting, and typically can be found on ceiling hung and floor anchored pilasters.

Continuous type brackets provide the best support, but at the highest cost. Manufacturer’s literature and installation manuals are key resources for gaining a better understanding of partition systems and components.

Selecting door hinge systems should be based on partition weight, intensity of use, and hold open capabilities
Partition door hardware incurs heavy use. Furthermore, the selection of hardware must be coordinated with accessibility requirements.

Door hardware types:
• Continuous stainless steel hinges
• Integral hinges
• Vault hinge
• No sight hardware
• Pulls

Understanding the different types of hinge components is important in designing a sustainable washroom. Failure of operating parts creates other problems and major maintenance headaches.

Door hardware is typically classified based on the door’s handing and on the material of the door. Selecting door hinge systems should be based on partition weight, intensity of use, and hold open capabilities. Selecting hardware must coordinate with accessibility requirements.

The bottom door hinge can at times function as a gravity-positioning hinge. It provides safe, durable, and typically maintenance-free support. Upper door brackets can be an internal part of the door. A pin is sent through the door and bracket, offering a second point for weight bearing. Typically, this pin operates in a nylon bushing in the upper hinge bracket. Concealed latch door hardware offers emergency access and qualifies as an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) lever handle.

For heavy use facilities, vandal-resistant fasteners may be applicable. A special driver installs these fasteners in their application, which virtually eliminates unauthorized removal.

Making a sustainable hardware choice means selecting the appropriate system that can both support the partition material and assembly style while distributing structural loads evenly across the system.