Tolerance Heads – Frequently Asked Questions

With glass wall systems a go-to choice for light-filled work and education spaces, providing for strong acoustic performance too, designers are able to meet client, and occupier demands for wellbeing, flexibility, and aesthetics without compromise.

However, there are also structural considerations to consider within any project which need to be determined from the outset. The main structural challenge acknowledged for any partitioning system arises from the phenomenon of building movement. This, along with floor conditions, are important considerations when specifying glazed wall systems.

To provide visually-acceptable solutions to meet adjustments, understanding how PurOptima’s tolerance heads can perform is key. Here PurOptima’s Specification and Pre-Construction Manager, Chris Pae, answers some Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: What is the purpose of a tolerance head?

A: Tolerance head details are designed to accommodate movement in the structural slab when live loads are applied, making them an increasingly vital component in internal partitioning designs. With PurOptima’s Revolution 54 Plus single glazing for example, outer tolerance heads can accommodate up to +/-0.9” or up to 1.57” deflection.

Structural load testing is conducted on all PurOptima Glass Wall Solutions, ensuring they meet rigorous safety standards. Available with our distinctive head tolerance systems delivering unrivalled deflection load performance, all PurOptima’s designed products offer the highest levels of design and structural performance. What is more, a choice of styles are available to suit your design intent, and each style offers a modern, sleek aesthetic to perfectly complement your interior.

Discreet Tolerance Head Details

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Question: Why do floor levels have to be considered?

A: Construction methodologies for installation of demountable glass wall partition systems in the U.S are significantly influenced by the floor conditions. Concrete floors are used as the base slab for most commercial and industrial floor finishes stateside. In most cases this is because they are characterized by high quality, durability and versatility relative to cost.

However, concrete floors can provide real challenges to achieving a perfectly level internal glass wall installation due to unevenness. In new build, retrofit or refurbishment projects, uneven floors can add significant costs to rectify materials and labor.

Base slabs that slope, undulate or are in any way uneven demand a solution that can accommodate these changes in levels. And often the existing remedies fall short of clients’ expectations of a perfect finish, especially when paying a premium. Simply re-screeding an existing building may not be cost effective either.

If a poor initial survey is undertaken, any manufactured product may not fit due to floor level issues. This is a critical step. If not managed properly, the quality and performance of the finished partitioning will be negatively impacted.

Tolerance heads can however assist with floor and bulkhead issues by offering flexible options with tolerances of  +/- 1” (25mm) and 1 ½” (40mm) respectively.

PurOptima Revolution 54 Plus adjustable base track provides added tolerance control to our system, with minimal impact to the design intent, while increasing the overall quality and performance of the final product.

Question: How is PurOptima’s adjustable base track used?

A: The adjustable base track for PurOptima’s Revolution 54 Plus offers additional capabilities for leveling purposes. This option specially designed for the U.S.A. market adds 0.5” of adjustability, in addition to the 1.57” accommodated by the deflection head detail. Combined, the demountable glass wall system offers over 2 in. of adjustment, enough to level all but the most uneven of floors.

What is more, the adjustment is simple and comparatively quick, thus saving time for the contractor and money, and avoiding remedial works which may not meet the client’s brief or expectations.

Question: Why do designers sometimes avoid tolerance heads?

A: Tolerance heads can look clunky if not designed as part of the overall solution. For example PurOptima can supply them powder-coated in a colour to match the bulkhead and this will provide a coherent aesthetic and a better visual look overall when installed.

Sometimes architects find them bulky and they do not want to compromise on a slimline, mullion-free appearance. Also of consideration is the cost for the additional section may not be within the specification budget if not planned for from the outset.

However when built with the highest quality materials, interior glass wall systems can offer exceptional structural stability and performance. And with PurOptima’s tolerance head details, along with its new special base track system, the quality of the finish will meet the client’s expectations at every level.

Question: What are the benefits of tolerance heads for the contractor?

A: Working with PurOptima’s solutions, both glazing to glazing, and glazing to drywall can achieve a perfect fit, with the help of tolerance heads.

They can provide a cost effective solution to reduce installation time, instead of shimming uneven bulkheads/floors on standard tracks. And they allow for doors to be released into manufacture quickly if final field dimensions cannot be obtained or the project is on a short lead time.

Reducing waste is also a key factor for today’s contractors, a consideration both in terms of material and labour costs. The addition of a tolerance head option gives the freedom to manage any small discrepancy prior to ordering glass, for example, which avoids wastage and in turn helps reduce the carbon footprint of the project.

PurOptima’s demountable glass wall systems are fabricated in the U.S. by our partner network. To find out more about PurOptima, the Revolution 54 Plus, and our adjustable base, click here.

About the Author

Chris Pae

Specification & Pre-Construction Manager

 

Chris has over 16 years of experience turning complex projects into successful outcomes. As PurOptima’s Specification & Pre-Construction Manager, he works closely with architects and Project Delivery Partners to ensure every proposal is accurate and opportunities are maximized. CONNECT ON LINKEDIN