Most concrete infrastructure has contraction, expansion, and construction joints. Joints can be a path of unwanted substances to enter and pass through the concrete joint. This can possibly cause damage to the integrity and serviceability of the structure. Waterstops, waterstop pvc and other preformed joint materials such as sealants and joint fillers are the primary lines of defense against the passage of these substances.
What are the differences between waterstops, sealants and filler boards?
A waterstop installed in concrete joints is a vital element of an overall waterproofing design to protect below-grade portions of any concrete structure. These products’ use in construction joints (i.e. cold joints) is a good design practice for building foundations, with or without a positive-side waterproofing membrane. In other words, the waterstop can provide a dry structure for the occupants and owner. Therefore, waterstops are used as part of the overall waterproofing protection on a variety of concrete structures including:
- Basement walls and slabs
- Subway, vehicle, and pedestrian tunnels
- Parking structures
- Water and sewage treatment facilities
- Canals, locks, and dams.
SEALANTS
Sealants, also called caulks, are used for filling voids, gaps, cracks, and joints. A wide variety of sealants are available for different applications. Sealants may be rigid or flexible, and non-sagging or self-leveling, depending on the required performance. The introduction of joints creates openings that usually must be sealed to prevent passage of unwanted substances into the openings. In some applications, secondary functions are to improve thermal and acoustical installations, damp vibrations, or prevent cracks. Sealants must often perform their prime function while subject to repeated contractions and expansions as the joint opens and closes, and while exposed to different environment.
JOINT FILLER BOARDS
Expansion Joint Filler board displays excellent resistance to compression, with outstanding recovery characteristics. Expansion Joint Filler boards are environment-friendly as opposed to the environment destroying thermocole. Application includes:
- External wall cladding
- Traffic surfaces
- Internal surfaces
- Roofs & floor finishes
- Reinforced concrete structures
- Expansion strips
- Industrial Flooring
- Internal finishes