Concrete Expansion Joints
Expansion joints are the mid structures that are seen in the bridges, sidewalks, and highways. With the help of these joints, small and intense vibrations, movements, and so on are stabled. So basically, expansion joints are for preventing the concrete bar from cracks and damage. While most of the time, these concrete bars are susceptible to damage on their own. The incompressible debris that enters into the little vacant space between the joints causes stresses and eventually severe damage. That is why the seals are installed. They have the primary purpose of blocking these unwanted incompressible materials from getting inside the joints.
The two common types of seals that are used are :
- Compression seals
- Strip seals
Steps For Fixing A Concrete Expansion Joint
The following are the steps of fixing a concrete expansion joint–
- The first step is removing all materials at the edges. You can use a grinder that has a round disc to clean the surface. Remove all the unwanted materials that are stuck and also clean the dust. Using a pole sander, try to make the surface and edges rougher.
- Conditioning the part that needs repair is the next step. You can use the belzona mix to cover all the parts and surfaces that need to be fixed. The belzona mix you have used now is called magma TX conditioner. And completing all these steps, we have completed phase 1 and phase 2.
- Now coming to the phase 3 process, where what you need is a wooden battern. Use belzona 9411 on the wooden battern that you have taken before. The mix here acts as a release agent. Take this wooden battern and slowly positioning it to the joint is the next step. Making a homogeneous mix is the next task. What all you need for mixing are belzona 4151 and the solidifier. Now you have to add belzona 411 very slowly into this mix. Make sure you have got the desired consistency.
The mixture is now used to rebuild the structure. Trowel it up to the former to construct the joint. Make sure that no empty spaces are left in between. Make it look like it is very well packed. Thus, by pressing very well, you can make sure that there are no air pockets formed inside. Now take back the wooden battern once the mix is all set slowly.
Entering into phase 4, you have to insert the pre-measured backer rod into the joint. To condition the joint use belzona 2911. Now the next step is filling the joint by using belzona 2221. Smoothen the surface by giving a concave form from the outer look. Coming to the last phase, which is phase 5, you need to coat a mixture on the top of the joint.
The topcoat is done by mixing Belzoni 5231 with the solidifier. And as a result of the mixing, we will get a uniform colour painted using a conventional roller over the repairing area of the joint.
Finally, it’s worth noting that there are numerous local concrete contractors to choose from. This abundance ensures that every client finds a match that aligns with their project requirements, budget, and desired outcome. The competition also pushes concrete contractors charleston to constantly upgrade their skills, employ the latest techniques, and ensure client satisfaction, thereby raising the bar for quality in the region.