18 Mar Expansion Joint Repairs In Your Building

Expansion Joint Repairs in the construction industry

 

Expansion joints in the construction industry are what holds the concrete in a building together. It’s what allows the commercial building you’re working or living in to stand and stay strong for the years to come. Poor installments or infrastructure can lead to the deterioration of expansion joint repairs needed or resulting in a complete collapse of the concrete structure. It’s the area between two slabs of concrete which allow them to move without breaking or deteriorating. They’re placed in buildings to prevent cracks from forming especially due to poor weather conditions. In South Florida, we are exposed to mostly sunny weather throughout the year; however, we can experience a significant amount of rain, storms, and hurricanes throughout the year. This is why it’s important to recognize when repairs may be needed on the expansion joints. The expansion joint serves to relieve stress on the concrete and prevent it from cracking.  Expansion joints can be found in large commercial or apartment buildings, on sidewalks, and even on the bridges we drive on and over every day. 

 

Over time, repairs will be needed on these expansion joints as they deteriorate from wear and tear, poor weather conditions, and any insufficient maintenance. The process for expansion joint repairs is like the process of any other repairs. It consists of an inspection, identifying and addressing the issues, choosing the right materials and approach for the repairs, and creating an effective solution for the expansion joints. 

 

Throughout this article, we will go over in detail the importance of expansion joints and how understanding the information is essential in order to mitigate structural damages. This article will serve as a guide to preserve the structural integrity of your commercial and residential building. 

 

Types of Expansion Joint Damage

 

Throughout the building’s lifetime, any sealants used during the initial construction or throughout any repairs or renovations made will eventually break down and fade. This is caused by poor weather conditions, UV radiation from the sun, or from salt air and water if the building is located near the coast of Florida. The deterioration can cause cracking of the concrete in the building and lead to the seal breaking down and allowing water to seep into the building. Water infiltration and penetration is one of the most common ways expansion joints and concrete eventually wither away, crack, and break down. It’s important to consistently maintain and overlook the joint sealant material to ensure it is in proper condition. 

 

Another cause for expansion joint damage is caused by spalling and erosion. The structural integrity can become compromised when spalling occurs. Spalling occurs when small parts of the concrete break off usually from heavy loads or from experiencing significant forces. Erosion typically occurs from abrasive forces from traffic and water penetration. Afterwards, the erosion widens the joints, reducing the strength of the sealant used, and creating a weak and vulnerable expansion joint. 

It’s important to know when constructing or completing any type of repairs on your commercial building to use effective materials. Usually the use of poor materials leads to the sealant breaking down and also the expansion joint needing additional repairs before it’s necessary. When having your building inspected or even when it’s being initially constructed, the licensed and certified engineer should account for temperature and any outside forces which would affect the sealant used and the expansion joints. 

 

Importance of Timely Expansion Joint Repair

 

Why is all of this important? Why is it important to repair the expansion joints of your building? Well, like any repairs, it’s important to play a proactive role when managing or owning your building. By proactively overlooking the building and verifying what repairs may be needed, could save your building significant financial costs and burdens. It is what can determine whether you have minor issues or catastrophic building issues. It can also halt the progression of the damage, preventing any deterioration of the joints and the building structure. It cannot be overstated to protect the structural integrity of your commercial building. Assessing and completing those repairs in a timely manner will ensure the joints will continue to function properly. 

 

Like previously mentioned, water is one of the most common sources of damages a building can suffer. By not properly adhering to repairs in a timely manner, can open your building to become more vulnerable from water and thus affecting the joints. South Florida is also known for experiencing mold damages from initial water damages in its buildings. You want to make sure the age of the joints and building can be extended but also ensure the building is structurally sound and safe. 

 

It purely is in your best interest to play a proactive role in managing your property. By doing so, you will be able to save a significant amount of costs when it comes to repairing the building. Completing any repairs in a large commercial building will have some financial burden but also some form of disruption for residents or occupants. You want to ensure the repairs needed have the least amount of disruption for any persons living or working in the building. By delaying any repairs needed for the expansion joints, it will only mean the repairs take that much longer to complete. Proactive maintenance can extend the lifespan of the expansion joints and reduce the need for any additional repairs over the lifespan of your building. 

 

Case studies in successful expansion joint rehabilitation

 

One example of a successful rehabilitation of expansion joints is the installation on the Burj Khalifa building located in Dubai. Due to its structural design and how tall the building is in height, it required serious and specialized expansion joint rehabilitation. The company Joint Yoochang provided expansion joints to assist in the construction process of the building. 

 

Cost Analysis of Expansion Joint Repair Methods

 

When conducting an analysis of the associated costs on expansion joint repair methods, there are several factors that must be considered. These factors include the scope of the project, the timeline to complete said repairs, materials used, the labor involved, and any long term maintenance requirements.

 

When we assess the costs, we first must determine the type of materials used. Different materials for the repairs will dictate the actual initial costs for the installation. We need to look at items such as sealants, gaskets, any bridging devices, and coatings. The pricing will vary based on the quality used. 

 

After the selection of materials, labor and equipment costs will have to be accounted for. Depending on the length of time and complexity of the project will determine the exact costs for the expansion joint repairs. Laborers such as technicians, engineers, and the entire construction crew are included in the scope of work. The equipment rental or purchase for the costs will also have to be accounted for such as any machinery and any lifting equipment or devices.

 

Conducting the analysis will allow all parties involved to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and performance for all options. By conducting a complete and comprehensive cost analysis, all parties involved can make logical choices regarding the expansion joint repair methods that will align with the budget while also making sure safety, quality, and durability are of the utmost importance. 

 

Role of Maintenance in Expansion Joint Preservation

 

In order to properly preserve the expansion joints in your commercial building, we need to ensure longevity is a priority. Consistent maintenance will ensure that this is accomplished. 

 

Maintenance is crucial for preserving expansion joints, ensuring the longevity and safety of infrastructure. Regular inspections are key to catching issues early, preventing costly repairs or structural failures. Additionally, cleaning removes debris, preventing obstruction of joint movement and accelerating corrosion. Periodically replacing degraded sealants is essential to prevent water damage and maintain structural integrity. Proper alignment and adjustment accommodate movement and prevent failure.

 

Moreover, corrosion protection measures such as coatings or sacrificial anodes mitigate metal component corrosion. Strengthening measures prevent failure due to excessive movement or loading. Environmental monitoring, including factors like temperature and moisture, informs maintenance decisions. By implementing tailored maintenance practices, owners ensure infrastructure reliability, minimize downtime, and reduce lifecycle costs. This proactive approach also enhances resilience to environmental challenges and regulatory compliance.

 

Expansion Joint Repair Techniques for different construction materials

 

Like previously mentioned, with an expansion joint repair, a strategy to implore is one where the deteriorated sealant is removed and replaced with a suitable joint sealant. This will maintain its composure and ensure water and any debris do not enter. 

 

Another form of repair would be the use of asphalt expansion joints. These joints are filled with flexible fillers or sealants and this allows no water to enter and reduces any pavement tension or stress. It is the most common material used in the concrete construction industry; making it suitable for any type of environment.

 

How do I know if I need to make repairs on the expansion joints in my building?

 

The good thing about any damages to the expansion joints is that it can be detected early and addressed early as well. An expansion joint deterioration in your building is very noticeable as it is something that occurs slow over time. It will first start with cracking on the concrete in your building. Performing routine maintenance checks and routine visual inspections by your management team can help you identify any cracks in the concrete and fix them immediately. By proactively attending to the matter, you can create a very physically and financially safe and sound environment for you and your management team. This is an area we have a considerable amount of expertise in and have a proven track record of success when it comes to repairing expansion joints. 

 

If repairs aren’t made and there are signs of damages or cracking showing, it will eventually lead to the entire concrete surface becoming damaged and perhaps leading to hazard concerns. 

 

Wrapping things up

 

To conclude, it cannot be overstated that identifying issues in your building and addressing them when it comes to expansion joints is crucial. It is crucial for the success and the longevity of your commercial building as negligence can lead to further damages. In order to maintain the structural integrity of your building, it is important to play a proactive role in the management of your building and addressing any expansion joint issues. 

 

The damages expansion joints suffer can range from simple wear and tear deterioration to poor weather conditions such as hurricanes. Maximize the efficiency of your building, including sidewalks and hallways, by reaching out to us for a consultation. We’ll pinpoint and resolve any issues, ensuring optimal performance for you and your property.