Expansion Joint

A horizontal or vertical joint used to separate brick masonry into segments to prevent:

• cracking due to moisture expansion or changes in temperature,
• creep
• elastic deformation due to loads

Expansion joints must be located so that the structural integrity of the brick masonry is not compromised. The joints are formed of highly elastic materials placed in a continuous, unobstructed opening through the brick wythe. This allows the joints to close as a result of an increase in size of the brickwork.