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Expansion joints and thermal movement · Lesson 3 of 4

Expansion joints and thermal movement: methods and worked application

The documents to read first, a field sequence, three worked examples with their inputs shown, the gaps the install guides print, and the installation sequence for a gap-and-splice-plate run and a gutter expansion joint.

You will be able to: Apply a documented field method to set out and install expansion joints, work the movement of a run with stated assumptions, and install a gap-and-splice-plate run and a gutter expansion joint.

11 min · 12 slides · 7 questions

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Slide 1 of 12

Read the documents first

Before cutting, collect the project specification, the approved shop drawings and the maker's printed guide. Between them they give the joint type, the spacing, the gap and any splice or lap.

Where they disagree, ask the designer in writing. Do not pick one.

Sources

Glossary

Cleat
A continuous metal strip that holds an edge cover; the cover hooks onto it so it can move rather than being fastened through its face.
Miter
A factory-formed corner piece in a cleat-and-cover edge system, set with a splice plate under each end.
Outlet tube
The drain opening in a hung gutter; VA puts a gutter expansion joint midway between outlet tubes.
Cover plate
A plate over a gutter expansion joint space, fastened to one side only so the gutter can move.