FAQs

An expansion joint cover is a protective device installed over expansion joints in buildings and structures. It bridges the gap between building sections, allowing for movement due to thermal changes, seismic activity, or settling. The cover protects the joint from debris and moisture while maintaining a seamless appearance and structural integrity.

2. What are the most important criteria when selecting a joint cover/system?

When selecting a joint cover/system, the most important criteria are:

Movement capability: Must accommodate expected structural movement.
Load capacity: Should withstand anticipated traffic or weight.
Environmental conditions: Must suit the specific exposure (e.g., weather, chemicals).
Aesthetics: Should blend with surrounding architecture.
Fire rating: Must meet building code requirements for fire resistance.
Ease of installation and maintenance: Impacts long-term costs and performance.

3. How do I make sure a fireproof floor or wall stays strong and safe?

BridgWY offers fire barrier assemblies for all their cover systems, tested by UL for code compliance. These typically have 2-hour ratings, but some go up to 4 hours. For unusual designs, it’s best to check with BridgWY if standard tests apply. If not, UL may accept small-scale tests to extend existing ratings. This ensures fire-rated floors and walls maintain their integrity when using expansion joint covers.
Key points:

All covers have matching fire barriers
UL/EN tested for safety
Various hour ratings available
Custom testing possible for unique designs

4. Do all testing organizations have the same level of credibility?

Not all testing agencies are equal, even if they use the same ASTM standards. Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) stands out with its factory labeling and quality inspection services. This ensures the product installed in your building matches exactly what was successfully tested in the lab. To guarantee your client’s peace of mind, it’s crucial to specify “UL tested and labeled” products. This extra level of verification sets UL apart from other testing agencies.

5. What's the significance of ASTM-E 1399?

ASTM-E 1399 is an important standard test method for expansion joint covers. It measures:

Cyclic movement capability
Load-bearing capacity
Wear resistance
This test simulates real-world conditions, ensuring the cover can withstand repeated movements and loads over time.
It’s crucial for verifying performance and durability of expansion joint covers in various applications.
Specifiers often require ASTM-E 1399 compliance to ensure product quality and reliability.

6. Is it important for me to work out all the transitions between adjacent cover systems?

Working out transition details between adjacent cover systems is crucial. Poor transitions can undermine even the best joint cover designs. A competent joint manufacturer should be willing to assist with these details during the project’s design phase. This is especially critical for exterior covers, particularly transitions between roof and wall covers, as they directly impact the water tightness of the building envelope. Careful planning of these transitions ensures overall system effectiveness and building protection.

7. What is the most common cause of failure of joint cover systems?

The most common causes of joint cover system failures are improper installation, incorrect selection for the application, and inadequate maintenance. Improper installation often results from not following manufacturer guidelines, while incorrect selection means choosing a system unsuitable for the specific conditions. Inadequate maintenance, including neglecting regular inspections and repairs, can lead to premature system deterioration and failure.