There are several key criteria you must consider for expansion joint cover specification, but the following have the greatest impact on the selection process and are ranked accordingly:
Expansion joint cover systems are an important part of commercial construction. They provide structures with flexibility, allowing building movement to occur safely. They also support the required traffic, withstand the elements, provide life-safety fundamentals, and blend naturally with adjacent finishes. There are some nuances to selecting the correct product that make a significant impact on the success of the building project. Though identifying the correct product for a specific application may seem overwhelming, we’ve provided considerations that can help simplify the process.
The first item to consider is how large the gap opening will be and the associated movement required in the building. This will steer the decision toward a set of products that meet that specific criteria.
Expansion joints will allow movement during temperature fluctuations, wind-loads, ground settlement, or even seismic activity. The nominal width refers to the width of the joint opening at a median size. Maximum width refers to how wide the joint is expected to open (also known as max open). Minimum width refers to how narrow the gap is expected to contract in size (also known as max close). The percentage of expected movement is used to determine the maximum and minimum widths.
An example:
A 2″ joint at ±50% movement indicates that the maximum width equals 3″ (the nominal width plus half the nominal width), while minimum width equals 1″ (the nominal width minus half the nominal width). Most Balco systems can withstand movement from ±50% percent to up to ±100 percent!
Another important consideration is the movement of joints that are perpendicular to each other, such as at a corner. When this occurs, one of the joint covers will need to laterally shear when the other opens and closes. If there are large amounts of movement expected, care will need to be taken in the design of transitions to handle lateral shear movement and maybe even vertical shear movement. (For this reason, when possible, joints should run continuously through the building without changing direction). The capacity for shear movement varies by product.
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The second item to consider is whether the system is intended for interior or exterior applications and what sort of environmental conditions apply — like weatherproofing.
Interior expansion joints do not typically require a weatherproofing moisture barrier as exterior expansion joints do. Occasionally, they require a hygienic barrier to prevent contamination in locations such as large commercial kitchens, food storage, prep areas, food manufacturing and packaging, surgical rooms, clean rooms, and laboratories. This is critical for health and safety reasons. A moisture barrier can be added to any interior cover, upon request.
Balco’s Interior Floor Systems
Balco’s Interior Wall & Ceiling Systems
Exterior expansion joint systems (found in roofs, walls, parking garages, outdoor stadiums, etc.) are exposed to all sorts of weather conditions. Exterior covers typically feature both primary and secondary moisture barriers (often in tandem with a building’s envelope system) to prevent intrusion of and wear from the elements (condensation, rain, snow, ice melt, UV exposure, hot temperatures, wind, dirt, flying debris, etc.). The appropriate material for the expansion joint system (whether a robust metal plate or durable face seal), along with its proper weatherproofing, ensure proper longevity from the brutal effects of Mother Nature.
Balco’s Exterior Wall Systems
Balco’s Roof Systems
Balco’s Parking & Open-air Systems
Balco’s Water Barrier
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