Caulking & waterproofing
Expansion joint caulking in San Diego
Replacement and repair of expansion joints, including parking deck joints, so they can keep moving as designed and help keep water out.
Overview
Joints that let the structure move
Parking deck expansion joints are designed to move as the parts of the deck shift under stress and changing loads. Worn-out expansion joints can restrict that movement, which can lead to structural damage. Faulty joints can also let water into the system and cause building materials to corrode.
Concrete expansion joints are an important part of many types of construction. We install new rubber expansion joints and repair old ones that no longer work well, on jobs of any size.
Service at a glance
- Purpose
- Joints that let the structure move and keep water out
- Common projects
- Parking structures, parking decks, commercial buildings, industrial facilities
- Work
- New rubber expansion joints installed and old joints repaired, on jobs of any size
- Service family
- Concrete Caulking/Waterproofing
Movement joints
What an expansion joint has to do
An expansion joint is a gap between two parts of a structure that lets each part move on its own. Whatever fills it has to stretch, compress and stay attached through that movement while helping to limit water intrusion.
Why the movement matters
Parking decks and large buildings move as loads change and as temperatures rise and fall. An expansion joint gives that movement somewhere to go. When the joint material wears out or the joint fills with debris, the movement is restricted, and the stress goes into the concrete around it.
Sealant or joint assembly
Depending on the joint, the seal may be a sealant or a pre-formed joint material, such as a rubber expansion joint. Other options include pre-compressed foam and expansion joint assemblies. The choice depends on the width of the joint, how much it moves and what travels over it.
Replacement
Parking deck expansion joint replacement
- 01
Remove the old joint
Old, failed expansion joint material is removed.
- 02
Install new materials
New, long-lasting joint materials are installed so the joint can work as intended.
- 03
Help keep water out
A working joint helps keep water from reaching the structure, where it can cause corrosion.
Inspection
Signs an expansion joint is failing
Expansion joints are worth checking during routine maintenance, especially on parking decks. These signs suggest a joint needs repair or replacement.
Torn or split joint material
Sealant or rubber joint material that has torn, split or hardened can no longer move with the structure.
Material pulling away
Joint material that has separated from the concrete on either side leaves an opening for water.
Leaks below the deck
Water dripping or staining on the level below a joint suggests water is getting through it.
Debris packed in the joint
Stones, dirt and debris in the gap can restrict the movement the joint is there to allow.
Damaged joint edges
Spalled or broken concrete at the joint edges is repaired before new joint material is installed.
Rust staining
Rust stains near a joint can be a sign that water is reaching metal in the structure.
Where we work
Common expansion joint projects
FAQ
Expansion joint questions
How is an expansion joint different from a control joint?
A control joint guides where shrinkage cracking happens in concrete. An expansion joint separates parts of a structure so they can move independently. See the full comparison on control joint caulking.
What happens if an expansion joint fails?
A worn-out joint can restrict the movement it was built for, which can lead to structural damage, and a faulty joint can let water into the system and cause building materials to corrode. Where damage may be structural, it should be assessed before the joint is replaced.
Can an old expansion joint be repaired instead of replaced?
Sometimes. We repair old expansion joints that no longer work well and install new ones where needed. The condition of the joint material and the concrete edges decides which makes sense.
Are expansion joints only found on parking decks?
No. Parking decks are the most common example, but expansion joints are also found in commercial buildings and industrial facilities. For deck coatings and joints together, see parking structures.
Areas served
Serving homes and businesses across Southern California
- San Diego County
- Orange County
- Riverside County
- Los Angeles County
Free estimate
Ready to transform your concrete floor?
Share a few details about your space and the finish you have in mind, and we will help you choose the right system for your home or business.
- (619) 870-8308Call for a free estimate
- info@concretepolishingsolutions.proEmail us about your project
- Southern CaliforniaSan Diego, Orange, Riverside & Los Angeles counties