Expansion joint

It is a crucial element in the construction industry that ensures the long-term stability and safety of buildings.

What is expansion joint

An expansion joint or expansion gap is a gap that allows materials to expand or contract due to a range of factors, such as temperature changes, humidity, or soil movement. This prevents cracking and damage to the materials.

There are several types of expansion joints, for example, thermal (used for materials that contract and expand due to heat), sedimentary (if parts of the building have different substrates), technological (between two materials that behave differently), or seismic expansion (in areas with increased seismic activity).

Example of use

An expansion joint is formed between building structures, for example:

• In gutter system or roof construction.
• In concrete structures, such as sidewalks, roads, floors.
• In the walls of buildings, for example between individual blocks.
• In paving and tiling where the tiles are not laid tightly together.
• In floors, such as parquet blocks, laminate and wooden floors that expand due to heat.

What are expansion joints filled with?

The resulting gaps need to be filled with flexible material.

In the case of roofs and gutter systems are used, for example: expansion joint strip, roof expansion joint gutter or roof expansion trough gutter.

In the case of other structures, expansion joint tape, expansion joint moulding, silicone or polyurethane sealant, foam fillers, rubber or plastic profiles and the like are used.

Expansion joints are an essential part of various structural elements and structures because they allow materials to respond to different environmental changes, thus preventing damage and extending the service life of buildings.