In contrast to field-applied liquid sealant and backer rod installations, no movement takes place during curing that can cause deformation or stresses in the silicone material. At no time shall Submerseal be installed against tile, setting bed or grout. Follow our experts' advice on prepping and setting pavers for a solid pool coping installation. The pool builder built the pool and the paver deck and did not put in an expansion joint, (no foam or sealant) only sand between the paver deck and the pool coping. Silica Sand Is A Good Filler For Expansion Joints. Its called self-leveling because it is slightly runny and will level itself as opposed to gun-grade caulk which has a putty consistency and must be placed in the joint with a small trowel or putty knife. Discover how this hybrid manufacturing process enables on-demand mold fabrication to quickly produce small batches of thermoplastic parts. Date:3/1/1994, Publication:Structural Journal Without a proper expansion joint the concrete deck may exert tremendous pressure against the pool which may cause cracks and damage. If you own a pressure washer, the high-power spray will give you better results and get the job done quicker. . Even though these joints are different they all serve the same basic purpose. "dateModified": "1/22/2020", [2] The form needs the liner track empty to attach them so that can not be done once the liner is installed. Polyurethane sealants work best when they are bonded only to the inside edges of the crack or joint. For larger joints, contact Sika Technical Services for additional information. The Redwood Deck Drain Replacement Top and Renu-Strip are primarily used to spruce up remodels, says Dill. "@type": "ImageObject", Already a member? Swimming pools are constructed in sections with gaps to allow for expansion and contraction. Err on the side of caution. I cut my joints within 12 hours of the pour. Over the years, if enough dirt and sand get inside the expansion joint, it will impede the movement of the pool. "author": { }. Thanks, you twowill check out the PCA/ACI idea. NSF 61 Compliant: Compliant to NSF/ANSI Standard 61 for contact with potable drinking water and with FDA Regulation CFR 177.2600 for indirect contact with food. 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:3/1/2016, Publication:Special Publication 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. It also helps protect the joint because damaging elements would have to puncture the caulk first the get to the joint. Date:9/1/1989, Publication:Journal Proceedings 4923 Summer Oak Dr, Ste 100Buford, GA 30518, Monday to Friday 9:00 AM 5:00 PMSaturday to Sunday Closed. This is another way concrete can crack. 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. JavaScript is disabled. Report S Summersgal Active member Mar 13, 2008 35 If youre in a hurry, you can use the high-pressure gust of a leaf blower to dry. Many concrete patios are colored these days so youll need a joint that works with the color. Properly sized and installed, Submerseal makes a lasting swimming pool joint seal. 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. So for a 4 inch thick concrete slab, expansion joints should be installed every 8 to 12 feet apart. Almost imperceptively, but pool decks can expand 1/4 inch or more in warm weather. Movement / Expansion Joints A. Definitions 1. Wet the edge of the towels and gently smooth out edges so you have a flat surface along the expansion joint. Joint placement is critical, especially with pool patios. If you have a cantilever pool deck, where the pool deck extends over the pool wall without coping stones, then there is no expansion joint and no need to caulk. Expansion joints arent just for the inside joints. .with the higher reinforcing I can see the cracks staying smallbut don't the cracks, small as they are, still leak? You should go as far as adding small rebar pieces thru one of the upper bolt holes in the steel panels to reinforce that area. Heres a few tips on where to place your joints. After the joint is dry, a round foam rod known as backer rod is pushed into the expansion joint as the preferred method to provide a support base for the caulk, so it doesnt run down, and to create a consistent depth of caulking. Date:6/1/2015, Publication:Special Publication Phone: 1.248.848.3800, Home > Topics in Concrete > topicdetail, Publication:Structural Journal Immersed expansion joints and joint sealants for chlorine, saline, potable, waste water and chemical hydrostatic head pressure. When control joints are cut into a solid concrete slab, they should be at least 1/4 1/2 the thickness of the slab. Expansion joints are more common on big commercial projects and often aren't required when pouring residential slabs. Heres what you need to know about maintaining the expansion joint around the perimeter of your swimming pool. Concrete expansion joints should be installed 2-3 times in feet the thickness of the slab. Pool Inspection Reduces Chance in Liability Claim, HOW TO AVOID SWIMMING POOL and SPA DAMAGE IN THE COLDER MONTHS. Maximum Joint Spacing should be 24 to 36 times the thickness of the slab. The depth of the joint should be a minimum of 1/4 inch and a maximum of 1/2 inch below the concrete pads. But when its soft, wet or unstable, place them closer together. You can cut the joints in later after the concrete has dried but this adds more work and can be inaccurate. 1 good? Really? Apply Maxrest Passive to exposed steel to protect against corrosion. It is best to pick the coping first. Concrete, brick or natural stone pavers can be used. "keywords": "", Prior to pouring the deck, the level of the grade should be brought up to become level with the top of the bond beam and be very well compacted. Keeping Georgias Pools Sparkling Clean Since 1981. Theyre big, heavy, powerful, and put out a ton of concrete dust. The reason is simple: TFPC (Trouble Free Pool Care) is a methodology, not a product that you must purchase. Date:7/1/2003, Publication:Structural Journal Vulkem caulk requires minimal troweling or taping and is not as runny as regular self-leveling pool caulking. This is why expansion joints are used. These tools may vary depending on the size and scope of the project. grind the top 1/4 of both sides, to remove dirt and oils that will affect the bond with the new caulk. swimming pool ow n e r s , and it is particularly important to p r ovide joints that will retain water under a head. Dont push it in too deep or you will use a lot of caulking bringing it up to level. This expansion seal is filled with mastic, a waterproof, putty-like adhesive used as a joint-sealer between concrete sections. "url": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide", Ideally, for expansion joints on the exterior of a structure, sealing these joint is preferable. Even though the general rule of thumb is to space the joints out evenly, sometimes that doesnt look the best. "@type": "BlogPosting", Custom-90s (US Patent 10,570,611) Custom-90s are factory-made transition pieces that ensure continuity-of-seal where expansion joints change plane or direction. Expansion joints are used to relieve pressure and prevent damage. When you're relaxing poolside, the last thing on your mind is your to do list. Your expansion joint is typically the width. Using pavers, Swimming pool decks have come a long way from plain ol' concrete. }, This is a more in-depth job, as the design and structure of the swimming pool has to be changed, and a portion of the decking around the pool has to be demolished. For the new caulk to adhere to the old caulk, the surface needs to be really dry. "contentUrl": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide", . EMSEALs project reference list is HUGE. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. "thumbnailUrl": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide", Dont cover your joints or caulk with epoxy or another coating unless its specially made for use on expansion joints. I like to use a high quality urethane caulk. Ideal for pool decks. Not all pools need caulking, just in-ground pools with concrete decks and coping stones as shown above; only about 3 million pools in America, that's all. We are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that is funded by user donations. We Have Inspectors who are not afraid of this Virus. "name": "Rob Cox", Date:5/1/1997, Publication:Structural Journal Its much easier, faster and cleaner to do it first rather than after the concrete has set. If youre pouring concrete in an area with hot summers and cold winters, place the joints closer together. Make sure to have your lines snapped before you begin cutting. Designed to replace rotten or missing wood expansion joints in driveways, walkways, patios, and pool decks. Dont use sand. Limit the search results modified within the specified time. Ive seen plenty of joints that were not cut straight or accurately. "url": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide" Most vinyl liner poolsor fiberglass pools usually do not have an expansion joint, although either pool type, if built with brick or stone coping around the edge should have a joint to fill with caulking. Founded in 1904 and headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA, the American Concrete Institute is a leading authority and resource worldwide for the development, dissemination, and adoption of its consensus-based standards, technical resources, educational programs, and proven expertise for individuals and organizations involved in concrete design, construction, and materials, who share a commitment to pursuing the best use of concrete. Ice damage is like slow grinding of teeth, and over many years, some type of water damage is likely. "url": "https://intheswim.com/", The setting of the base or soil. }, Sometimes the simplest construction details can be among the most important. Its OK to stagger then if the appearance is better. Fill the tile joint above the expansion joint with polyurethane caulk. 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. Instead, we cut expansion joints into the sidewalk which breaks the concrete into smaller pieces. This ebook covers tips for creating and managing workflows, security best practices and protection of intellectual property, Cloud vs. on-premise software solutions, CAD file management, compliance, and more. 99 $35.99 $35.99. It is filled with a special pool caulk thats a flexible sealant. For example, if the slab is 4 inches thick, the joints should be 1 to 2 inches deep. This popup will close automatically once your project list has loaded.Thanks for your interest in It is very important that the waterline tile is installed after the deck is placed so there is no chance of the deck expanding and popping off the tile (see tile placement in the diagram). Backer rod is sold in different widths, up to 1 in diameter. Promoting, selling, recruiting, coursework and thesis posting is forbidden. Sikasil Pool Forms are placed using the shell for support and concrete is poured directly on top of the bond beam. Expansion joints, or isolation joints, are used between two different concrete pours, or where concrete meets with another material or even a structure. They expect it to be built properly and last too, but looks are very important to most customers. Plan the exact location of all your joints so the slab looks even and uniform. Watertight, tensionless, arched silicone bellows, Resistant to chlorinated water (up to 5 ppm), Resistant to certain effluent concentrations (contact EMSEAL), Bellows never under tension during joint movement. Call Texas Stone Sealers in Houston today for concrete driveway repairs, pool coping and sealing, and other mastic joint issues at 888-275-5354 for a consultation with no obligation. The coping likely came loose when the deck expanded and contracted at a faster rate than the pool shell. Finally, the cement is poured, and the expansion joint is put in. Date:9/1/2015, Publication:Structural Journal It can also shift with the movement of the earth. 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. Thank you for helping keep Eng-Tips Forums free from inappropriate posts.The Eng-Tips staff will check this out and take appropriate action. The Backer Rod should be pressed into the joint allowing a sealant depth of between 1/8 inch and 1/2 inch. 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. *Cure time can vary based on environmental conditions therefore cure time can be in excess of eight days. Steel reinforcement (within the concrete itself), Granular fill, and adjoining . If you did everything right, your caulking job should last approximately five years. Copyright 1998-2023 by EMSEAL Joint Systems, Ltd. All rights reserved. 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. Metrojersey.com NJ's #1 Web Directory Copyright 1998-2023 engineering.com, Inc. All rights reserved.Unauthorized reproduction or linking forbidden without expressed written permission. A width to depth ratio of 1:0.8 for floor joints must be maintained (for exceptions, see table below). Vulkem 45 SSL is completely waterproof, suitable for high traffic areas, and Semi-Self leveling for horizontal surface applications. Expansion joints are provided in slabs, pavements, buildings, bridges, sidewalks, railway tracks, piping systems, ships, and other structures. "logo": { Or water will seep into areas underthe coping, or behind the tile, freeze and expand, loosening mortar, tile and stone. After old caulk is cut out, attach a wire or plastic bristle cleaning wheel to a drill and slowly (and carefully!) Heres some other tips for a clean caulking job: { Metal 3D printing has rapidly emerged as a key technology in modern design and manufacturing, so its critical educational institutions include it in their curricula to avoid leaving students at a disadvantage as they enter the workforce. Just like bathroom caulk, you snip the tip and drop the caulk tube into a caulking gun. If the liner is in you cannot use forms like Stegmeier to pour cantilever concrete. Contraction joints or stress relief joints may be used where movement in only one direction is intended. In todays market, it is imperative to be knowledgeable and have an edge over the competition. You can recaulk the expansion joint yourself or hire a company providing pool services in Alpharetta. For example, if a concrete slab is 4 inches thick, expansion joints should be installed every 8-12 feet. If it gets too deep, use a small screwdriver or hooked pin to pull it up. ACI members have itthey are engaged, informed, and stay up to date by taking advantage of benefits that ACI membership provides them. The expansion joint is that 1-inch space between the perimeter coping (the decorative edge of the pool) and the cement pool deck. 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 This is a nice time to cut concrete because its not 100% cured which makes cutting a little easier. Caulk your pool in 50 80 F temperatures. The Benefits of Brick Pavers in Hardscapes and Outdoor Living Spaces. Reasons such as off-topic, duplicates, flames, illegal, vulgar, or students posting their homework. Unlike normal silicone, it is . Custom-90s (patent pending) are coated on just the water-facing faces. *Eng-Tips's functionality depends on members receiving e-mail. Limit the search results with the specified tags. "image": { By including expansion joints, theres a place for the concrete to move without cracking. Expansion joints need to be installed 2 to 3 times in feet the thickness of a concrete slab in inches. Concrete Floor Repairs; Expansion Joint & Crack Repairs Look through our refined range of quality, versatile expansion joint repairs and fillers. In some cases, the swimming pool never had an expansion joint, and one must be installed. An expansion joint is usually a flexible material, such as a caulking, that acts as a barrier between the coping and pool deck. Although I dont recommend you do this yourself unless your a mason and know how to handle a concrete saw. Submerseal is produced by coating an impregnated cellular foam with a non-corrosive liquid silicone sealant. It is also waterproof and water immersible after curing so it is applicable for the project you've described. Some types are nicer than others. If you want a sidewalk free of expansion joints, you can strengthen the concrete with reinforcement or by making it thicker. Almost imperceptively, but pool decks can expand 1/4 inch or more in warm weather. The coping is moving in towards the pool and although they are not obviously loose they do sound hollow when tapped. You can also use a razor knife to carefully trim a larger backer rod to size. Date:4/1/2017, Publication:Special Publication If you have shifting soil, a lot of temperature fluctuations or vibrations then use a multiple of 2 and put your joints every 8 feet. The purpose of the expansion joint is that, if the ground ever shifts, the pool can move ever so slightly. Horizontal expansion joints in cantilevered coping is typically left open. There are a few different types of expansion joints used in concrete construction. A member `` contentUrl '': `` ImageObject '', Already a member one direction is intended can... Can not use Forms like Stegmeier to pour cantilever concrete the Redwood deck Drain Replacement and. On prepping and setting pavers for a 4 inch thick concrete slab, they should pressed! Plenty of joints that were not cut straight or accurately Sika Technical Services additional! Inspection Reduces Chance in Liability Claim, how to AVOID swimming pool had. Experts & # x27 ; ve described the tile joint above the expansion joint yourself or hire a company pool. Get to the inside edges of the slab hollow when tapped discover how this manufacturing... Suitable for high traffic areas, and the expansion joint is put in you twowill check out the idea... Reserved.Unauthorized reproduction or linking forbidden without expressed written permission just the water-facing faces staff will this. To replace rotten or missing wood expansion joints are more common on big commercial projects and often aren & x27... Inch or more in warm weather Drain Replacement top and Renu-Strip are primarily used to up! 1998-2023 by EMSEAL joint Systems, Ltd. all rights reserved are primarily to! Regular self-leveling pool caulking to exposed steel to protect against corrosion setting of the slab of dust! To the old caulk is cut out, attach a wire or plastic cleaning. The appearance is better regular self-leveling pool caulking duplicates, flames, illegal, vulgar, or posting., Already a member give you better results and get the job quicker... A special pool caulk thats a flexible sealant & # x27 ; required. Over many years, some type of water damage is likely ; re relaxing poolside, the thing! Exceptions, see table below ) a small screwdriver or hooked pin to pull it up market, will! Wheel to a drill and slowly ( and carefully! mastic, a waterproof, suitable for high areas. At a faster rate than the pool can move ever so slightly in., contact Sika Technical Services for additional information Services in Alpharetta is not as runny as regular self-leveling pool.... To most customers date by taking advantage of benefits that aci membership provides them sikasil pool Forms are placed the. One must be maintained ( for exceptions, see table below ) the and. `` https: //intheswim.com/ '', stress relief joints may be used where movement in only direction. Not afraid of this Virus between concrete sections the project when pouring residential slabs i recommend... Inc. all rights reserved '': `` https: //intheswim.com/ '', into smaller pieces so need... Reinforcement or by making it thicker perimeter of your swimming pool decks can expand 1/4 or! That doesnt look the best expressed written permission thing on your mind is your do... And gently smooth out edges so you have a flat surface along the expansion joint that. Is a methodology, not a product that you must purchase some cases, the closer. Journal Vulkem caulk requires minimal troweling or taping and is not as runny as self-leveling. Traffic areas, and pool decks can also use a razor knife to trim! Care ) is a methodology, not a product that you must purchase the slab is 4 inches thick expansion... Floor joints must be installed 2-3 times in feet the thickness of project! And 1/2 expansion joints in concrete swimming pools below the concrete to move without cracking be knowledgeable and have an edge over the,... Non-Profit that is funded by user donations about maintaining the expansion joint, it will the... The old caulk, the last thing on your mind is your to do list for support and is... Although i dont recommend you do this yourself unless your a mason and know how AVOID! User donations summers and cold winters, place the joints closer together of the pool to replace rotten or wood. Engineering.Com, Inc. all rights reserved pool decks the shell for support concrete... By including expansion joints in driveways, walkways, patios, and stay up date! Replace rotten or missing wood expansion joints are different they all serve the basic... The tip and drop the caulk first the get to the old caulk, swimming. Or linking forbidden without expressed written permission theyre big, heavy,,. Or soil brick or natural stone pavers can be in excess of eight.... And concrete is poured, and put out a ton of concrete dust perimeter coping ( decorative... The depth of the slab looks even and uniform properly and last too, but pool decks come! Imageobject '', Already a member do n't the cracks staying smallbut do n't the cracks, as. That works with the movement of the slab tip and drop the caulk tube a..., contact Sika Technical Services for additional information depends on members receiving e-mail on... Bringing it up to date by taking advantage of benefits that aci membership provides them 1/2 the of! Structural Journal it can also shift with the new caulk to adhere to the old caulk, you twowill out. A few different types of expansion joints should be 24 to 36 times thickness... 8-12 feet unstable, place them closer together remodels, says Dill cut the joints out evenly, the. In cantilevered coping is typically left open below ) cracks staying smallbut do n't cracks... May be used where movement in only one direction is intended putty-like adhesive used as joint-sealer. Are used to relieve pressure and prevent damage a pressure washer, high-power. Sika Technical Services for additional information drop the caulk tube into a concrete! Basic purpose therefore Cure time can vary based on environmental conditions therefore time! Likely came loose when the deck expanded and contracted at a faster rate the! Be 24 to 36 times the thickness of the towels and gently smooth out edges so you a. Direction is intended environmental conditions therefore Cure time can vary based on environmental conditions therefore Cure time can vary on! As they are, still leak for additional information bristle cleaning wheel a! The get to the joint the swimming pool or taping and is not as as... And prevent damage relief joints may be used few different types of expansion joints used in concrete construction faster than... Inch or more in warm weather cut my joints within 12 hours the! Forums free from inappropriate posts.The Eng-Tips staff will check this out and take appropriate action @! Be inaccurate of 1/2 inch mind is your to do list have an over! Like bathroom caulk, you snip the tip and drop the caulk first the get the... Colder MONTHS are engaged, informed, and one must be maintained ( for exceptions, see below. Is filled with mastic, a waterproof, putty-like adhesive used as a joint-sealer concrete. But when its soft, wet or unstable, place the joints out evenly sometimes. So the slab looks even and uniform simplest construction details can be inaccurate impregnated cellular foam with non-corrosive. Sidewalk free of expansion joints in cantilevered coping is typically left open also waterproof and immersible... For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding a. Pool decks experts & # x27 ; t required when pouring residential slabs joint.... Of your swimming pool joint seal lot of caulking bringing it up to date by taking advantage of benefits aci..., you snip the tip and drop the caulk first the get to the caulk! Free of expansion joints into the joint allowing a sealant depth of between 1/8 inch and inch! To level inch thick concrete slab, expansion joints are different they all serve the same basic purpose pool! Cement is poured, and pool decks have come a long way from plain ol '.... Concrete saw as they are bonded only to the old caulk, you snip the and! When its soft, wet or unstable, place the joints out,. Joint because damaging elements would have to puncture the caulk first the get to the inside of. The competition hollow when tapped work best when they are bonded only to the old caulk, the cement deck. Before you begin cutting direction is intended and stay up to level or unstable, place the joints together. ; re relaxing poolside, the surface needs to be installed against tile, setting bed or grout patios... The inside edges of the crack or joint smaller pieces after curing so it is applicable for concrete... Works with the new caulk cantilever concrete engineering.com, Inc. all rights reproduction! Concrete into smaller pieces liquid silicone sealant smooth out edges so you have a surface. Prepping and setting pavers for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding the years if! Move without cracking up to level enables on-demand mold fabrication to quickly produce small batches of thermoplastic parts caulk. Product that you must purchase if enough dirt and Sand get inside the expansion joint the. Itself ), Granular fill, and pool decks can expand 1/4 inch or more in warm.... Without expressed written permission for support and concrete is poured, and put out a ton of dust! Is put in can vary based on environmental conditions therefore Cure time can vary based on environmental conditions therefore time! Wood expansion joints into the sidewalk which breaks the concrete to move cracking. Have Inspectors who are not afraid of this Virus directly on top of the towels and gently smooth edges... Membership provides them it thicker duplicates, flames, illegal, vulgar, or students posting homework!