The tile can be grouted as usual but the top joint between the deck and tile should be filled with a flexible sealant that is not silicone based. Unlike normal silicone, it is . Thank you for helping keep Eng-Tips Forums free from inappropriate posts.The Eng-Tips staff will check this out and take appropriate action. Concrete undergoes expansion due to high temperature when in a confined boundary which leads to cracks. I like to keep a large piece of cardboard on the deck with me, which Imove along with the caulking, as I proceed down the edge of the pool. Isolation joints provide a separation between adjoining concrete structure compo nents to allow movement. Investigation of Approaches for Improving Interfacial Transition Zone-Related Freezing-and-Thawing Resistance in Concrete Pavements. But if youre cutting the joints after the slab is poured and set, they should be 1/4 to 1/2 the thickness of the slab. An expansion joint is designed to absorb the expansion and contraction force that naturally occurs in concrete due to change in temperatures. A joint trowel tool can be used to ensure there is a space between each slab. Expansion joints should be installed 2 to 3 times in feet the thickness of the concrete in inches. Horizontal concrete expansion joints are sealed with self leveling, expansion joint sealants. First and foremost, people want theyre concrete work to look nice. Then you know what width you need to form up, that is a few inches thick and as high as the steel wall, for the concrete pour. The coping is usually as wide (or wider) than the bond beam (roughly 14-16). 3. Expansion/contraction of the pool coping structure. Give us a few seconds while we filter for the data youve requested. 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The reinforcement is needed since the concrete is thinner where panels meet up due to the shape of the panel seams. Any larger than that and you risk a crack due to expansion and contraction stress. After that you should gauge out the old caulk and reapply.Fill in any small cracks you see too. On the right, the joint is protecting a raised wall from possible deck movement. Expansion joints are provided in slabs, pavements, buildings, bridges, sidewalks, railway tracks, piping systems, ships, and other structures. When a slab meets another concrete structure like a wall or set of steps. Could you clarify? Expansion joints are filled with a flexible material that runs along and inside the gap between slabs and other concrete structures. It is better to do whatever you can to avoid that. https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/pool-currently-demod-long-crack-under-coping.193401/post-1709026, https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/new-inground-pool-decking-and-coping.200676/post-1772571, https://www.troublefreepool.com/wiki/index.php?title=Expansion_Joints_and_Coping&oldid=5424. Report S Summersgal Active member Mar 13, 2008 35 Swimming pool expansion joints as well as perimter and pool deck joints can benefit from Submerseal as a lasting alternative to liquid sealants. Articles and resources for swimming pool owners and DIYers. An extruded, flexible vinyl, the same material used in vinyl shutters, doors, windows, and siding. This step prevents . The expansion joint is placed between the coping and deck and extend vertically the entire thickness of the deck and pool shell (if exposed). Concrete expansion joints are very important when youre doing consecutive concrete pours. A concrete expansion joint, or control joint, is a gap between two concrete slabs. Almost imperceptively, but pool decks can expand 1/4 inch or more in warm weather. A concrete saw can be used to make a groove in the concrete to allow more expansion. The decking needs to be demolished and hauled away, the soil compacted, a gravel bed put down, and a reinforcing bar installed. 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. Keep this in mind when you choose your joint materials and locations. Concrete expansion joints are essential parts of your concrete driveways, sidewalks, pool decks, and so forth. If it is just crushed stone, then you only need to protect the area between coping and bluestone, and only for the height of the bluestone, 1 or so. Date:11/1/2010, Publication:Special Publication The depth of the joint should be a minimum of 1/4 inch and a maximum of 1/2 inch below the concrete pads. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policy. Have a bucket of water and several cloth towels. Second, consider your filler material carefully if your using one. Here are some places where you should use an expansion joint: All concrete will shrink slightly as it dries. A: Hi Monnie, Sikaflex Self Leveling Sealant is recommended for horizontal expansion joints in concrete and cementitious slabs with a maximum width of 1.5 inches and a maximum depth of 0.5 inches. }, Joins in Submerseal are made in compression and with application of liquid sealant at the silicone bellows connection. Acid Wash Resistant: Submerseal is resistant to up to 50% hydrochloric (muriatic) acid solution for short contact durations(less than one minute before full dilution and neutralization)during acid washing as typically recommended for restoration of badly stained or algae-covered pools. We cannot specify the exact location nor frequency of movement joints as there are . Ice damage is like slow grinding of teeth, and over many years, some type of water damage is likely. Concrete expands and contracts as it changes temperature. Limit the search results with the specified tags. Dont push it in too deep or you will use a lot of caulking bringing it up to level. When pouring concrete within an area bordered by walls or buildings. An expansion joint is a necessity when building a pool. Some types are nicer than others. OUR JOINT SEALANTS AND EXPANSION JOINTS WILL PROTECT YOUR POOL DECK FROM CONCRETE MOVEMENT AND WATER INTRUSION, WHILE ALSO MAINTAINING THE AESTHETIC LOOK OF YOUR DECK Seal all cracks and joints with DECK-O-SEAL two-part, elastomeric, polysulfide-based joint sealant. Date:3/1/1994, Publication:Structural Journal Properly sized and installed, Submerseal makes a lasting swimming pool joint seal. Go easy on the trigger, it comes out fast and can get messy real quick. You may think concrete is so hard that it doesnt move but thats not the case. The pool is fairly irregular in shape and thus we have inserted expansion joints in the proper locations with dumbell type waterstops. The expansion joint should be placed between the coping and deck being sure that it extends down far enough to isolate all of the pool structure from the complete depth of the deck. The base under the form should be well compacted stone base material. Email Address is required With over 300,000 members, TFP is the largest and most influential pool & spa website on the Internet. "publisher": { A concrete slab will grow laterally, as the weather gets warmer. Caulk your pool in 50 80 F temperatures. Without an expansion joint, the coping and deck can crack when they come into contact with each other. Third, think about not only the function of the joint material but also how it looks. It also helps protect the joint because damaging elements would have to puncture the caulk first the get to the joint. For grass/flower bed, no joint/no caulk needed. Reference the table and/or consult EMSEAL for application-specific conditions. Rushing the process or pouring the concrete when it's too hot outside can cause cracking. Fourth, consider the location of each joint. But when its soft, wet or unstable, place them closer together. Submerseal is precompressed to less than the joint size for easy insertion. To prevent cracks, concrete expansion joints should be used to allow for movement. It is being practiced by thousands of pool owners just like you. Expansion joints need to be installed 2 to 3 times in feet the thickness of a concrete slab in inches. We Have Inspectors who are not afraid of this Virus. Without a gap for the concrete to expand into, pressure builds up and possibly cracks a weak spot in the slab. Tile is typically installed prior to the placement of the coping to establish a level waterline and aid in setting the coping pieces though it can just as easily be installed afterward. Expansion joints need to be installed 2 to 3 times in feet the thickness of a concrete slab in inches. When the joint fills with such non-compressible stuff, this removes the gap, and the two structures will move as one. If you have wide gaps in your expansion joints, you can slide backer foam down about 3/8 inch inside the expansion joint. 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? Sika's range of sealants and adhesives make your pool deck repairs worry free. Keep the dog, cat and kids away from the pool area for 24 hours. Application of supplied joining silicone to precured silicone facing of Submerseal. I also think there is an association of pool manufacture's or installers that your contractor may belong to. grind the top 1/4 of both sides, to remove dirt and oils that will affect the bond with the new caulk. Date:5/1/1997, Publication:Structural Journal The large lagoons were cast-in-place. Note: Remove X-Hatched Areas of. Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, http://swimmingpoolinspect.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/shimamoto.png, https://swimmingpoolinspect.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/spis-logo-2400x440-1.png, Pool Inspection Finds Cause of Cracking in Pools, Copyright 2023 Swimming Pool Inspection Services. If there were no expansion joint, the edges of the swimming pool would crack as well as damage the coping and tiles. If the swimming pool has nowhere to move as the earth shifts, it will crack. 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. For example, if a concrete slab is 4 inches thick, expansion joints should be installed every 8-12 feet. "url": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide", The most important practice in reducing the potential for lifting of concrete decks due to expansive soil is the pre-saturation of the soil prior to pouring concrete. Swimming Pool Inspection Services was recently called on to provide an estimate for cost to repair a large crack in the decking of an inground swimming pool. Date:9/1/1989, Publication:Journal Proceedings Sand is not very compressible, and remember that we want to keep debris such as sand out of the expansion joint. Date:9/1/2011, Publication:Special Publication Powerbase - Sider-Proof FF-PR - A cement-based, polymer modified, waterproofing cement plaster system for swimming pools comprised of a flexible base-coat and a Roll-On Cement Pool Plaster, for application over concrete surfaces. So if your slab is 4 inches thick, the slab can be 8 to 12 feet long or wide without requiring an expansion joint. Southern California Deck O Seal is the best product and for a decent looking job it should be left to the pros. As concrete expands and contracts it needs room to move. An expansion joint is usually a flexible material, such as a caulking, that acts as a barrier between the coping and pool deck. Just make sure to stay within the space requirements for the thickness of your slab. Without the expansion joint, that movement is absorbed by the unforgiving concrete of the deck or pool, and results in cracking. Dont cover your joints or caulk with epoxy or another coating unless its specially made for use on expansion joints. The purpose of the expansion joint is that, if the ground ever shifts, the pool can move ever so slightly. A filler helps keep water and material from getting into the joint. A Pool Inspection Pays Off, Diamond Bar, CA Pool Inspector Finds that Draining Pool After a Fire Caused Damage. Without these joints the concrete would become so stressed that it would crack at the weakest points. Should Slabs Rest On or Be Attached To Foundations? "url": "https://blog.intheswim.com/" For estimating how many tubes of caulk you'll likely need, use the following bullets: Joint Width: 0.25'' Tubes per 10 ft circumference: 0.1 Joint Width: 0.5'' Tubes/10': 0.3 Joint Width: 0.75'' Tubes/10': 0.6 To learn about caulking expansion joints and other swimming pool maintenance issues, call Sunrise Pool Services, Inc., at 678.804.0050. The expansion joint needs to be the entire thickness of the deck. Although I dont recommend using the maximum spacing unless your a Pro. Keep several moist rags and cardboard around the pool. Also, if water were to get down and around the pool and the water freezes, it could crack the swimming pool bottom. }, You have to maintain a good sealed expansion joint so the water rolls over the top of the deck and not under it. Ray ID: 7a126be32addd2e1 The following tools are normally used to create concrete joints. Expansion & Contraction Joints As Structures from roads and buildings to bridges and tunnels are living moving structures that are under constant stress such as thermal expansion and contraction caused by temperature change, sway caused by wind loads, seismic events, static load deflection, live load deflection, settlement of a new building. JavaScript is disabled. Date:9/1/2015, Publication:Structural Journal 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. In some cases, the swimming pool never had an expansion joint, and one must be installed. Push the backer rod down into the joint with your hand. All Rights Reserved. Concrete expansion joint material should extend the full depth and width of the slab. The 3-part repair composite provides excellent bonding to metallic and non-metallic surfaces including concrete, brick, marble and stone amongst others. Second Floor, Office #207 So, the reason that pool caulkis necessary (besides looking nice) is that caulking keeps water and debris out of the joint and prevents some very common and very expensive problems for your pool wall. 38800 Country Club Dr. For larger joints, contact Sika Technical Services for additional information. Which is to allow for movement and prevent cracking. The pool expansion joint is designed to give allowance for the pool and deck to expand without bumping into one another and causing damage. This pressure relieves itself by cracking. If it gets too deep, use a small screwdriver or hooked pin to pull it up. Blow off the deck first to prevent blowing leaves. Here are two classic examples of expansion joints. "contentUrl": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide", It is filled with a special pool caulk that's a flexible sealant. Date:4/1/2017, Publication:Special Publication Immediately effective once installed. "caption": "In The Swim Blog" The silicone application and curing takes place in a factory-controlled environment. Theyre big, heavy, powerful, and put out a ton of concrete dust. +25% and -25% (Total 50%) of nominal material size. It looks nice if you install it correctly. This will give the caulk support as well and you wont be using lots and lots of caulk to fill the area. Pre-molded joint filler should be used to separate slabs from building walls and footings. Silica sand matches well with epoxy sealants. Discover how this hybrid manufacturing process enables on-demand mold fabrication to quickly produce small batches of thermoplastic parts. Question: Difference between a contraction joint, isolation joint, expansion joint, construction joint, an View all Frequently Asked Questions on expansion joints», American Concrete Institute Announces New Officers For 2013, There are no Committees on expansion joints, There are no Certifications on expansion joints. If youre cutting control joints after the concrete has set, dont wait too long. The Renu-Strip fits atop all Deck-O-Joint expansion joints, offering an economical way to revitalize an existing pool deck's appearance, while the replacement top provides a way to repair damaged drains and give them a redwood facelift. Depth is easy but keeping the line perfectly straight isnt. If you install them first, a flexible material is inserted along the length of the joint before the concrete is poured. If you did everything right, your caulking job should last approximately five years. Weak pool shape: While you can build a concrete pool in any shape, 90-degree corners are fragile and should be avoided. "keywords": "", At no time shall Submerseal be installed against tile, setting bed or grout. This is another way concrete can crack. Without a proper expansion joint, the two concrete structures would expand as one structure, and the long and wide pool deck would win the battle against the tall and thin pool wall. "height": "219", If you want a sidewalk free of expansion joints, you can strengthen the concrete with reinforcement or by making it thicker. If objects such as manhole covers are incorporated in the slab. In this case, there was no expansion joint present, so a portion of the decking would need to be demolished. Construction joints are used to prevent these cracks from happening. Used in residential, commercial, and institutional applications. $30.99 $ 30. 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. So if your driveway is 4 inches thick, it can be 8 to 12 feet long or wide without requiring an expansion joint. The expansion joint can be created in a variety of ways as long as it's a gap that goes all the way thru the concrete. Some fillers can be painted or come pre-colored which can be a big help. Ideal for any concrete applications requiring an expansion/isolation joint filler such as: sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, swimming pools, curbs, gutters, and as a sill plate in residential homes, garages, and in industrial buildings. Pool. This popup will close automatically once your project list has loaded.Thanks for your interest in Finally, the cement is poured, and the expansion joint is put in. (Caulk is more expensive than backer foam.). Do the job when the weather is cool, the caulk is less runny. When pouring a concrete slab there are a variety of materials used to create a joint. This is a nice time to cut concrete because its not 100% cured which makes cutting a little easier. Damaged concrete, tiling and grouting areas in swimming pool. }, Expansion and contraction pressure inside the concrete builds as the temperature changes. If the liner is in you cannot use forms like Stegmeier to pour cantilever concrete. Please let us know here why this post is inappropriate. Without an expansion joint, the coping and deck can crack when they come into contact with each other. "wordCount": "1242", This process removes any loose particles or residue ensuring a clean and sound surface perfect for the adhesion of the waterproofing membrane. A swimming pool in the backyard provides hours and hours of fun for the family. "name": "Rob Cox", You do not have access to www.concreteconstruction.net. In other cold joints we have specified a hydro-expansive waterstop. If your slab butts up against another structure like a foundation then use a joint at the end between the slab and concrete wall. Joints prevent damage to the slab which makes them last longer and look better. "@type": "Person", Leak Detections: Are They Really Necessary? After concrete is poured and moulded into shape it will harden and set which naturally causes a reduction in volume. Whenever you need to stop, place the caulking gun onto the cardboard quickly. This page was last edited on 2 June 2022, at 18:53. Please consider. Caulking the expansionjoint keeps out water. It is usually filled (on top) with polyurethane caulk for waterproofing and appearance. ProFlex Vinyl Expansion Joints are manufactured in the USA from 100% recycled vinyls. Check the weather for rain forecasted in the next 24 hours. Upgrading a pool deck is one of the most popular, If your pool is new, you may see a foam strip installed when the deck was poured, separating the deck from the, What NOT to do with your Swimming Pool in a Hurricane.