What is a deflection head?

There are details used at the top of partition systems when needing to allow for structural movement of the floor or roof above.

Deflection heads are used within GypWall partitions and linings or GypWall Shaft systems when needing to allow for movement (up, down or both) within the structure at the head of a partition. This movement (or deflection) is created by live and dead loads on the floor or roof above. The partition system below needs to accommodate this movement without transferring load onto the metal studs.

British Gypsum are unable to provide any solution for accommodating head deflection when constructing non-loadbearing timber frame partitions, which is both practical to build and maintains the specified fire resistance and acoustic separation performances. However, we do offer GypWall systems where accommodating deflection from above is fully tested and proven to work.

We offer a range of head details that allow the top of the partition to move independently of the metal studs, whilst also maintaining the structural performance and any fire resistance required. Typical deflection head details for each system can be found in the White Book Specification Selector. Simply select a specification, go to the documents section and a full typical details set, including a deflection head detail can be downloaded. Additionally, we have produced a best practice guidance document, deflection heads, you can access it here.