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Architecture/mounting panels on rated wall

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Expert: - 7/21/2008


Question
Hi,

I have to fasten some decorative wall panels on a 2-hour rated wall, i thought
I should build out a stud frame in front of the wall so my fasteners will not
be mounted onto the rated assembly but on the furred out frame.  But my GC
suggest mounting unistruts/hat channels directly on to the rated wall.  Is that
proper?    I thought any screws, bolts will affect the rating of the assembly.

Answer
Siuling - thanks for your question.

Any changes you make to a fire-rated wall may affect it's rating, and may be illegal.  You are correct in stating that a fire-rated construction is an "assembly"; all the parts have to be in place for it to maintain the rating.

Before you and your GC do anything, you need to fully understand the system and what you can and can't do to alter it.  This is strictly controlled by building code and you almost certainly need a building permit to make changes.

It is also possible that the frame wall you propose - even though it won't touch the rated wall - will compromise the assembly.

Check this out with your building department and/or a design professional before you decide on what to do.

Hope this helps,

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com

Architecture

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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