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This article is about Demountable Partititons, which is an advanced topic when it comes to drywall projects. This articles in an excerpt from the book called “DRYWALL” by “W Robert Harris”, Please read , thank the author and leave a comment.
A demountable partition is a partition designed to be assembled, disassembled, and reassembled in another location with minimal damage to the partition components. Partitions of this type are most commonly used in office buildings where space requirements frequently change. Unlike standard metal stud and drywall partitions, which must be disposed of when removed, demountable partitions can be easily relocated with minimal waste?
The salvage rating signifies the percentage of partition components that are reusable when the demountable partition system is relocated. A demountable partition’s salvage rating may be the determining factor when a building owner selects the type to be used. A partition with a high salvage rating may be more expensive initially; however, when the cost of the components destroyed when it is moved from one location to another is factored in, it may cost less. For example, a demountable partition with a high salvage rating that is moved from the third floor to the second floor within the same building will require a minimum number of new components. This reduces the high cost of material delivery and stocking when access is poor.
All demountable partitions, regardless of the manufacturer, are designed to divide space. Most utilize tracks or runners at the top and bottom, studs, and drywall sheets or prefinished panels that conceal the framing. Some demountable partitions use clips that hang the panels on the studs. Others require screws for attaching the panels to the studs and rely on battens to cover the screws at the joints. There are progressive systems in which interlocking sandwich panels are started at one side of the room. Additional panels are added as the installation progresses to the opposite end.
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Regardless of the manufacturer or the type of system used, seven basic rules should be followed when installing demountable partitions:
Be sure that the partition layout has been completed before the panels are stocked in the room where they will be installed. Demountable partitions are usually installed in finished rooms and material storage space may be limited. Repeated moving of prefinished panels increases the potential for damage.
Double-check the layout before fastening the tracks to the floor. Damaged carpets or floor tile caused by improperly located floor tracks may be impossible to repair.
Take all measurements and make all cuts accurately. Most demountable partitions use a top track component that is a finished member with no additional trim at the ceiling. Poorly-fitting corners and track joints are unacceptable and costly to correct
Install all framing members correctly. Accurate layout of the studs is very important since the prefinished panels should not be cut.
Handle the panels carefully to avoid damaging the panel faces and edged. The finished appearance of the partition is directly affected by the condition of the panels.
Be sure all door and window frames are installed correctly (plumb, true, and securely fastened to the framing).
Exercise care when removing unused material or scrap from finished rooms.