Why consider expansion joint sealing?: National Drilling
You may be wondering what is the point in having an expansion joint if all you are going to do is seal it? However there are reasons why you would want to engage in expansion joint sealing. These reasons are usually due to health and safety issues, damage reduction strategies or chemical infiltration concerns. If you are not sure if any of these potential risks might affect your concrete floor or slab work then you might want to ask the experts. National Drilling Services is not just about providing drilling and sawing services, we provide expertise in drilling, sawing, demolition and sealing. Our teams are experienced, qualified, knowledgeable and have the appropriate tools and equipment to carry out the work required on your construction site. In fact, National Drilling is well known throughout the UK construction industry with a reputation for providing skilled workers who consistently carry out work to a high level, taking into account safety standards at all times. To find out more about our business and why our clients rate us as number one read more here.
Reasons for expansion joint sealing
We mentioned above some broad reasons for requesting expansion joint sealing, so let’s look at those in a bit more detail. Firstly, health and safety issues.
One of the key reasons for providing expansion joint sealing to our clients is to reduce risks associated with health and safety. As the concrete slab or floor cures and contracts, the expansion joint may get wider and create a risk to those walking on the surface. This is particular risk where the area is used by the public and may mean that people are walking in the area wearing high heeled shoes or sandals which may get stuck in the gap or clip the edge causing people to trip or twist their ankle. Public safety is obviously a key factor so hazards such as these must be avoided.
Secondly expansion joints may be sealed to reduce the damage that can occur to the edges of the joint with wear and tear and repeated pressure from vehicles or heavy traffic. If the edges of the joint starts to break down it can start to cause damage to wheels of cars or impact other users. It may also start to affect the integrity of the concrete slab.
Thirdly in areas where chemicals are used there can be a risk that the chemicals may infiltrate the concrete and cause deterioration in the structure or contamination.
How does expansion joint sealing work?
Expansion joints are obviously used in construction all the time to allow space for the concrete to expand and contract according to the temperature and moisture levels, so what happens when you seal it? National Drilling Services has carried out research and tested various products to find the best sealants to avoid the risks highlighted above, but still enable the concrete to expand and contract. To understand more about the products we use see our page on Expansion joint sealing.
If you would like to discuss your expansion joint sealing requirements then contact us on 0161 443 2822 or alternatively email us info@national-drilling.co.uk.