Header track with stud retention feature

A wall assembly for a wall having a linear wall gap, comprising:

• a footer track;
• a header track comprising a web, a first flange and a second flange, wherein the web is substantially planar and has a first side edge and a second side edge, the first flange and the second flange extend in the same direction from the first and second side edges, respectively, wherein each of the first and second flanges is substantially planar such that the header track defines a substantially U-shaped cross section, each of the first and second flanges has a free end opposite a respective one of the first side edge and second side edge, each of the first and second flanges has a plurality of slits, each of the plurality of slits extending partially up the first and second flanges from the free ends, wherein each adjacent pair of the plurality of slits defines a tab therebetween, each tab having a first end adjacent to the free ends of the first and second flanges and a second end opposite the first end, the header track having at least one fire-retardant material strip attached thereto such that the at least one fire-retardant material strip extends lengthwise along a surface of the header track;
• a plurality of studs extending between the footer track and the header track;
• and
• at least a first wall board supported by the plurality of studs;
• wherein the header track is attached to an overhead structure and the bottom track, wall studs and wall board is movable relative to the header track, and wherein each of at least two tabs are bent inwardly to capture one of the plurality of studs therebetween, and a width of each tab is substantially equal to a width of each of the plurality of studs.

A method of assembling a fire-rated wall having a linear wall gap, comprising:

• attaching a footer track to a horizontal floor element;
• attaching a header track to a horizontal ceiling element, the header track comprising a web, a first flange and a second flange, wherein the web is substantially planar and has a first side edge and a second side edge, the first flange and the second flange extend in the same direction from the first and second side edges, respectively, wherein each of the first and second flanges is substantially planar such that the header track defines a substantially U-shaped cross section, each of the first and second flanges has a free end opposite a respective one of the first side edge and second side edge, each of the first and second flanges has a plurality of slits, each of the plurality of slits extending partially up the first and second flanges from the free ends, wherein each adjacent pair of the plurality of slits defines a tab therebetween, each tab having a first end adjacent to the free ends of the first and second flanges and a second end opposite the first end, the header track having at least one heat-expandable intumescent strip attached thereto such that the at least one heat-expandable intumescent strip extends lengthwise along a surface of the header track;
• positioning a plurality of studs between the footer track and the header track;
• bending at least two tabs towards one of the plurality of studs until the tabs contact the stud;
• and
• attaching at least one piece of wallboard to the plurality of studs.