Data Center Solutions from Trim-Tex

Data Center Solutions from Trim Tex Data Center

Building a data center presents a multitude of unique challenges, including accounting for acoustical control, fire protection and a whole lot of structural movement. Trim-Tex offers a line of fire rated, sound-abating accessories that don’t just meet code requirements for these in-demand projects — they’re engineered to remain effective longer than sealants or sprays, along with being faster and easier to install for contractors. Read on to learn more about how Trim-Tex Fire + Sound™ Solutions can remove the hassle and headaches from code-compliant gypsum board wall joints in data centers. 

Protect what matters most — uptime, performance, and clean inspections — with preformed fire and sound joint systems made for data centers.

  • UL fire-rated joint protection with built-in movement
  • Proven fire & acoustic performance without messy caulks
  • Preformed components mean faster installs & no cure time
  • GREENGUARD Gold, recycled PVC, made in the USA 

Why Trim-Tex for Data Centers?

With server rooms generating an excess of heat around the clock, building codes for data centers must be especially rigorous about sealing off wall joints from the passage of smoke and fire, as well as, outside of a fire event, containing conditioned air. Server rooms are also quite loud, requiring an abundance of sound-abating materials. Additionally, the high-performance air conditioning systems contained in data centers, which essentially vacuum out hot air throughout the day, can have the effect of compressing the building. This will cause a high degree of deflection, not unlike a high-rise structure, causing cracks in the finish — or worse.

Interior wall joints in data centers must be compliant with all three of these necessities — fire, sound and movement — making these projects a perfect fit for Trim-Tex Fire + Sound Solutions. These innovative drywall beads and accessories are rigorously tested by UL Solutions for their firestop capabilities; achieve the same or better Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings as acoustical caulks; and allow a varying degree of controlled movement, remaining flexible for the lifetime of the structure.

Data centers, when operational, consume large amounts energy. Therefore, architects and developers are motivated to offset some of these environmental concerns by pursuing certain LEED credits during construction.

By using Trim-Tex, these developers are able to comply with many LEED goals, most notably because these products are primarily manufactured with recycled PVC materials. Trim-Tex Fire + Sound Solutions are also UL GREENGUARD Gold certified for their low VOC emissions (learn more here). Additionally, by using local/non-imported materials (all Trim-Tex products are manufactured entirely in the U.S.) and highly resilient accessories that reduce construction waste, users may offset a portion of their environmental footprint relevant to LEED goals. Learn more about Trim-Tex’s commitment to sustainability here.

Data centers are hotly in demand right now — developers and ownership groups will typically want them built, and fully operational, as quickly as possible. For compliance purposes, Trim-Tex’s preformed firestopping solutions present immense time-savings opportunities.

These beads and accessories install quickly, with the proper dosage of firestop materials every time. They install fully cured, so they can be inspected as soon as they’re applied, and their brightly extruded colors make them easy for inspectors to spot. All of this runs counter to traditional firestop methods, like fire sealant, which can be tricky and inconsistent to apply evenly, and will need time to cure before moving on to the next phase.

Wisconsin House 093 X V Before 1

Top solution for data centers: Fire Rated 093V Expansion

Building codes dictate a control joint must be placed at least every 30 feet on unbroken wall and ceiling partitions. These control joints allow the partitions to move without causing cracks. For data centers, which typically have high ceilings and wide-open floor plans, this will often require the installation of dozens — or more — control joints throughout the facility. When these control joints also require firestop materials, as they usually will in data centers, this can cause high costs and major delays for the interior finishing of the project.

Fire Rated 093V Expansion (AKA 093X-V) is the cure for these problems, making it the most popular Trim-Tex product used in data centers across the world. An all-in-one preformed firestop solution, its integrated intumescent tape is rated for 1 and 2 hours, requiring no additional backing materials. This flexible bead also accommodates up to 3⁄8” in building movement. For fire rated control joints, there is simply no easier than this innovative expansion bead. Learn more about the Trim-Tex Fire Rated 093V Expansion here.

Code Compliance, Without All the Extra Steps

Code Compliance, Without All the Extra Steps

Learn more about the trailblazing fire and sound rated drywall accessories changing the game for code compliance

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Additional data center solutions from Trim-Tex

Other solutions to consider for data center projects include:

Fire Bead: This bead, installed at head-of-wall joints or running vertically on the sides of wall partitions, is an easy-to-use solution that prevents the spread of fire, smoke and sound. Its ½" gasket allows up to ¼" of building deflection. This twin advantages make it an ideal bead for many data centers, especially within wall partitions between server rooms. Available in 1- and 2-hour fire ratings.

Super Seal-X: This bead is designed specifically for faster, easier firestopping wherever walls butt up against another substrate, like the concrete exterior partitions often found in data centers. Its flexible bubble gasket forms a tight, consistent seal against uneven surfaces, and eliminates caulks while preventing unsightly cracks in these movement-prone areas. Available in two colors: pink for easier identification by code compliance inspectors, and black for a less noticeable aesthetic (pictured below).

Super Seal X Denver Oct 2024 8

Sound Gasket: For walls that do not require firestop materials, using Trim-Tex Sound Gasket is the fastest way to prevent the passage of sound in head-of-wall and bottom-wall joints. Its flexible bubble gasket provides ½"-1” of building movement, with the easiest possible installation — simply apply it to the framing member using the attached adhesive foam.

Want to learn more about data center solutions from Trim-Tex? Fill out the form below to receive a free quick-reference guide to our data center solutions, and your local Trim-Tex rep will get in touch to help make your next data center project easier, faster and fully code compliant.