Whether you’re building a new home or working on a concrete slab project, there are some important tips XPS extruded polystyrene insulation board to consider when installing expansion joints. These joints are vital to the durability of your concrete slab, so you need to be sure that they’re in the right places, with the correct materials and at the proper spacing.
1. Check the Temperature
The temperature of the concrete will affect how much expansion it has. If it's too cold it will shrink and if it's too hot it will expand. Having a good understanding of how the concrete is going to change can help you deal with any problems that arise during the build process.
If you're building a concrete driveway or any other large concrete slab, it's essential to use control joints, also known as expansion joints. These are gaps that allow the concrete to shift & expand as it changes temperature without causing cracks and buckling.
Expansion joints can be made of different materials such as fibreboard, metal and cork. They are all able to withstand more heat and pressure than other types of joint material.
When choosing a concrete expansion joint it's important to find one that is flexible enough to be able to flex with the concrete, allowing for movement which will prevent cracking. It's also important to choose a product that is resistant to moisture and can handle the heat.
If you're looking for an expansion joint solution that is flexible, easy to install and offers protection from the elements then look no further than SITEWORX Fibreboard Expansion Joint Filler. It's a lightweight, semi-rigid product that's available in rolls for easy transport and installation. It's also impregnated with bitumen to aid moisture resistance.
2. Check the Pressure
When it comes to laying a new concrete driveway or patio, an expansion joint is a must. Expansion joints are a great way to give your slab a little room to breathe without putting too much stress on it. Depending on the size of your project, there are many different types of expansion joints to choose from.
The best ones are typically made of a material that is flexible enough to withstand the forces of concrete. They are often impregnated with a bitumen-based sealant that helps prevent moisture from reaching the concrete and causing it to sag.
The most important aspect of any expansion joint is to ensure that it is correctly positioned and held in place. A good tip is to use a reputable company that can provide professional advice on the most suitable type of expansion joint for your needs and budget. This is the best way to avoid costly re-dos or replacements down the line. Choosing the right concrete expansion joints is not an easy task, but with a little preparation and a little patience, your next concrete build can be a breeze! It might even be the most exciting part of your home renovation.
3. Check the Spacing
Depending on the type of concrete you’re working with, the spacing you use for your control joints can be important. These gaps allow concrete to expand and contract as it shifts around for a natural change of temperature and also allows it to move around without creating a lot of stress that can lead to cracking or other damage to your property or the surrounding structures.
Ideally, the joint should be at least 30 times the thickness of the concrete slab, which means if your concrete is 100mm thick you’d have to space these joints at about 3 metres intervals. Regardless of whether you want to use an expansion joint filler or not, it’s crucial that you plan where to place your control joints carefully and only use approved materials that are suitable for the job.
Using an expansion joint that is positioned correctly and at the right spacing will ensure your concrete looks as good as it can be when it’s all finished. This can make a big difference to the overall look of your home. Ultimately, it’s always best to leave things in the hands of professionals who know exactly how to work with this material and can guide you on what will be best for your concrete project.
4. Check the Weather
Taking the time to plan out your concrete expansion joints will pay off big in the long run. Creating the right gaps, at the right spacing and filling them with the correct material is a sure fire way to keep your concrete slabs looking brand new for many years to come. A well thought out design can make the difference between a smooth and functional surface to a cracked and blasted mess, the best part of all is it doesn't have to cost a fortune! To make your life easier we have an extensive range of quality expansion joint products at Hanson Concrete.
5. Check the Materials
When laying concrete, it’s important to remember the materials used. This means the type of expansion joint filler you use, and whether or not you seal it.
If the filler material isn’t well-placed or sealed it can easily allow water or other stuff to enter the gap. This can lead to deterioration and damage to the joints.
It’s also important to remember that the filler should extend the full depth and width of the slab. This will prevent damage and water from entering the gap during heave or settles.
Expansion joint fillers come in many different materials, including wood, polyurethane and vinyl. We recommend working with a professional who can advise on the best material for your needs, based on concrete type and other factors.
One popular choice is WR Meadows Fiber Expansion Joint, which is made of cellulose long-strand fibers securely bonded together and saturated with asphalt. This environmentally safe compressible material is economical and easier to handle than other joint filler compounds.
6. Check the Tools
Having the right tools can make a world of difference when it comes to concrete construction. Having the right equipment and the knowhow to get the job done will save you time and money down the road. For example, if you plan to build a patio then the right materials will help prevent cracked paving and splintered decking in the long run. A few essentials such as a broom, brush and dustpan, are a must as is a well ventilated work area. A good quality rake and shovel will also be in your toolbox of tricks. Using the correct tools for the job will ensure you get it done in the nick of time and with a minimum of fuss.
The best part is, once you've completed your project, there is no need to worry.
7. Check the Surface
If you're going to install new expansion joints in a concrete slab, it's important to check the surface first. This will ensure that you get the correct amount of depth and width for the job, as well as ensuring that the surface is bone dry before applying any sealant.
Expansion joints, also known as control joints, create a gap between two concrete slabs to allow movement and expansion without causing stress or cracking. These gaps are crucial to the strength of large concrete slabs such as foundations and driveways.
Having these gaps allows the concrete to move freely as it expands and contracts due to temperature changes and movements in the soil around it. This allows the concrete to adapt to seasonal changes and helps prevent cracks from forming.
The joint can be filled with a range of fillers, including foam, fibreboard or sand. A foam filler will add flexibility to the concrete, while a fibreboard filler offers more support for the joints.