In Part 3, we will be discussing why Corflex should be your Operable Partition supplier. If you would like to know more about Standard Operable Partitions, you can read Part 1 HERE, or you can learn about Glass Walls HERE in Part 2.
About Corflex
Corflex is a pioneer in the Canadian operable partition industry and the only manufacturer to have the ISO 9001:2000 certification. Corflex is also the only Canadian licensee of Hufcor International; worldwide leader in the operable partition industry since 1900.
For over 20 years, Corflex has been a leader in the design, engineering, production, distribution, and installation of glass partition, acoustic partitions, and acoustic treatment recognized for their architectural look and superior quality.
Corflex stands out for it’s two decades of support to architects, designers, and contractors across Canada. From design to delivery, their team offers intelligent and flexible solutions for your spaces while combining elegance and functionality.
Corflex is committed to creating an intelligent and flexible space with elegant products from eco-responsible innovations that will adapt to your daily events.
Genuine Sustainable Commitment
From the beginning, environmental awareness has been at the heart of Corflex. In addition to sound resource management and a recycling program for production waste, they promote the use of recycled materials in the manufacture of their products.
All Corflex products are carefully designed to maximise the LEED credits they can generate.
- Recycled gypsum or particle board made of 100% post-industrial wood fibres, with no added urea-formaldehyde
- Up to 85% recycled steel with post-industrial and post-consumer content
- Zero VOC glue
- Natural, fireproof, non-flammable acoustic insulation
- Ecological surfacing, such as wood and Greenguard certified, zero PVC vinyl
As an added bonus, once your partition is no longer useful and ready to be dismantled, it can be returned to the Corflex factory where all usable parts will be recycled. A certificate confirming the volume of recycled materials may be issued upon request.
Product Advantages
Vertical Trim:
Corflex folding panel partitions have an exposed trim to allow for panel servicing if required (ie replace seal mechanism, changing the surface of the panels). The trim also protects the edge of the panels when in a stacked position, providing better durability. Corflex does not offer a trim-less vertical edge for this reason.
The other advantage to vertical trim on panels is that it makes it more cost effective to update the style of your wall. If you are updating the design of your space, you are not required to purchase a whole new wall to match, simply have the face of the panel changed out!
Omni-Directional Single Panels on a Straight Track with Panels Stacked at End of Track:
This set up is never recommended as it involves having panels with one carrier in the middle of each panel to accommodate turning of panel for stacking. With one carrier in the centre of the panel, it is very difficult to move the panels down the track, without having them ‘rock’ as they are moved. Thus, they are awkward to move and there is potential for damage to the top corners of the panels if they rock far enough to strike the track. On paired panel systems, (which always stack panels at the end of the track) it is best to have an even number of panels as one single panel would present the same issues.
Manual vs. Automatic Seals:
Corflex standard construction includes manually retractable floor seals with fixed top sweeps . Automatic seals are not available and are HIGHLY NOT RECOMMENDED.
Regardless of operable partition make or model, automatic seals are not available on panels with passdoors (or panels adjacent to panels with passdoors on paired panel systems). Automatic seals are also not available on lever closure panels (or the adjacent panels on paired panel systems). These panels use a fixed adjustable seal with little accommodation for floor variation.
Additionally, automatic seals are often referred to as ‘ram seals’ – they automatically set when one panel is rammed into the previous – there is potential for considerable damage to panels when this process is used, particularly to the bottom corners of the panels.
Therefore, we recommend manual operable bottom seals, as it is easier to maintain STC rating with one consistent seal system. Plus, manual seals will dramatically reduce the likelihood of damaging panels occurring during partition set ups. When the final closure is completed using a lever closure panel, you require a seal activator for set up and take down whether your bottom seals are manual or automatic.
STC Rating:
Corflex offers a maximum STC rating of 54. When comparing the acoustical value of panels from multiple manufactures, make sure the specifications represent the tested products actual properties. Also, compare the testing methods used by different companies to determine their STC ratings as testing methods vary and this affects the test results.
For additional information or if you would like to get a quote on a Corflex Operable Glass Wall, please contact KM Burgess Agencies at 306-721-5700 or by email at info@kmburgess.com
Stay tuned for the 4th and final part of our discussion about Corflex Operable Partitions, Installation & Maintenance!