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Expansion Joint Installation

What are Expansion Joints?

Expansion joints are assemblies designed to safely absorb the heat-induced expansion and contraction of various construction materials. They are commonly found between sections of sidewalks, bridges, railway tracks, piping systems, and other structures.
 
There are many types of expansion joints we are capable of installing or servicing, some are as follows:
  • Concrete Expansion Joint
  • Keflex Expansion Joint
  • Teflon Expansion Joint
  • Teflon Bellows Expansion Joint
  • Rubber Expansion Joint
  • Metal Expansion Joint
  • Vinyl Expansion Joint.

 

Causes of Failure

Throughout the year, building faces and concrete slabs will expand and contract due to the warming and cooling of our planet through the seasons. Before expansion joint gaps were built into the structures we see today, the structures would crack under this stress (thermal expansion and contraction).

Expansion joints are often neglected during the design process, and simple caulking is used to fill these gaps to complete a project. This simple caulking cannot handle the thermal expansion due to the changing seasons, ultimately leaving a leak point in the structure.

Misc. Protocol in New Construction:

The General Contractor and/or Concrete Sub-Contractor is responsible to ensure that concrete, to which expansion joint systems will attach or otherwise come in contact, is placed so as to facilitate expansion joint system installation. 
 

  • Pre-construction Expansion Joint Conference – We typically call a meeting of all parties involved in the treatment of work at and around expansion joints.  This meeting is to take place prior to any concrete that will define expansion joints is placed.  All superintendents and forepersons with responsibility for involved in casting activities must attend this meeting.  The meeting will be used to educate all involved parties as to their responsibilities.

    In addition to the pre-construction expansion joint conference, at all subsequent progress meetings, expansion joint review, coordination, and responsibility is required to be an agenda item. 

  • Expansion Joint Responsibilities of General Contractor and/or Concrete Sub-Contractor - All subcontractors are to understand their responsibilities in relation to expansion joints and that their work cannot impede structural movement that will occur at expansion joints or compromise the achievement of watertightness at expansion joints in any way.  

    All subcontractors are to ensure that their work in relation to expansion joints is properly executed and that accommodation for appropriate movement in their materials is made.  Installation of any materials at, around, or through expansion joints that impedes movement at the expansion joint or impedes installation of expansion joint systems will be required to be removed and reworked.
 
Expansion Joint Inspection Expansion Joint Repair Parking Garage Expansion Joint Inspection

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Our crews are certified, continually trained and we carry all necessary insurance certificates including workers compensation. 
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