The manufacturers of nonstructural standard and EQ-stud framing members provide very specific and precise tables that the contractor uses to
determine what type of stud to use based on the performance requirements for the construction project. This information is generally provided in an ES-Report. ES-Reports are an independent, third-party testing of the manufacturer’s products to affirm the statements of performance
provided by the manufacturer.
In general, these tables are
relatively straightforward and easy to understand, provided the reader
takes the time to read and understand, not only the specific stud
information but also the important “Table Notes.” The Table Notes
provide the caveats or specific stipulations, conditions or limitations
of the products evaluated, or as some may say the fine print. Read the
fine print.