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Advertising supplement provided by Provided by Hadrian

By Virginia A. Greene, AIA

Variety of Styles

There are many different types of partitions, including square edge and arched, or curved designs. Toilet partitions are offered in several styles, including enclosures where the standard partition height is 58 inches high, with doors and panels mounted 12 inches above the finished floor material, and 14 inches above the finished floor material for standard plastic doors and panels. Partitions are also designed full height for the most privacy and security, as vandalism includes using the toilet fixture as a stepping platform to gain access to another partition from overhead. These secure systems are 64 inches-high material with a six-inch gap from the bottom of the door to the finished floor material. These are also available with 72-inch doors and 76-inch panels. Some highly reflective panel and ceiling finishes are not desirable, as they may compromise privacy.

Standard toilet partition systems are manufactured to save time and money because they can be efficiently shipped and installed relatively quickly. In high-traffic areas, long-term use of these systems demands that toilet partitions be interchanged and upgraded over time. Facility managers often renovate highly used or outdated public rest rooms with a new design, material change, or panel replacement. The flexibility and workability of metal toilet partitions enables replacement of damaged components, providing significant cost savings, compared to purchasing and installing all new toilet partitions.

Material Strength and Durability

Heavy use can cause partitions to rack and doors to pinch when opening and closing. Proper mounting and hardware is key to preventing this type of damage. Headrail bracing is recommended in heavy-use areas, such as schools and industrial settings. The top rail is designed with an anti-grip feature to deter climbing.

Most partitions are adjustable with floor mounting hardware, able to accommodate sloping floors to floor drains. As concrete sub-floors are most often involved in these installations, architects should look for adaptable product designs. Architects also periodically review available alternate panels for replacement and alternate color selections. Generally, panels are developed to withstand impacts and offer dent resistance, depending upon the panel construction. Standard metal panels are typically one inch thick and constructed with an internal cell structure for added strength, while others are constructed of solid material.