What is industrial floor expansion joint? What are the types?
Industrial floor expansion joint is a technical term that is used to refer to the process of installing special systems that help manage the stresses and movements that can occur on large areas of industrial flooring due to temperature changes, impacts or loads.
In the case of industrial floors, expansion joints are crucial to preventing cracks, chips and even complete failure. Floor expansion joints are necessary not only in the case of newly constructed structures, but also in existing buildings that are being modernized or subject to intensive use. They are used in all types of industrial buildings, including warehouses, production halls, garages, parking lots and even shopping centers.
Types of expansion joints for industrial floors
The construction industry offers many different types of expansion joints that are adapted to different needs and requirements. The two most popular types are structural and insulating expansion joints.
1. Structural expansion joints - these are vertical gaps in the structure that are intentionally left during the construction process to allow individual building segments to expand and contract independently of each other. They are designed to accommodate the effects of temperature and humidity on building materials. Structural expansion joints of industrial floors are usually filled with expansion joint materials that are flexible and can change their shape and size in response to structure movements.
2. Insulation expansion joints - these are special expansion joint systems that are installed to minimize the heat flow through the floor. They are particularly useful in industrial buildings that are exposed to extreme temperatures, such as cold warehouses, bakeries or high-temperature production halls.
Finally, there are also gap expansion joints which prevent small cracks from forming on the concrete surface by planned creation at selected points.
Choosing the right type of expansion joint depends on many factors, such as the type and use of the building, local climatic conditions, and budget. It is always recommended to consult with an experienced structural engineer or contractor to ensure that your industrial flooring is durable and reliable for many years to come. Properly performed industrial floor expansion joint is the key to protecting the investment and ensuring effective operation in every industrial building.
What materials should be used to fill the expansion joint of an industrial floor? What are the types?
Industrial floor expansion joint is an important structural element that helps manage stresses and movements on industrial floor surfaces.
They give the floor flexibility, preventing the formation of cracks and its damage due to changes in temperature, humidity, pressure and mechanical loads. Proper filling of expansion joints with materials with appropriate properties is crucial to maintaining the integrity and durability of the concrete floor screed. Here are some of the most commonly used materials for filling industrial floor expansion joints.
1. Expansion tapes are one of the most popular materials used to fill expansion joints, mainly due to their flexibility. They allow the concrete slab to move freely without causing damage. Expansion tapes are easy to install and available in various thicknesses.
2. Silicone is another important material used to fill expansion joints. Known for its durability and flexibility, silicone is resistant to extreme temperatures and humidity, making it an excellent choice for industrial flooring.
3. Polyurethane expansion joint sealants are very durable and flexible, offering excellent filling properties. They are resistant to many types of chemicals, making them an ideal solution for many industrial environments.
4. Mastics are another type of material used to fill industrial floor expansion joints. They are flexible and can be used on a wide range of surfaces including concrete, stone, metal and glass.
5. Expansion joint profiles are usually made of metal or hard plastic. They are used in larger, deeper cracks and provide long-lasting, durable protection for polished concrete floors.
The choice of the appropriate material to fill expansion joints depends on various factors, such as the type of flooring, environmental conditions and usability requirements. Joint filling options should always be well considered and discussed with experienced professionals, such as engineers and flooring specialists, to ensure that the flooring will fulfill all its obligations, regardless of the difficulties it may encounter.
