01
Sizes on the rack
Widths — 2-1/2", 3-5/8", 6"
Gauges — structural 20 ga (30 mil), 18 ga, 16 ga
Stocked
Steel · 3 of 5
Deflection and Slip Track
Lets the building above move without loading the wall below.
OUTWEST1995Five Colorado yards.
One outfit.
02
Why it matters here
Floors and roofs deflect under snow, live load, and thermal movement. A partition fastened rigidly to the deck picks up that load and cracks the board — or worse. Slotted track lets the stud slide in the slot while the head stays attached to the structure. Most commercial jobs in Colorado call it out at every non-load-bearing partition, and mountain jobs with heavy snow loads call it out more.
03
Manufacturers
ClarkDietrich · CEMCO
Common questions
Ask the counter.
Slotted track or a double-track slip assembly?+
Slotted is one piece and faster. Double track is two nested pieces and is what some older specs still call for. Either works; the drawings decide.
Do I need clips as well?+
Depends on the detail. Some deflection connections use a clip at each stud instead of slotted track. Those are on the clips and connectors page.
The branch makes the call