Answers To Know About Using Expansion Joints

Joint expansion slots can be vital components in modern construction. However, a lack of information can often result in these joints being underappreciated by those that could benefit from their installation the most.

What Is The Purpose Of Installing Expansion Joints?

An expansion joint can help to reduce the stress that can occur as a result of thermal expansion. When many substances are heated, they will expand in size. This can lead to cracks and other damages occurring due to the intense stress that can result from this thermal expansion. An expansion joint is made of a material that is flexible enough to be able to absorb much fo this expansion. By strategically placing these joints, it can be possible to vastly reduce the amount of damage that occurs due to prolonged or repeated thermal expansion.

Are The Materials Used In The Expansion Joint Durable Against Weathering?

Due to the fact that it is common for these joints to need to be installed in outdoor settings, you might have some concerns about the ability of these joints to withstand the weathering that can be experienced. A specialized rubber that is designed to be moisture and temperature resistant will be one of the most commonly used materials for expansion joints. In addition to being an extremely durable material, these joints will typically require no special care outside of periodic inspections to ensure they are free of damage. While these joints will need to be replaced at some point, this will normally be after many years have passed since the joint was first installed.

Can An Expansion Joint Be Installed In A Parking Lot?

Paved surfaces will be one of the areas where expansion joints will be the most commonly used. The pavement that is used in your parking lot can reach extremely hot temperatures that can cause significant thermal expansion. This can lead to parking lots being prone to experiencing major damage due to these issues. Unfortunately, business owners will often have failed to have the forethought to have an expansion joint installed in their parking lot when it was first poured. Luckily, there are services that will be able to install these joints in parking lots that are already currently existing. This will involve removing a small amount of the pavement so that the rubber or other flexible material can be installed. While these joints will be able to help reduce the risk of future damage occurring to the parking lot, it will still be necessary to repair any cracks or other damages that have already occurred.

Reach out to a company such as P.Stubblefield Expansion Joint Solutions to learn more about expansion joint services.

Share