Rockwall offers excellent fire rated wall panels that offer passive fire resistance. Installation does require an experienced SPI ROCKWALL installer. Here’s a bit about what they need to know about installation.
Before Installing Rockwall Fire Rated Wall Panels
- Begin with familiarizing yourself with the SPI ROCKWALL Handling Instructions Manual
- Make sure your fire-rated wall panels project is in full compliance with all local, provincial, and federal codes.
- Ensure worksite conditions are safety compliant.
- Make certain the general contractor, engineer, architect, and owner are all on the same page.
- Be fully familiar with plan drawings and documents.
When Planning to Use Different Materials
Sometimes it is necessary to use products or accessories that are not designed specifically to be used with the ROCKWALL system. In those instances, it is important to keep a few things in mind.
- When using components that have not been supplied by SPI, some of the recommended procedures may differ as a result.
- Using the wrong materials during installation could create safety and performance issues and also may void warranties.
- It is critical to use those materials specified in the installation drawings. This is especially true of fasteners and sealants.
- SPI is not responsible for materials that have not been provided by or approved by SPI for use.
Training for the Installation of Fire Rated Wall Panels
Installation of Rockwall panels requires an installer who is specifically qualified and experienced with installing SPI ROCKWALL panels. It is the installer who is responsible for making certain that laws are upheld and safety practices are properly followed. Additionally, the installer is responsible for panel installation and that framing materials, structures, and girts are fully adequate for the installation.
Installation Tips
- Support Gauge and Alignment: The structure that panels are attached to has to be held to a close tolerance because of how strong and rigid the metal panels are. This means that variation in the substructure must be minimized to avoid undue stress. Failing to do this could create aesthetic issues or diminished load capacity.
- Panel Clips and Fasteners: The published load values are only applicable when SPI recommended clips and fasteners are used. Both clips and fasteners are equally important and should be installed as instructed based on the plan’s calculations.
- Panel Caulking and Sealants: A proper seal system is what provides weather tightness and air and water infiltration performance levels.
- Vacuum Lift Equipment: Because Rockwall panels are much heavier than polyurethane or EPS panels, they require vacuum lift equipment for lifting.
- Vertical Wall Panel Joint: In order to prevent injury when handling, panels come with a small cut on all four corners. These are concealed after installation.
- Girts: It’s important to fasten all girts during installation. Attaching at just the top and bottom can lead to bowing which can cause permanent damage.