Analyzing Partition Assembly Types for Lifecycle Implications, Maintenance, and Application Suitability

In combination with selecting a partition material is the decision of how that material will be assembled and presented within the project. Failure of partition mountings is a common problem in washroom design. Understanding the various types of assemblies and their suitability for use is a vital element contributing to the sustainability of the overall washroom. The best and most durable material, when improperly assembled or mounted, may damage and disfigure surrounding walls and materials, and may even be discarded early, simply due to a mismatch in assembly choice. Additionally, partition assemblies can help promote maintenance by providing easy and open access to cleaning crews, or hinder it by creating narrow or unreachable spaces.

Floor Mounted-Overhead Braced
• Vandal resistance: Average to High. Overhead bracing adds structural rigidity.
• Construction requirements and limitations: Lightweight concrete or wood floors.
• Ease of maintenance: Average.
• Overall sustainability: Average to High. Stronger than average construction style leads to longer lifecycle. Great for renovation projects and new construction because it is relatively independent of floor construction.
• Relative Cost: Moderate.

Ceiling Hung
• Vandal resistance: Low. Stalls may be pushed from side to side if not installed correctly with structural steel in the ceiling specified by an engineering team. If installed in ceilings that are higher than suggested, or if incorrectly installed, doors may open with sideways pressure.
• Construction requirements and limitations: Requires proper installation and attachment to the appropriate structural ceiling support. Ceiling height should not be greater than 8’. When used with Solid Plastic it must have a cross bracing between pilasters.
• Ease of maintenance: High. The floor can be easily cleaned because there are no pilasters getting in the way of mopping. Ease of cleaning and reduced operation costs.
• Overall sustainability: Low. While easy to clean, ceiling hung partitions are more prone to vandalism and accidental damage. These systems must be installed perfectly to have a long lifecycle.
• Relative Cost: High.

Floor Mounted

• Vandal resistance: Better than ceiling hung applications but does not have overhead bracing like floor mounted-overhead braced construction, so not as secure.
• Construction requirements and limitations: For concrete floors only, this style requires 2” minimum penetration into floor. Cannot be used with Solid Plastic (HDPE) Partitions.
• Ease of maintenance: Average.
• Overall sustainability: Average. Without overhead bracing, this style lacks additional structural strength. Perfect for older building renovations where low ceilings are a factor.
• Relative Cost: Low.

The ability to easily adjust elements of a partition system extends the life of the system significantly. Adjustment of partition systems is not only done at installation, but over the life of the project, as wear and tear loosens the mountings. Adjustable hardware mounts may also help when floors and ceilings are not level or are uneven.