Division 9
C E I L I N G S Y S T E M S & S P E C I A LT Y P R O D U C T S
TD-C-17
Technical Data
Thermal Expansion Joints in
Suspended Ceilings
Exposed Systems
Large continuous areas of suspended ceilings sometimes
require expansion joints. Here is an easy method for making
them by using CMC wall angles. Fig. 1 shows the expansion
joint in profile. It is composed of three 1434 wall angles, two of
which, A and B, are pop riveted together into one unit which C
helps support. The A-B unit and C fit into a 1앨 space left
between runners or tees as shown in Fig. 2 and are pop
riveted to the components as described in the following
sections. Wall angle A provides a dust cover on top and B and
C firmly space the components, preventing the ceiling material
from shifting. The expansion joint will allow 1앨 of movement in
either direction and should be installed at 72° F and maximum
intervals of 48쎾 on center for 2쎾, 4쎾 or 6쎾 modules, or 50쎾 for 5쎾
modules. With minor alterations, the basic method can be
used with all CMC ceiling systems – exposed, modular,
concealed and drywall furring.
Fig. 1
A
Pop
Rivet
Suspension
Components
1앨
1앨
1앨
B
C
2 1/2앨
Fig. 2
Method 1
A
B
C
Flange
Fig. 3
Pop
Rivet
Method 2
An optional way of creating expansion joints utilizes the 839
coupling cover (Fig. 4). This method allows expansion joints to
be created without interruption of the ceiling plane. Multiple
spaces/expansion joints are created along the main runner
span to fulfill the requirements of the installation. The end tabs
of the main runners are snipped off to prevent coupling. To
avoid buckling or compression of ceiling tiles the gap between
main runners should not exceed 1/4앨 for each joint.
Step 1: Components that cross the path of the expansion joint
are straight cut (Fig. 2), and those that end on the path have
their couplings or tabs, if any, snipped off. Step 2: Punch
hanger holes as needed (Fig. 2) keeping those on one side at
least 21/2앨 from the component ends to allow for movement.
Suspend the components 1앨 apart. Step 3: If a painted recess
is required (Fig. 1), paint the galvanized side of A. Step 4:
Punch and pop rivet A and B together into one unit at points
that will not interfere with the on center spacing of the components. Step 5: Temporarily space the components with the
proper length spacer bars, cross tees, variable cross tees or
other method. Step 6: Insert the A-B unit (Fig. 3) into the 1앨
space and pop rivet the short leg of B to the component
flanges on one side; do the same with C on the other side.
Step 7: Remove the spacer bars, etc., and install the acoustical lay-in panels.
Fig. 4
Technical Data
Concealed Systems
Fig. 5
Direct Hung, Z and T & G
Step 1: If the components end on the path of the expansion
joint and have couplings or tabs at least 1/2앨 long, bend these
connectors inward 90°. If the components have shorter
couplings or tabs, or none at all, make 1/2앨 connectors by
snipping back the component flanges and bulbs or legs; bend
the webs or center sections inward 90°. Components that
cross the path of the expansion joint are straight cut and
connectors are made as described above. Repeat Steps 2
through 5 from the Exposed Systems directions. Step 6:
Insert the A-B unit (Fig. 5) into the 1앨 space and pop rivet the
long leg of B to the bent connectors, allowing B’s short leg to
hang one half the tile thickness below the component flanges.
Do the same with C, pop riveting from the back side of the
expansion joint, as shown. Step 7: Remove the spacer bars,
etc. and install the concealed acoustical tile and splines as
usual.
A
Pop
Rivets
Acoustical Tile
B
C
Suspended Drywall Furring
Systems
A
B
Repeat Steps 1 through 6 from the Exposed Systems
directions. Step 7: Remove the spacer bars, etc. Install “J”
moldings to the exposed edges of the drywall panels at the
expansion joint (Fig. 6). Secure the panels to the component
flanges with self-tapping screws, keeping the panels 1앨 apart
to allow for movement.
C
Gypsum Panel
“J” Molding
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Nail
A
2 1/2앨
1앨
Wall Treatment
Step 1: If an expansion joint is required along a wall (Fig. 7)
attach A to it with appropriate screws or nails. Step 2:
Prepare the component ends as shown in Step 1 of the
preceding appropriate ceiling system directions. Step 3:
Punch hanger holes as needed, keeping them at least 21/2앨
from the component ends. Suspend the components 1앨 from
the wall (Fig. 7) and so that C will contact A when attached to
the components as shown. Step 4: Repeat Step 5 from the
Exposed Systems directions. Step 5: Pop rivet C to the
components according to Step 6 of the preceding appropriate
ceiling system directions. Step 6: Remove the spacer bars,
etc. and (Fig. 6) install the appropriate ceiling material (exposed shown).
C
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TD-C-17-1299CC
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