Expansion Joint

Category: infrastructure

A clean, completely open structural gap built into brick masonry to accommodate thermal expansion over time.

Unlike concrete blocks which shrink, clay bricks expand slowly over time as they absorb ambient environmental moisture and heat. An expansion joint contains a completely open gap backed by a compressible foam filler, preventing massive crushing distress along long brick runs.

Common Examples

• The brick façade distressed and buckled because the masonry installers omitted the horizontal expansion joints beneath the shelf angles.
• A proper expansion joint must clear all debris and mortar droppings to ensure the brick veneer can flex freely across thermal cycles.