Walls and partitions are some of the most common elements that make up the interior of offices. In nearly all development projects, there is a need to divide spaces into smaller sections for various reasons. Whether it is to provide privacy or for storage purposes, selecting the right system for a particular space is important. Let us explore the different types of office partitions to know exactly which system best suits your office building needs.
Know Your Specifications
There are several pointers for you to take note of when selecting the right type of partition system. Establishing proper specifications is key to derive with the correct type which complies to Building Code where applicable. It is also crucial to take note of proper certification that covers the partition system that you are about to choose. Below are several factors for your consideration that can help you make an informed decision:
Fire Rating
There are several instances where partition systems will require fire rating. Some examples of such areas include fire escape routes, areas with high fire risks, and more. These are rated based on the number of fire resistance minutes and under certain circumstances, fire rating needs to be accompanied by proper insulation. Take for instance a glass partition with 30 minutes fire rating which is accompanied with insulation will have a label displaying 30/30. It is critical for any doors, windows, or erections within fire rated partition systems to be rated to maintain complete fire protection.
Height Limitations
Walls vary in height depending on applications. They can range from being just a couple of meters high to much taller than that. It is important for manufacturers to recommend office partitions based on industry expertise.
Acoustics
Acoustics play a vital role in offices as it creates a suitable environment for workers to perform their duties efficiently. When there is excessive noise, workers may face issues such as a lack of privacy, confidentiality, and more. Acoustical rating of partition systems can fluctuate extensively and will often be displayed as a sound reduction. An instance is when a solid 75 mm partition panel can be good for 43 dB of sound reduction. Such an application can help to improve the sound rating within a particular space.
Structure
The stability of partition structures is generally rated in terms of duty ratings. These adhere to local standards and can range from light to medium and heavy. It is crucial for partition structures to fit the exact purpose and the ratings must also be correctly specified.
Doors and Windows
Depending on the type of partition system, there will be a variety of options to choose from. Considerations include fire rating, aesthetics, acoustics, durability, and more. It is important that the specifications of doors and windows match the rating of the desired partition system to maintain compliance.