Expansion joints: complete guide on this subject. Find out everything now!
Have you ever heard of expansion joints? If you are in the construction business, I'm sure you know that expansion joints must be made in several cases during the execution of a work.
But are you aware of their importance and why they should be done the right way? Thinking about the role that expansion joints play in buildings both to protect the structure and the coating, we made this article so that you can understand once and for all everything about all the characteristics of expansion joints.
So, if you are building a project or need to know more about expansion joints, read this article to the end, because here you will have access to relevant information on this very important topic during the execution of a construction.
In this article that I prepared, you will find various types of information, such as: what expansion joints are and what are they for, what are the differences between expansion and movement joints, how to waterproof them and how joints should be made on concrete floors and facades.
I guarantee that you will not regret learning more about expansion joints with this incredible content that I prepared to help you carry out a work. Come with me!
What are expansion joints and what are they for?
Before anything else, we need to understand what expansion joints are and what they are for on a construction site. To understand what I'm going to talk about in the next few topics, you need to know clearly the definition and function of expansion joints. So let's go!
Expansion joints are nothing more than spacings available to allow thermal expansion and provide more flexibility to the work. Thus, they prevent the appearance of cracks or cracks, for example. Therefore, the joints create spaces necessary for the materials to expand without damaging the surface.
You probably know the term “expansion joints” and that they are quite important during the execution process of a work. But what are they for, anyway? Expansion joints serve to ensure more safety for the entire structure as they are spaces available in the event of material movement or expansion.
Expansion joints therefore serve to prevent the appearance of cracks, cracks, peeling of the coating and other more serious problems that may compromise the entire structure of the work. Therefore, making the expansion joints and waterproofing them correctly avoids major inconvenience in the future. Let's explain everything about how to do it. Stay here with me.
What is the difference between expansion joint and motion joint?
Probably the term “expansion joint” sounds more familiar to you than “motion joint”, doesn't it? . However, both terms must be clarified in order to understand the real difference among them, since they are often confused.
As we have already said, expansion joints are necessary spaces to ensure that the expansion of the material does not damage the structure. Movement joints also have this same function, but refer to when only the coating moves, not necessarily providing structural protection. Expansion joints, on the other hand, protect in the event of an expansion of the structure.
There is more talk about expansion joints, since a problem in the structure turns out to be much more dangerous than a damage to the coating. However, both are very important since a damaged coating can affect not only the aesthetics of the work, but also the structure. Therefore, due importance must be given so that both joints are executed and waterproofed in the correct way.
How to waterproof expansion joints?
Expansion joints are spacings provided before the execution of the work that allow the expansion and retraction of the surface caused by the variation of the climate and the natural movement of the structure.
Because they are exposed to the action of water or moisture, they must be waterproofed to prevent them from causing damage to the structure through infiltration. As you already know, water infiltration causes numerous problems and promotes the appearance of pathological manifestations, which are very harmful to a building.
To avoid inconvenience and ensure proper sealing of the expansion joints, you must use BlokSil MS, a sealant that, once applied, transforms into a flexible rubber with extreme adhesion and resistance.
Thus, the application of the sealant seals the expansion joints, reducing the possibility of the occurrence of cracks, cracks and infiltrations that can affect the entire structure. To learn more about this product, take a look at our website and before choosing the product to waterproof expansion joints, talk to the team of Blok to understand how BlokSil MS is the solution for your work.
Expansion joint for concrete floor
When we talk about concrete floors, expansion joints must be a priority when performing this type of coating. This is because temperature variations and natural movements can affect concrete floors, both the coating and its structure as a whole.
Therefore, in order not to be harmed in any of these ways, when installed, care must be taken to ensure that the expansion joints are made correctly and in compliance with all the manufacturer's recommendations.
In addition, you cannot miss the waterproofing, which must be done in the way that we explained in the previous topic, with BlokSil Ms.
For concrete floors, there are 3 types of expansion joints: retraction joints, expansion joints, and construction joints. Let's better understand each one of them:
- Retraction joints: they are created to create light marks on concrete. If the surface cracks, it will occur at the previously marked location.
- Expansion joints: ideal for separating the floor from other elements of the structure of a building.
- Construction joints: they are created to demarcate the concrete strips.
Basically, that's what we can talk about expansion joints in concrete floors. One thing is certain: they need to be made the right way and waterproofed with the right product.
Expansion joints on facades
As facades they are places that are totally exposed to inclement weather and, therefore, subject to the occurrence of the most diverse pathological manifestations. For this reason, they deserve special attention when it comes to protecting them against the action of water.
Expansion joints play an extremely important role in facades, since they prevent both the structure and the coating from being damaged if the materials expand due to climatic variations and natural movements of the structure. Thus, the expansion joints must be made in the correct manner as well as they must be waterproofed with the right product to avoid disorders that can be prevented.
Therefore, to ensure that the façade of your building does not have problems over the years and is always beautiful and maintained, you need to pay special attention to the expansion joints, since they are the main responsible for a preserved façade that requires little upkeep.
Conclusion
Expansion joints play a fundamental role during the execution of a work. Therefore, special attention must be paid during their execution and waterproofing. Speaking of waterproofing, it is essential that the right product be used to prevent infiltration and its consequent pathological manifestations.
The long-term effect of good execution and waterproofing of expansion joints is significant since it avoids unpredictable expenses for maintenance that are not planned.
Thus, it is possible to ensure that both the structure and the coating last for many years without requiring major maintenance. When waterproofing the expansion joints of your work, don't forget to talk to the team from Blok to learn more about BlokSil MS. See you next time!
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