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Mar 14, 20239 min read

Division 10 "Exploring the Benefits and Applications of Specialties in Modern Building Design"

Division 10: Specialties is a section of the Construction Specifications Institute's (CSI) MasterFormat, which is a standard for organizing construction documents. The following are the spec sections included in Division 10:



Section 1000 - Information Specialties:

Information Specialties is all about making sure that people can easily find and understand things in buildings. Imagine walking into a big building like a school or a hospital. Finding your way around and knowing where things are can be tricky. That's why signs and other information specialties are essential.


Signs are things that tell you where you are, where to go, or what to do. For example, you might have seen signs like "Exit," "Restroom," or "Classroom." Signs can be made from different materials, like metal or plastic, and have different colors and shapes. Graphics are like pictures or symbols that help you understand things. For example, a picture of a wheelchair might help you know where the handicap-accessible bathroom is.

These things are used in buildings like schools, hospitals, museums, airports, and shopping malls. For example, signs can help you find your classroom or the cafeteria in a school. In a hospital, signs can help you find the emergency room or the pharmacy. In a museum, graphics can help you learn about the exhibits. And in a shopping mall, signs can help you find your favorite store.

So, to sum it up, Section 1000 of Division 10 - Specialties is about ensuring people can easily find and understand things in buildings.


Section 1010 - Visual Display Boards:

Visual Display Boards are used to display temporary information, like announcements or schedules. These boards are made of cork or other porous surfaces, allowing people to pin or tack up papers, flyers, or other items.

Visual display boards are typically found in public spaces like schools, community centers, churches, and office buildings. For example, in a school, they might be used to display the lunch menu for the week, advertise a school event, or share information about clubs and activities. In an office building, they might display the schedule for a conference or training session or share important news and announcements.


The main difference between visual display boards and the signage and graphics we talked about in Section 1000 is that visual display boards are used for more temporary or changing information, whereas signage and graphics are usually more permanent and are used for directions or essential information that doesn't change very often.

Overall, visual display boards are an important part of communication in public spaces. They are versatile and can be used for a wide range of purposes, from sharing important news and announcements to promoting events and activities. While they differ from signage and graphics in their purpose and design, they serve an important role in keeping people informed and engaged in their communities.


Section 1020 - Marker and Tack Boards:

Ok, so we have all seen these, but in case you are an alien reading this whos never been to planet earth, I'll continue! These boards are used to write on with special markers or tack items to, like visual display boards we talked about in Section 1010, but with some differences.

Markerboards are made of smooth surfaces like glass or porcelain, which allows people to write on them with special markers that can be erased. On the other hand, tack boards are usually made of cork or other porous surfaces, allowing people to tack up papers, flyers, or other items.

Marker and tack boards are often found in public spaces like schools, community centers, and offices. In a school, a marker board might be used for a teacher to write notes or equations for a lesson, while a tack board might be used to display artwork or student projects.

The main difference between marker and tack boards and visual display boards we talked about in Section 1010 is the materials they are made of and how they are used. Marker and tack boards are usually more permanent and are meant for interactive use, while visual display boards are often used for temporary information.


In conclusion, Section 1020 of Division 10 - Specialties focuses on marker and tack boards used for writing and tacking up items. They are made of different materials than visual display boards and serve other purposes, often used for more interactive and permanent information.


Section 1030 - Directories:

Directories are displays showing people where to find specific offices or rooms within a building. They can be made of various materials and typically display a map or floor plan of the building, along with a list of offices or rooms and their corresponding locations. You have likely seen these in large public buildings like schools and hospitals.


Directories are more permanent fixtures than marker and tack boards and are designed to be informative and easy to read. They differ from marker and tack boards, which are often used for more interactive purposes like writing or displaying temporary information.


Section 1040 - Wall and Corner guards.

The use of wall and corner guards can be traced back to the 1960s, when they were first introduced in hospitals to prevent damage to walls and corners caused by wheeled hospital beds. Since then, they have become a standard feature in many buildings, providing a simple and effective solution for protecting walls and corners from damage. These protective coverings are simply installed on walls and corners to prevent damage from impact or abrasion. They are typically made of durable materials like vinyl, rubber, or metal and come in various colors and sizes to match the decor of the building.

They are used in high-traffic areas of buildings like hospitals and schools, where they can protect walls and corners from damage caused by carts, wheelchairs, or other equipment. They can also be used in areas where furniture or other objects might come into contact with walls, such as in a hotel or conference rooms.

In addition to protecting walls and corners, wall and corner guards can also improve the overall appearance of a building by covering up existing damage and preventing future damage. They are a practical and cost-effective solution for maintaining the aesthetic and functional integrity of a building over time.


Section 1050 - Flagpoles:

Need I say anymore? These are vertical poles that are designed to support and display flags of various sizes and are typically made of aluminum, fiberglass, or steel. Pro Tip if you are writing a sub-contract for a flag pole, remember it needs a foundation! I've seen this missed on more than one project.

Fun Fact, did you know the world's tallest flagpole stands 561 feet tall and is located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia? It was erected in 2014 and holds a flag measuring 162 by 108 feet, which is made of 1,256 pounds of polyester. I hope that footing was not missed in the estimate.

In addition to displaying flags, flagpoles can also serve as architectural features that enhance the appearance of a building or outdoor space. So, flagpoles are an important feature of many buildings and public spaces, whether for practical or aesthetic purposes.


Section 1060 - Protective Covers:

These coverings protect equipment, machinery, furniture, and other objects from damage, dirt, and other external elements. They are typically made of vinyl, canvas, nylon, and polypropylene, depending on the intended use and level of protection required.

While I have seen them specified on construction projects, they are more used in manufacturing, transportation, and aerospace and are usually owner furnished. They are a cost-effective solution for protecting valuable assets and ensuring their longevity.


Section 1070 - Partitions:

Partitions on your construction project are likely related to restrooms, but there are also Moveable Partitions which are walls or dividers that are temporarily used to separate a more prominent space into smaller areas.

They are commonly used in school classrooms, conference rooms, and Multi-Purpose rooms to create private offices, meeting rooms or segregation, and other designated spaces as needed. Partitions can be customized to match the style and function of the building or space and can be designed to include features like soundproofing, lighting, and ventilation.


Moveable partitions can be problematic when it comes to a punch list. Any trade damage can be costly to repair. They are challenging to soundproof, test, and balance for HVAC and are usually hard to operate, making inspections near impossible. Think ADA 5 lbs of pressure to operate! When your project has these specified, ensure that the client's needs and expectations are not trending towards something that is unachievable.

When it comes to toilet partitions, I recommend using the same subcontractor to furnish the following spec below, as they go hand in hand.


Section 1080 - Toilet and Bath Accessories:

This section includes requirements for various accessories that are typically installed in restrooms, such as toilet paper dispensers, soap dispensers, waste receptacles, and towel dispensers. These accessories are important because they provide essential functionality and help to ensure that restrooms are clean and hygienic.

Many of the products listed are designed to be vandal-resistant. Public restrooms can be a target for vandalism, and it's important to have products that can withstand intentional damage. For example, toilet paper dispensers may have metal housings to prevent tampering, or towel dispensers may be designed to only dispense a certain amount of towels at a time to prevent wastefulness.



Another important aspect of this section is accessibility. Restroom accessories must comply with accessibility standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means that they must be designed and installed in a way that is accessible to people with disabilities, such as those who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility. For example, towel dispensers must be mounted at an appropriate height and have a handle that can be operated with one hand.

Something to watch out for here is ensuring you have blocking in your walls and your framing allows for correct positioning, as these are sometimes recessed. Additionally, the grab bars in an ADA stall tend to conflict with the flush lever on the water closets. Double-check this. It happens all the time!


Section 1090 - Wardrobe and Closet Specialties:

Sorry, not a lot to say here! Section 1090 covers the requirements for wardrobe and closet specialties, such as shelves and rods used in closets, dressing rooms, and storage areas. It is important to review your shop drawings against the openings provided. Modifying these in the field can be costly if dimensions do not work out.


Section 1100 - Miscellaneous Specialties:

Ah, yes. Section 1100 - Miscellaneous Specialties. This is where we find all the unique and specific elements of a building that don't quite fit into any other category. It's a catch-all if you will.


Let me give you some examples.

  1. Fire protection specialties, such as fire extinguisher cabinets, sprinklers, and alarms.

  2. Security specialties, like surveillance cameras, keycard readers, and door locks.

  3. Audiovisual specialties, such as projectors, sound systems, and video conferencing equipment.

  4. Signage specialties, including wayfinding signs, directory boards, and custom branding elements.

  5. Art and decor specialties, such as murals, sculptures, and custom lighting installations.

  6. Food service specialties, like custom cabinets and counters, walk-in refrigerators, and ovens.

  7. Sports and fitness specialties, including custom equipment and storage solutions for gymnasiums or athletic fields.

  8. Laboratory specialties, such as fume hoods, safety cabinets, and lab benches.

  9. Environmental specialties including air filtration systems, water fountains, and recycling stations.

  10. Accessibility specialties, like elevators, ramps, and accessible toilets.

Now I know what you are thinking, and you're right that some of these specialties may overlap with other sections of the specification. For example, fire protection specialties could also be found in Division 21 - Fire Suppression, while accessibility specialties might be included in Division 14 - Conveying Equipment. However, there are often aspects of these specialties that don't fit neatly into other sections, which is where Section 1100 comes in.

In addition, Section 1100 can include specialties that aren't covered in other specification divisions. For example, the environmental specialties I mentioned, like air filtration systems and recycling stations, may not fit into any other specification section. Similarly, art and decor specialties, like custom lighting installations, may not fit into any other section unless they are specifically related to a building system like electrical or HVAC.

Overall, while some of the specialties in Section 1100 may overlap with other sections, there are often unique aspects or elements that require their own dedicated section in the specification.

Pro Tip -The key thing to remember with Section 1100 is lead times and what kind of structural support will be required. I have found that designers sometimes put this in the "too hard basket" and leave it to the PM to coordinate and RFI. If you wait until your Misc specialties to show up before asking the question, you may find yourself opening up a wall or a slab to add structural elements for support. Ask me how I know!

In short, Section 1100 is all about those special, one-of-a-kind elements that make a building unique.

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