Control Joints (part 1)
Control joints are small gaps formed in floors and walls to allow localised movements that arise from drying shrinkage, thermal gain/loss and creep.
May 31, 2018
Blog
Waterproofing
It is essential to waterproof some joints, particularly those that are used in the external envelope of a structure where driven rain and pooling of water are likely. Expansion joints that are used externally and those that are likely to be subjected to ‘wet wash-down’ such as in manufacturing facilities should be waterproofed. Some ranges of joints […]
June 27, 2017
Differences between Expansion – and Movement Control Joints
What are the differences between Expansion – and Movement Control Joints?
Fire Barriers
It is vitally important that building designers consider placing fire barriers beneath expansion joints where that jointing system breaches fire compartment floors, walls and ceilings. Expansion Joints are physical breaks in the continuity of construction and, as such, pass through floors, walls and ceilings. In the event of fire these expansion gaps act as a chimney […]
Accessibility
Specifiers often overlook the fact that expansion joints in floors can fail to meet the demands of current international Disability legislation. Accessibility and International Disability Legislation Three pieces of Disability legislation serve to present the worst case scenario for any designer specifying an expansion joint in a floor. These are respectively the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), […]
June 27, 2017
Causes of Movement
Types of movement All buildings are subjected to forces which cause them to move. Since the materials of a building do not have sufficient strength to absorb these movements, the building is divided into smaller independent structures. This limits the stress on any one part of the building. It is this movement that expansion Joints […]
