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Using Expansion & Control Joints to Relieve Stress Causing Brick & Mortar Cracking

Walls constructed of brick and mortar expand and contract for reasons we will outline separately. When brick movement is not properly managed by good design, bricks and mortar undergo stress and crack. 

We will look in more detail at these two brick and mortar cracking phenomena because they so often sojourn together.

When bricks and mortar move beyond their ability to flex, the brick and/or mortar will crack. We can help prevent cracking brick and mortar with proper design, but when cracks appear in an existing home, proper placement of movable joints help absorb the movement and protect the brick masonry.

Not all brick & mortar walls are susceptible- the exact design and layout is critical, but if your home shows cracking, you need to understand expansion joints and control joints; which, when properly placed, can relieve the stress in your masonry walls and help eliminate systemic cracking.

There are a few types of movement joints to help prevent cracking in masonry walls. Understanding the use for these joints can help avoid costly repairs on your home or building. These types of joints are expansion joints, control joints and cold joints. We will look at each of these separately and then in much greater detail if you are interested.

Let’s Explore Expansion Joints

To avoid cracks, masonry needs be designed to minimize movement or accommodate differential movement between brick and your building assembly. An expansion joint is a versatile moveable joint that when properly placed, can reduce the potential for cracks and the problems they cause.

An expansion joint is a separation between two stretches of masonry. Often, these joints are 3/8”-1/2” wide and may or may not be filled with elastic materials. The purpose of the joint is absorb expansion to prevent cracking in the masonry when the brick and mortar expands slightly over time. New masonry will expand on its own over time but also may crack or settle due to moisture expansion or changes in temperature.

Let’s Examine Control Joints

Like an expansion joint, a control joint is also a separation in a masonry wall. Separating control joints from expansion joints is arbitrary, and the solution is built quite the same.

Specifically, a control joint is a saw cut placed into an existing wall where cracking or stress has occurred due to settlement.

Especially in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, where there is a significant amount of expansive clay in the soil, control joints can take on stress in specific places around the home if there is settlement. Flexing of foundations is an example of plastic deformation. We discuss the causes of brick and mortar cracking here.

We provide specific details for constructing a quality control joint here. There is not much difference between expansion and control joints- the are constructed the same, but control joints are used wherever plastic deformation is raising structural issues, where as expansion joints are used to deal with expansive brick issues.

Let’s Study Sanded Joints

We even use sanded and caulked joints when working to absorb future minor movement. This is particularly true when dealing with cold joints further discussed below .

Often an elastomeric sealant will be in a color provided by the manufacturer to match the existing as close as possible; but when appropriate Brick Doctor professional masons will use a matching mortar sand to the existing mortar. We call this a sanded joint.

Irregular joints between dissimilar materials are a great space for sanded joints.

Dissimilar materials expand and contract at different natural rates, and if cracking is apparent, a sanded joint concealing an elastomeric sealant is a great solution. We cover cracks caused by different materials in our information on natural forces.

Sealant at the face of the joints between the different materials will reduce possible water entry.

There are a variety of other brick and mortar joints where flexibility is required. 

Cold joints are where different sections of brick and mortar or brick and mortar intersects with other building materials. The transition joint require a flexible solution. Brick walls interconnecting between separate structural components, or walls of a different height, expand and contract differently and require flexible interfaces. 

Brick wall setbacks and offsets also require special attention to intersecting joints.

All these types of flexible joints are covered in our page of Why brick crack, and what you can do about it. That info is here.

 

How Can We Help You Clarify Your Thoughts on Your Need for Expansion or Control Joints?

Over the years, Brick Doctor has done just about everything when it comes to relieving stress in brick and mortar with flexible joints. We know what we are doing. Let us know if we can help you.

Don’t take our word for it. (Check out our testimonials and reviews). And, even better, ask a neighbor for a recommendation. We have done tens of thousands of projects all over the DFW Metroplex since 1986, including for some of your neighbors.

Have any particular questions or concerns about stress and cracking of brick and mortar at your home? We can help.

Brick Doctor is always ready to answer your questions, address your concerns or provide an estimate for repairs designed for the scope of your needs.

We look forward to assisting you. Reach out today. Contact us

972-234-0900
817-540-1800
info@brickdoctor.com

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