Joints & Expansion Joints
A head-of-wall joint is the linear gap between the top of a wall assembly and bottom of a floor or roof assembly. Any building codes require head-of-wall fire resistive joint systems in voids between the top of fire rated wall assemblies and the underside of fire rated floor or roof assemblies. A firestopping system is installed to protect these joints. Flaws in installed firestopping place occupants and property at risk to fire, smoke and heat exposure prior to the expected protection offered by the hourly fire resistance ratings required by code.