Building façades, concrete slabs, asphalt, piping systems and other structures expand and contract due to temperature changes and other weather conditions. Vibrations, settling and other forces also affect the stability and surface integrity of these structures.
Expansion joints or isolation joints are designed to relieve the stresses exerted on these structures by outside forces. They are utilized in many different areas of construction to safely cushion the movements of various construction materials, absorb vibrations, hold certain parts together, and allow movement in a controlled manner.
In the construction of streets and bridges, expansion joints allow for movement of the concrete slabs due to moisture and changes in temperature, and for shrinkage during the curing process. Expansion joints in piping systems help to ensure that the system remains functional, even in extreme weather conditions. By reducing the pressure on an overall structure, expansion joints can make a huge difference in the lifespan of many different structures.
Expansion joints in your building
Walls made of brick or concrete blocks are routinely outfitted with expansion joints to help minimize cracking in the veneer of the wall. With the passage of time, expansion joints may become damaged. When the joints have grown wide or have pulled away from adjoining structures or developed cracks, they should be repaired to prevent the spread of damage to the rest of the concrete or adjoining structures.
Rubber expansion joints installed in piping systems reduce stress caused by thermal expansion and contraction that would otherwise rupture pipe joints. Rubber expansion joints ease the pressure of misaligned connections, which occurs after parts begin wearing, when pipes settle, and from mechanical operations of equipment in the system. They are an integral part of any major pipe system, and require a team of professionals to install, especially when the pipe system is very large.
Tile expansion joints are integral parts of any tile installation. An expansion joint is the area between a row of tile and the hard surface it sits against, such as granite counters or bathtubs. An expansion joint can also be found in inside corners between walls of glass tiles. These joints help the material to flex, since grout and tile are hard and cannot flex. Occasionally, a less flexible material such as grout will crack. Or the flexible material may dry out over time. In either case, a cracked tile expansion joint should be repaired to allow for the continued viability of the tile application.
Metal expansion joints go in certain locations in drywalls to prevent cracking and breaking from building movement, temperature changes and moisture absorption. As they are made of metal, these joints are relatively easy to find behind the drywall and paint.
Expansion joints on concrete driveways are typically thin strips of wood running from side to side across the slab. Without expansion joints, a concrete driveway will crack and lift. Over the course of time, the weather causes the wood to rot and degrade. When this happens, water seeps into the exposed area, lifting and cracking the concrete.
For more answers to your questions about expansion joints, contact Freedom Restoration at 410-451-7110 or click here.