Priority Walls and One-Side Sheet Rocking

Priority Walls

Definition

Areas where drywall needs to be applied prior to installing mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire sprinkler system components in order to enable construction to continue in an efficient and effective manner.

These areas may be: walls above the plenum space, walls behind showers/tubs, shaft walls, walls for mounting equipment, fire-resistive ceilings above corridors, or other areas creating enclosed cavities.

Procedure

To achieve code compliance, the General Contractor shall communicate and coordinate the processes and delivery methods to all affected trade subcontractors, and allow University Inspection staff the opportunity to pre-approve the selected area(s).

The framing for shafts, fire dampers, smoke dampers, fire/smoke dampers and other HVAC penetrations requiring detailed framing, shall be approved by University Inspection staff prior to Priority Wall drywall installation.

One-Side Sheet Rocking

Definition

Means and methods of accelerating construction whereas one side of a wall or walls may be covered with drywall prior to completion of select rough-in inspection approvals of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire sprinkler systems.

Procedure

To achieve code compliance, the General Contractor shall communicate and coordinate the processes and delivery methods to all affected trade subcontractors, and allow University Inspection staff the opportunity to pre-approve the selected areas for one-sided rocking.

Exceptions to one-side rock:

  • Exterior walls                   
  • Walls where all of the electrical conduit and associated boxes, connectors and attachments have not been installed unless approved by the University Electrical Inspector
  • Walls where the plumbing risers have not been installed
  • Walls containing incomplete framing for fire dampers, smoke dampers, fire/smoke dampers or other HVAC penetrations
  • If the building is not weather tight