Expansion Joint Tape – Properties, Characteristics, Applications, Durability
Expansion joint tape or asphalt tape is nothing more than a material used for filling expansion joints. But what is expansion in general and what should be known about such a tape? What are its properties and exact application?
Expansion – what is it in principle?
External forces associated with temperature, pressure and humidity constantly affect buildings, causing linear and volumetric deformations. To minimize them, expansion joints are commonly used to separate individual elements of building structures. This is especially important when laying floors, screeds, installing panels, or building walls. There are several types of expansion joints:
- Technological – made in situations where shrinkage or swelling of the building materials is expected.
- Anti-vibration – used between the foundation for industrial equipment and the equipment itself.
- Structural – made when separating structural elements of a building. They are usually used when making foundations and adding new parts to existing structures. They are ideal for filling gaps in asphalt surfaces and concrete roads.
- Thermal – preventing thermal deformations related to temperature differences.
Expansion joint tape – what is it?
It is worth noting that there are two types of expansion joint tapes. One of them is a bitumen-polymer tape, which has the appropriate chemical properties and strength parameters, while also showing high resistance to moisture and low absorbency. It is particularly recommended for joining different materials such as asphalt concrete layers with a layer of poured asphalt. Additionally, it works perfectly for connecting asphalt layers with foreign devices on the surface such as drainage channels and manhole covers. The other type of tape is a sealing tape for filling gaps in reinforced concrete and concrete structures, which is most often made of polyvinyl chloride.
What is a joint tape used for?
Joint tape can be used to fill expansion joints in various construction applications such as:
- Flooring
- Screed
- Pavement repair and construction
- Panel installation
- Wall construction
In addition, it can serve as an acoustic and thermal insulation layer under floor panels.
Properties of joint tape
The material used in joint tape is highly elastic, which minimizes stress. This product is not only characterized by low air permeability, but is also resistant to the growth of microorganisms and mold. Additionally, the tape is easy to use and install.
It is worth noting that the tape is lightweight and flexible, making it easy for anyone to use, whether a professional or an amateur. The cost of joint tape depends mainly on the material used and its dimensions.
Road workers, surface maintenance workers at airports, and even DIY enthusiasts often use joint tape for its effectiveness and ease of use. It provides long-lasting results and works well for creating edge joints in floor coverings.
Joint tape for edge insulation
Edge insulation created using joint tape will perform optimally only if the tape thickness is properly selected for the floor thickness. Typically, the tape is 15 cm wide and 5-8 mm thick, while a roll can contain from 25 to even 50 meters of material. Of course, tapes with non-standard dimensions are also available. Customers often choose this product because it:
- reduces the risk of material cracking
- limits the risk of heat loss
- allows for easy installation and work comfort
- is usually available with self-adhesive backing, which further enhances work comfort.
Joint tape with foil
Joint tape with foil is an extremely convenient solution, primarily due to its characteristic structure. The foil tab allows for the concealment of connections between vertical and horizontal insulation. In addition, several cuts on the foil enable easy cutting of excess material when needed
Edge tape for screed
Taśma brzegowa z PCV, która przeznaczona jest do konstrukcji betonowych i żelbetowych, pozwala na znacznie łatwiejsze uszczelnianie przerw roboczych w betonowaniu. Stosowanie tego produktu stanowi również barierę dla wody, której bezpośredni kontakt z konstrukcją betonu mógłby ją uszkodzić.
PVC edge tape, designed for concrete and reinforced concrete structures, makes it much easier to seal work breaks during concrete pouring. Its use also acts as a barrier for water, whose direct contact with the concrete structure could cause damage.
The edge tape creates a kind of labyrinth that reduces the pressure of flowing water, minimizing its harmful effects on the material. It is also an excellent barrier for groundwater, but the edge tape must be properly matched to the size of the structure. It is suitable for creating self-leveling screeds and underfloor heating systems. Technical and user parameters are available on the product data sheets.
