09/05

NWCB Technical Document

CODES Deflection Criteria for Interior Finishes
100-100

The International Building Code has “minimum” requirements for deflection of interior and exterior walls.
They are in Chapter 16, Table 1604.3

TABLE 1604.3 DEFLECTION LIMITSa,b,c,h,i

CONSTRUCTION L S or Wf D + Ld,g

Roof members:e      
Supporting plaster ceiling l/360 l/360 l/240
Supporting nonplaster ceiling l/240 l/240 l/180
Not supporting ceiling l/180 l/180 l/120

Floor members l/360 — l/240

Exterior walls and interior partitions:      
With brittle finishes — l/240 —
With flexible finishes — l/120 —
Farm buildings — — l/180

Greenhouses — — l/120

The term brittle finishes would refer to plaster; and flexible finishes would refer to gypsum wallboard.
NWCB would strongly recommend plaster walls be l/360 and gypsum wallboard be l/240. The minimum
IBC requirements are structurally sound and safe. However, NWCB has seen cracking occur frequently
with these lower deflection criteria.

This technical document is to serve as a guideline and it is not intended for any specific construction projects. NWCB makes no express or implied warranty or
guarantee of the techniques, construction methods or materials identified herein.

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