Expansion joints are engineered gaps designed to safely accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, settlement, vibration, and movement caused by seismic activity. While allowing adjacent building elements to move independently, these joints are sealed to prevent the ingress of water, air, and dust.
The increasing use of multiple construction materials and the growing scale of modern buildings have made expansion joints more important than ever. Properly designed joint systems play a critical role in the long-term performance of structures, particularly in long façades, precast concrete elements, reinforced concrete slabs, and other movement joints.
Expansion joints are widely used in the following applications:
Reinforced concrete structural joints
Precast concrete panels
Façade systems
Floor and pavement joints
Balcony and terrace joints
Parking structures
Industrial facilities
Warehouses and logistics centers
Infrastructure and civil engineering structures.
In these applications, a sealant must do more than simply fill the joint. It must be capable of accommodating the anticipated movement, provide excellent adhesion to a variety of substrates, and retain its elasticity over an extended service life.
Technologies Used
Silicone Technology
Thanks to their excellent UV resistance and long service life, Silicone-based systems are widely used in exterior movement joints.
They are particularly well suited for glass and aluminum façade systems.
Polyurethane Sealants
Polyurethane sealants have long been recognized as reliable solutions for expansion joints requiring high mechanical strength and exceptional movement capability.
They provide excellent adhesion to a wide range of construction materials, including concrete, stone, metal, and wood.
These sealants are particularly recommended for floor joints and applications subjected to high mechanical loads.
Hybrid Polymer Technology
Hybrid Polymer technology has become an increasingly preferred solution for elastic sealing applications in the construction industry.
Its outstanding UV resistance, paintability, and primerless adhesion to a wide variety of construction materials offer significant practical advantages.
Typical applications include façade joints, balcony details, metal joints, and natural stone installations.
Product ınformatıon
- Senta SILMAX, Senta POLMAX, Senta BONMAX, SOUDAL Silirub Facade Product Group (Neutral Silicone), SOUDAL Polyurethane Sealant Product Group (PU), SOUDAL FixAll Product Group (Hybrid Polymer)
