Raised floors must not be installed flush against perimeter walls. Buildings expand, contract, and shift due to thermal expansion (hygrothermal movement), structural settlement, and seismic activity. If the raised floor is rigidly connected to the walls, this movement transfers directly into the raised floor grid, causing buckling, cracking, or tile misalignment.
Industry standards (e.g., CISCA – Ceilings & Interior Systems Construction Association guidelines) require leaving a small perimeter gap (typically 1–2 cm) between raised floor tiles and walls. This gap is then sealed with flexible firestops or brush gaskets to control air leakage while preserving movement tolerance.
Therefore, the correct practice is to leave a separation space, making answer C correct. Options A and D restrict this requirement incorrectly, while B is factually wrong (sealing against the perimeter is not allowed).
[References: CISCA Raised Floor Installation Guidelines, ANSI/TIA-942-B §6.3 (Flooring and Seismic Considerations)., , ]
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