Division 10 Specialties
Performance Specification Gap in Division 10 Specialties submittals
Short answer
A measurable performance property in the submittal (rating, capacity, tolerance, efficiency) does not meet what the spec requires. Default grade in Division 10 Specialties: Blocker.
A measurable performance property in the submittal (rating, capacity, tolerance, efficiency) does not meet what the spec requires. This guide covers how it shows up specifically in Division 10 Specialties submittals.
What to look for in Division 10 Specialties
Key performance parameters in specialties submittals:
- Toilet partition material type (HDPE, phenolic, stainless steel, powder-coated steel, solid polymer) - must match spec exactly
- Partition thickness (1 inch nominal for HDPE/phenolic, varies by material) and panel height (typically 58 inches standard, 62 or 72 inches for enhanced privacy)
- Partition pilaster and panel gauge for metal types (min 22ga, 20ga, or as specified)
- Louver free area (square feet per unit - must meet or exceed code-required ventilation)
- Louver water penetration resistance (tested per AMCA 500-L, rated in oz/sq ft/hr)
- Operable partition STC rating (Sound Transmission Class - typically STC 48-56 specified)
- Signage luminance and contrast ratios per ADA/ICC A117.1 (minimum 70% contrast between text and background)
- Corner guard height (typically 48 inches for standard, 96 inches for full-height) and impact resistance (measured in ft-lbs)
- Locker tier configuration (single, double, triple, box, or Z-style) and ventilation (perforated or louvered)
- Accessory mounting heights per ADA (grab bars, dispensers, mirrors - specific height ranges)
- Fire extinguisher cabinet recessed depth and rough opening dimensions
- Flagpole height, shaft diameter, and wall thickness
How severe is it?
Default grade: Blocker. Always a Blocker when the gap touches life-safety or structural performance.
Deviation Check assigns a default per category and escalates or de-escalates based on the spec, always showing its reasoning. See the Division 10 severity rules.
What the PM should do
Treat this as a hold. Do not approve the submittal until the sub resolves it, either by providing the specified product and documentation or by routing an approved substitution or or-equal request. Return the relevant spec passage to the sub as a redline.
Other deviation categories in Division 10
Frequently asked questions
What operable partition performance value do Division 10 Specialties specs most often specify, and what happens when the submittal falls short?
Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating is the most frequently cited performance threshold for operable partitions - specs typically require STC 48 to 56. A submittal showing a lower STC is a Blocker because acoustic separation is a core design requirement. The sub must provide a product meeting or exceeding the specified STC, supported by an AMCA- or lab-certified test report, before the review can proceed.
How do louver performance gaps get caught in Division 10 Specialties submittals, and what standard governs the test?
Louver free area (measured in square feet per unit) and water penetration resistance (rated in oz/sq ft/hr) must meet or exceed the specified values. Water penetration testing is performed per AMCA 500-L. If the submitted louver's AMCA certified ratings fall below the spec, it is a Blocker because the shortfall can directly compromise code-required ventilation or allow water intrusion into the building.
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