West Chester, Ohio - June 24, 2020 – ClarkDietrich is giving building professionals yet another option for constructing fire-rated head of wall joint systems with BlazeFrame® RipTRAK™, the latest addition to the company’s BlazeFrame Fire Stop product line.
BlazeFrame RipTRAK is a UL-approved fire-rated head-of-wall deflection track for both roof and wall assemblies. Available in one- and two-hour rated systems, the product has an offset shoulder that represents the thickness of the wall material. A second piece of board is fit flush to the fluted deck or slab and is then attached to the shoulder, which allows the deck and the product to move in relation to the wall studs. This also allows the outer, overlapping board (the rip board) that is attached to the BlazeFrame RipTRAK to slide over the primary wall board material for a high degree of deflection.
“Fire safety issues remain one of the most critical challenges facing our customers,” said Terry Westerman, vice president, marketing, ClarkDietrich. “The U.S. Fire Administration reports that fires in nonresidential buildings caused an estimated $2.4 billion in property loss between 2014 and 2016. ClarkDietrich continues to invest in the technical expertise and product solutions that will help give our customers peace of mind when designing and constructing fire-rated walls. BlazeFrame RipTRAK is a great example of that commitment.”
BlazeFrame RipTRAK meets UL 2079: Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems, as well as ASTM E 1966: Standard Test Method for Fire Resistive Joint Systems. It is offered in 33 mils, 43 mils, 54 mils and 68 mils with web sizes of 2-1/2”, 3-5/8”, 4”, 6” and 8”.
BlazeFrame RipTRAK is accompanied by RipTRAK Clips which are attached to both inside bottom legs of the RipTRAK from the outside to fasten the stud to the track. The clips reinforce any stud to track connection while still allowing deflection.
About ClarkDietrich®
ClarkDietrich® is the leading manufacturer of a full line of drywall studs and accessories, structural studs and joists, metal lath and accessories, shaft wall studs and track, interior and exterior finishing products, and connectors and accessories for commercial and residential construction. Quality manufacturing, a full-line offering, national distribution, engineering services and responsive customer service position ClarkDietrich as the largest manufacturer of cold-formed steel framing in North America. Clarkwestern Dietrich Building Systems is a 75/25 joint venture with Marubeni-Itochu Steel America Inc. (MISA) and Worthington Industries, Inc.