EXPANSION JOINT INSTALLATION
Expansion Joints – Also known as isolation joints are used to relieve flexural stresses due to vertical movement of slab on grade applications. Concrete creep is a national problem that occurs as a result of unpredictable shift, movement, or expansion of concrete streets. Extreme pressure due to traffic and natural settlement, pushes concrete street against the driveway moving it to the homes foundation producing serious cracks in foundation walls.
Street Creep Example:
Causing pressure and stress to driveway and foundation.
Midwest Mudjacking Inc. installs expansion joints if concrete has slide or shifted (Otherwise known as street creep) Our precise concrete cutting crew cuts all the way through the sliding slab. Once cut, they remove (1-1/4”-2” ) strip of concrete. This new expansion joint will shrink and move as the concrete moves, absorbing the stress or tension on the foundation before it starts cracking and crumbling the walls of the structure. If not properly corrected, can lead to future structural damage. Backer rod is placed in the joint and an industrial grade polyurethane sealant is used to caulk the newly created joint. Now allowing the concrete to move freely without causing added pressure on the driveway and foundation relieving structural problems from street creep.
Expansion Joint Installation Process
2. Wire wheel seam to clean joint
3. Install closed cell backer rod into seam
1. Cut concrete full depth and remove 1.5" - 2" strip of concrete
4. Caulking is applied to live working expansion joint
5. Professionally installed industrial grade silicone sealant is tooled into place
6. Sand is applied to the surface of the caulking to finish and blends nicely with the concrete
