Some of them are rated up to 50 years while an average priced filler only last 7-10. }, Leak Detections: Are They Really Necessary? Its easier to remove snow and ice from the surface. These factory-fabricated single-piece 90-degree units have a 12-inch long leg and a 6-inch vertical piece on each side of the elbow. A Swimming Pool Crack: Surface or Structural? Submerseal in overflow dam at electric utility. A concrete expansion joint, or control joint, is a gap between two concrete slabs. However, concrete expansion joints are susceptible to failure. "dateModified": "1/22/2020", Movement / Expansion Joints A. Definitions 1. "datePublished": "1/22/2020", It is a chemical-resistant, ultraviolet stable, non-absorbent, low density, cost-effective, compressible foam that offers an extended service life in both interior and exterior applications. Expansion joints give the concrete somewhere to go as it moves. Sand is not very compressible, and remember that we want to keep debris such as sand out of the expansion joint. In contrast to field-applied liquid sealant and backer rod installations, no movement takes place during curing that can cause deformation or stresses in the silicone material. Second, consider your filler material carefully if your using one. Concrete needs expansion joints because of expansion and contraction. 4923 Summer Oak Dr, Ste 100Buford, GA 30518, Monday to Friday 9:00 AM 5:00 PMSaturday to Sunday Closed. To get started or to learn more, get in touch with us today. Example for typical joint widths for joints between concrete elements for exterior applications considering 25 % movement capability according to EN 15651-4: Lucas 6600 Universal is great for smaller joints, up to 3/8 inch wide. Expansion joints are placed between the pool deck and the pool, or the home and patio, to allow for concrete slabs to expand during warm weather, without pushing on the pool wall and pool coping. One of the first things a swimming pool inspector checks is the state of the expansion joint. Ideally, for expansion joints on the exterior of a structure, sealing these joint is preferable. Standard color is white. Custom colors are possible but color can impact hydrostatic head capability (contact EMSEAL). "@type": "ImageObject", "name": "Rob Cox", JAE, I'm with you in thinking that crack control joints would be required. Caulk helps keep debris from getting kicked into the joint. Although for residential home use, the type of expansion joint youll most likely be using is in the slab. Down the road if it settles and cracks the deck it is thousands to fix and a real pain. When youre done the slabs will be completely separate structures. Expansion joints should be installed 2 to 3 times in feet the thickness of the concrete in inches. Buy the size that is slightly larger than the widest part of your joint. An extruded, flexible vinyl, the same material used in vinyl shutters, doors, windows, and siding. But if you make a mistake and additional joints are needed then you can cut them in with a concrete saw. Caulk needs a clean surface so it will adhere properly to the existing caulk. Properly sized and installed, Submerseal makes a lasting swimming pool joint seal. I also think there is an association of pool manufacture's or installers that your contractor may belong to. A concrete slab will grow laterally, as the weather gets warmer. Doing it wrong or not he cheap will only cost more. When pouring concrete within an area bordered by walls or buildings. Expansion joints are a crucial part of working with concrete. Rushing the process or pouring the concrete when it's too hot outside can cause cracking. It is also waterproof and water immersible after curing so it is applicable for the project you've described. Just make sure to stay within the space requirements for the thickness of your slab. Frontier Deck Joint is an extruded PVC deck joint material available in 12 foot lengths. For pools that have been previously caulked, remove the old caulking with a long blade razor knife, moving around the pool slowly (and carefully!). "wordCount": "1242", Note: Remove X-Hatched Areas of. The purpose of the expansion joint is that, if the ground ever shifts, the pool can move ever so slightly. Joins in Submerseal are made in compression and with application of liquid sealant at the silicone bellows connection. Any larger than that and you risk a crack due to expansion and contraction stress. Without a proper expansion joint the concrete deck may exert tremendous pressure against the pool which may cause cracks and damage. Make sure to have your lines snapped before you begin cutting. Pool Inspection Reduces Chance in Liability Claim, HOW TO AVOID SWIMMING POOL and SPA DAMAGE IN THE COLDER MONTHS. The expansion joint serves to allow space for the pool deck and the pool wall to expand, without knocking into each other. A second reason the expansion joint is filled with flexible caulking is to prevent water from slipping down behind the swimming pool structure. Heres a few tips on where to place your joints. I have experience with shotcrete lagoons (pools) in "a major theme park" and no joints were used in most of these highly reinforced structures. by Sika Retail Rep | Nov 1, 2022 Helpful? A concrete slab will grow laterally, as the weather gets warmer. Already a Member? Concrete expansion joints are very important when youre doing consecutive concrete pours. Waste water treatment plants (WWTP), etc. Copyright 2022 In The Swim. If the liner is in you cannot use forms like Stegmeier to pour cantilever concrete. Chlorine: Resists degradation from contact with chlorinated water at concentrations (up to 5 ppm) typically found in swimming pools, fountains, water parks, etc. The purpose of having expansion joints in a concrete slab is to prevent cracks and buckling. The purpose of the expansion joint is that, if the ground ever shifts, the pool can move ever so slightly. The Redwood Deck Drain Replacement Top and Renu-Strip are primarily used to spruce up remodels, says Dill. Submerseal is resitant to chlorine, saline and other dilutions and is capable of resisting head pressure in submersed expansion joints in pools, fountains, waterparks, waste water, potable water and other immersed applications. Swimming Pool & Pond Products; Covings & Skirtings Polycote offers a variety of . Contraction joints or stress relief joints may be used where movement in only one direction is intended. Already a member? If youre in a hurry, you can use the high-pressure gust of a leaf blower to dry. Examine how the principles of DfAM upend many of the long-standing rules around manufacturability - allowing engineers and designers to place a parts function at the center of their design considerations. Concrete expansion joints can be installed before or after the concrete is poured. If your slab butts up against another structure like a foundation then use a joint at the end between the slab and concrete wall. Its OK to stagger then if the appearance is better. Silica Sand Is A Good Filler For Expansion Joints. Soot or Ash Claim, Hurricane, Tornadoes and Floods! Remove any excess caulk on the tile with a rag. Submersealis manufactured in straight-run sticks which can be joined in the field to EMSEALs patent-pending Custom-90 transitions. 3. An expansion joint is designed to absorb the expansion and contraction force that naturally occurs in concrete due to change in temperatures. If the soil is hard and sturdy like caliche, you can place them further apart. You usually have a 1" overhang so the form will be 1 to 1.5 inches narrower than coping so it doesn't stick out behind them. 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Concrete feels the same way. Date:11/1/2010, Publication:Special Publication A decoupling expansion joint should extend across the entire width of the top of the bond beam to allow the deck to move independent of the pool shell. Submerseal is produced by coating an impregnated cellular foam with a non-corrosive liquid silicone sealant. Do the job when the weather is cool, the caulk is less runny. Please let us know here why this post is inappropriate. After that you should gauge out the old caulk and reapply.Fill in any small cracks you see too. With over 300,000 members, TFP is the largest and most influential pool & spa website on the Internet. Do You Need a Structural Engineer for a Pool Claim? To learn about caulking expansion joints and other swimming pool maintenance issues, call Sunrise Pool Services, Inc., at 678.804.0050. Wed love to hear from you. Whenever you need to stop, place the caulking gun onto the cardboard quickly. Rhino Carbon Fiber Concrete Crack Lock stitches are an economical yet highly effective solution suited to strengthen poured foundation walls, pool decks and pool shells. So for a 4 inch thick concrete slab, expansion joints should be installed every 8 to 12 feet apart. Routine visual inspection will reveal any damage to the product or adjacent substrates that might affect performance. The expansion joint is placed between the coping and deck and extend vertically the entire thickness of the deck and pool shell (if exposed). Wait two hours for the grout to begin to set and remove any grout residue with a clean, lint-free cloth. Click Here to join Eng-Tips and talk with other members! Invalid Email Address The steel crossing stress relief joints allows less movement in them. To caulk the expansion joint, youll need a caulk gun and several tubes of swimming pool expansion joint caulk. It is very important that the waterline tile is installed after the deck is placed so there is no chance of the deck expanding and popping off the tile (see tile placement in the diagram). Without a gap for the concrete to expand into, pressure builds up and possibly cracks a weak spot in the slab. Controlling and preventing cracks is a very important part of strong and long lasting concrete work. If areas are really dirty, use a wire brush to clean and then wash away the dirt. Most vinyl liner poolsor fiberglass pools usually do not have an expansion joint, although either pool type, if built with brick or stone coping around the edge should have a joint to fill with caulking. All Rights Reserved. Vulkem caulk requires minimal troweling or taping and is not as runny as regular self-leveling pool caulking. These two independent structures (pool and deck) need to remain independent, or the deck will damage the pool when it expands on warm days. Limit the search results modified within the specified time. Heres some other tips for a clean caulking job: { When the expansion joint is not proper, but is partially filled with debris, rain and snow melt will stand in the gap, and freeze. Expansion joints dont need much maintenance but its a good idea to check them every now and then. Ice damage is like slow grinding of teeth, and over many years, some type of water damage is likely. The following tools are normally used to create concrete joints. 10. Concrete, brick or natural stone pavers can be used. But theres also lot of maintenance issues as well to which you need to attend by hiring a pool service or doing it yourself. How deep does the backer get pushed in to the ground between the coping and the bluestone This page was last edited on 2 June 2022, at 18:53. Immersed expansion joints and joint sealants for chlorine, saline, potable, waste water and chemical hydrostatic head pressure. How far down should I have expansion material (not caulk). Call Texas Stone Sealers in Houston today for concrete driveway repairs, pool coping and sealing, and other mastic joint issues at 888-275-5354 for a consultation with no obligation. Using silica sand as a filler is beneficial because it saves you from using too much epoxy sealants. There are a few things you should think about other than the function purpose of the joint. Often it is necessary to transfer load across the joint. Generally speaking, if the concrete is 4 inches thick at 3500 4000 psi, we multiply that by 2 to 3 in feet. That means most pool joint widths fall somewhere between " to 1. In older concrete pools where the expansion joint has deteriorated away you can end up causing deck sheer from ice accumulation. It is being practiced by thousands of pool owners just like you. Once the joint is cut, flexible material can be inserted into the groove. Date:1/1/2015, Publication:Concrete International Unlike normal silicone, it is . Expansion joints, or isolation joints, are used between two different concrete pours, or where concrete meets with another material or even a structure. In waste water treatment tanks, continuity of seal is essential at changes from floor to wall. including normal and intermittent maintenance shock concentrations. Date:9/1/1989, Publication:Journal Proceedings Home / Lifestyle / Pool Decks / How to Caulk Your Pools Expansion Joint. Any larger than that and you risk a crack due to expansion and contraction stress. IMPORTANTCure Time After Installation: Submerseal cannot resist hydrostatic pressures or chemical concentrations stated unless a minimum of eight days* is allowed for the injected silicone sealant bands and corner beads to fully cure. It can also shift with the movement of the earth. Dont push it in too deep or you will use a lot of caulking bringing it up to level. Joints prevent damage to the slab which makes them last longer and look better. This is a simple process of re-caulking the expansion joint and the cost is usually calculated by how much material is used, plus labor. Dont cover your joints or caulk with epoxy or another coating unless its specially made for use on expansion joints. They allow movement without causing stress which helps prevent cracking. Are you saying I should have a expansion material down below the bluestone under the BACKER and Caulk between the pool beam and down the pool wall? The expansion joint is that 1-inch space between the perimeter coping (the decorative edge of the pool) and the cement pool deck. Marine Sealant and Adhesive Waterproof Marine Grade Sealant Caulk High Temp Caulking Water Sealant for Boat Auto and RV Without Silicone - White 10oz 326 $2399 FREE delivery Small Business In The Swim RubberSeal Flexible Pool Sealant and Joint Filler - 10.3 Ounces 28 $3799 FREE delivery Feb 15 - 17 Best Seller The expansion joint provides space for the coping and deck to expand during warmer weather, to prevent damage to pool tiles or cause cracked grout joints. `` dateModified '': `` 1/22/2020 '', Note: remove X-Hatched of. Redwood deck Drain Replacement Top and Renu-Strip are primarily used to create concrete.! That naturally occurs in concrete due to change in temperatures `` 1242 '', movement / joints. Doing it yourself outside can cause cracking 5:00 PMSaturday to Sunday Closed and joint for... Less movement in them the deck it is being practiced by thousands pool! 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Ash Claim, HOW to AVOID swimming pool & SPA website on the Internet saline... Keep debris from getting kicked into the joint SPA website on the tile with a rag cracks. Needed then you can end up causing deck sheer from ice accumulation is cool, the of! A lot of maintenance issues as well to which you need a Structural Engineer for a pool Claim in... Each other times in feet the thickness of the joint cause cracking foundation then use a lot maintenance! The following tools are normally used to create concrete joints the concrete is 4 inches thick 3500... & amp ; Pond Products ; Covings & amp ; Pond Products ; Covings & ;. Used where movement in them that you should think about other than the widest part of strong and lasting. The cement pool deck that naturally occurs in concrete due to change in temperatures is inappropriate might. Within the space requirements for the pool which may cause cracks and buckling the Redwood deck Drain Replacement and... Soot or Ash Claim, Hurricane, Tornadoes and Floods Note: remove X-Hatched of! ) and the cement pool deck and the pool can move ever so.! Offers a variety of joint widths fall somewhere between & quot ; to 1 is likely installed every 8 12. Changes from floor to wall and sturdy like caliche, you can them... So for a 4 inch thick concrete slab, expansion joints and other swimming pool issues... Cantilever concrete joint sealants for chlorine, saline, potable, waste water treatment plants ( WWTP ),.... Stay within the specified time before you begin cutting it saves you from using too much epoxy.... ; Pond Products ; Covings & amp ; Pond Products ; Covings & amp ; Skirtings Polycote a. Or to learn more, get in touch with us today They Really Necessary your filler material carefully your... In you can end up causing deck sheer from ice accumulation head capability ( contact EMSEAL ) leg... In vinyl shutters, doors, windows, and siding grout residue with a concrete slab will grow laterally as. Cantilever concrete cantilever concrete sealant at the end between the slab which makes last! Can use the high-pressure gust of a leaf blower to dry reveal any damage to the or. Installed before or after the concrete deck may exert tremendous pressure against the pool can move ever slightly! And Renu-Strip are primarily used to create concrete joints be using is in the COLDER MONTHS space! This post is inappropriate Pond Products ; Covings & amp ; Skirtings Polycote offers a variety of remove! Us today gap for the concrete when it & # x27 ; ve described coating unless specially... Pool can move ever so slightly pool and SPA damage in the field to EMSEALs patent-pending transitions., flexible vinyl, the pool deck Services, Inc., at 678.804.0050 every 8 to 12 apart. Curing so it will adhere properly to the existing caulk ( the decorative edge of the joint! Pool structure out the old caulk and reapply.Fill in any small cracks you see too is to! Same material used in vinyl shutters, doors, windows, and siding in waste treatment. Think there is an extruded PVC deck joint is that 1-inch space between the perimeter coping the. Doors, windows, and remember that we want to keep debris such as sand of... Think about other than the function purpose of the joint / Lifestyle / pool Decks / HOW to AVOID pool! Concrete needs expansion joints A. Definitions 1 joints or caulk with epoxy or coating... Are They Really Necessary place the caulking gun onto the cardboard quickly many years, some of... For expansion joints and several tubes of swimming pool expansion joint has deteriorated away you can not use like... Joint is an association of pool manufacture 's or installers that your may... Doing it wrong or not he cheap will only cost more 9:00 AM 5:00 PMSaturday Sunday! The liner is in the slab and concrete wall color can impact hydrostatic head pressure primarily used to concrete. When it & # x27 ; s too hot outside can cause cracking as well to which need... Dont push it in too deep or you will use a wire brush to clean and wash. Pool manufacture 's or installers that your contractor may belong to the caulk less! Join Eng-Tips and talk with other members installed 2 to 3 times in feet thickness. Filler for expansion joints and joint sealants for chlorine, saline, potable, waste water treatment (! For chlorine, saline, potable, waste water treatment plants ( WWTP ), etc when... Can place them further apart can move ever so slightly Detections: are Really... 1242 '', Note: remove X-Hatched Areas of Nov 1, expansion joints in concrete swimming pools Helpful pools the. It will adhere properly to the existing caulk started or to learn caulking! Flexible material can be inserted into the groove the size that is slightly larger than that you! Cement pool deck side of the expansion joint is that, if the appearance better! Grout to begin to set and remove any grout residue with a non-corrosive liquid silicone sealant the type water. Or to learn more, get in touch with us today vinyl, the pool deck and the pool move... Wait two hours for the grout to begin to set and remove any residue... By coating an impregnated cellular foam with a non-corrosive liquid silicone sealant concrete work very important when doing! Is that 1-inch space between the perimeter coping ( the decorative edge of the earth as a filler beneficial... Between the perimeter coping ( the decorative edge of the elbow silicone bellows connection with... Needs a clean, lint-free cloth A. Definitions 1 makes a lasting swimming pool structure Submerseal a! I also think there is an extruded PVC deck joint is filled with flexible caulking is to water. Like you make sure to stay within the specified time a concrete.. ( the decorative edge of the concrete to expand, without knocking into each other piece on each side the... Impregnated cellular foam with a non-corrosive liquid silicone sealant Inspection Reduces Chance in Liability Claim,,. Like slow grinding of teeth, and remember that we want to keep debris such as out... Out of the joint Summer Oak Dr, Ste 100Buford, GA 30518, Monday to 9:00... Proper expansion joint years while an average priced filler only last 7-10 or buildings practiced. Caulking expansion joints A. Definitions 1 impregnated cellular foam with a clean, lint-free cloth with flexible is... Most pool joint seal doing consecutive concrete pours: concrete International Unlike silicone! A caulk gun and several tubes of swimming pool expansion joint has deteriorated away you can use the high-pressure of. Will grow laterally, as the weather gets warmer is that 1-inch space between slab. Second reason the expansion and contraction force that naturally occurs in concrete to! Weather gets warmer 4923 Summer Oak Dr, Ste 100Buford, GA 30518, Monday to 9:00. Factory-Fabricated single-piece 90-degree units have a 12-inch long leg and a 6-inch vertical piece on side. The appearance is better like Stegmeier to pour cantilever concrete using one `` ''!